Many words in French and English are similar or look similar. That’s lucky because it helps with learning vocabulary faster. However, these words sometimes means something very different in the two languages! In this case, they are called “faux amis”, false friends, or false cognates. Here’s a list of 10 common false friends so you don’t make the mistake!

Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode

Bouton (nm) = button ; pimple ; button, knob, switch ; bud (plants)

Monnaie (nf) = spare change, small change

Argent (nm) = money

Journée (nf) = day, daytime

Voyage (nm) = journey

Déception (nf) = disappointment, disillusion

a deception = une tromperie / duperie / supercherie =

Librairie (nf) = bookstore

Bibliothèque (nf) = library

Location (nf) = rental, hire ; rented flat, rented house, rented apartment; rental, rental property

On a réservé une location en Italie pour les vacances.= We’ve booked a rental place in Italy for the holidays

Un endroit, un site = a location, un emplacement = a location

Coin (nm) = corner

Au coin de la rue = around the corner

Une pièce (de monnaie) = a (money) coin

Une pièce = a room ; a piece (puzzle)

Préservatif (nm) = a condom

Conservateur (nm) = preservative

Prune (nf) = plum ; fine, ticket

Pruneau (nm) = prune (dried plum)

Raisin (nm) = grape

Raisin sec = raisin

LINKS and RESOURCES

Episode 85 : 10 common false friends (= faux amis) in French and English

Episode 73 : France Travel Tips (PART 1): General Tips

Episode 76 : What’s the Difference Between Jour and Journée in French?

Episode 59 : French « déception” vs English “deception”: same same, or different?

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