FYW 201 : PART 6 – Common false friends (= faux amis) in French and English

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 5 common false friends so you don't make the mistake!

False friends, part 1: Episode 85- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast85

False friends, part 2: Episode 103- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast103

False friends, part 3: Episode 118 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast118

False friends, part 4: Episode 133 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast133

False friends, part 5: Episode 187 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast187

Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode

Dramatique = tragic, terrible ; dramatic (effect)

Dramatic = théâtral; spectaculaire (noticeable change)

Une cave = a cellar

une cave à vin = a wine cellar

A cave = une grotte

Chips (nf) = crisps

Chips / (French) fries = frites (nf)

Le courage = bravery, courage; guts

courage = energy, strength, heart

Je n'ai plus le courage de finir ce travail. = I no longer have the energy to finish this job.

Bon courage = Good luck

Figure = un chiffre (number); un montant (amount of money)

une silhouette = a person seen as a shape

la ligne = a body shape

un dessin (drawing), une sculpture

The figure of a dog he made in art class was very impressive.= Le dessin de chien qu'il avait fait en cours d'arts plastiques était très impressionnant.

a public figure = une personnalité

La figure = the face (of body); face/look

Tu aurais vu sa figure/ sa tête à l'annonce de la nouvelle ! = You should have seen his face when he heard the news!

A figure = (gram.) a turn of phrase, a figure of speech

Figuré,e = figurative

Figure = figure (geometry, movement)

eg in ice skating or gymnastics

LINKS and RESOURCES!

False friends, part 1: Episode 85- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast85

False friends, part 2: Episode 103- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast103

False friends, part 3: Episode 118 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast118

False friends, part 4: Episode 133 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast133

False friends, part 5: Episode 187 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast187

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