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False Friends — "Actually" ≠ Actuellement
10 min
B1
What are false friends?
Words that look the same in French and English but mean completely different things. They cause misunderstandings in meetings, emails, and interviews — and you might not even realise you're saying the wrong thing because nobody corrects you.
The dangerous 10
"Actually" ≠ actuellement
Actually = in fact, in reality. Currently = actuellement.
"I actually disagree." ≠ "I currently disagree." Huge difference.
Actually = in fact, in reality. Currently = actuellement.
"I actually disagree." ≠ "I currently disagree." Huge difference.
"Eventually" ≠ éventuellement
Eventually = in the end, after a long time. Possibly = éventuellement.
"We'll eventually find a solution" = we WILL, but it'll take time. Not "maybe."
Eventually = in the end, after a long time. Possibly = éventuellement.
"We'll eventually find a solution" = we WILL, but it'll take time. Not "maybe."
"Sensible" ≠ sensible
Sensible = reasonable, practical. Sensitive = sensible (emotional).
"That's a sensible decision" = practical. "She's very sensitive" = emotional.
Sensible = reasonable, practical. Sensitive = sensible (emotional).
"That's a sensible decision" = practical. "She's very sensitive" = emotional.
"Sympathetic" ≠ sympathique
Sympathetic = showing compassion for someone's problems. Nice/friendly = sympathique.
"She was very sympathetic about my situation" = she felt sorry for me.
Sympathetic = showing compassion for someone's problems. Nice/friendly = sympathique.
"She was very sympathetic about my situation" = she felt sorry for me.
"Attend" ≠ attendre
Attend = be present at. Wait = attendre.
"I'll attend the meeting" = I'll be there. NOT "I'll wait for the meeting."
Attend = be present at. Wait = attendre.
"I'll attend the meeting" = I'll be there. NOT "I'll wait for the meeting."
"Resume" ≠ résumé
Resume = continue after a pause. Summary = résumé. (In US English, a "résumé" IS a CV — but that's a borrowed French word.)
"Let's resume after the break" = let's continue.
Resume = continue after a pause. Summary = résumé. (In US English, a "résumé" IS a CV — but that's a borrowed French word.)
"Let's resume after the break" = let's continue.
"Demand" ≠ demander
Demand = insist forcefully. Ask = demander.
"I demand an explanation" is aggressive. "I'd like to ask a question" is normal.
Demand = insist forcefully. Ask = demander.
"I demand an explanation" is aggressive. "I'd like to ask a question" is normal.
"Comprehensive" ≠ compréhensif
Comprehensive = thorough, complete. Understanding = compréhensif.
"A comprehensive report" = covers everything. "An understanding manager" = empathetic.
Comprehensive = thorough, complete. Understanding = compréhensif.
"A comprehensive report" = covers everything. "An understanding manager" = empathetic.
"Bless" ≠ blesser
Bless = give a blessing. Injure/hurt = blesser.
"Bless you" (after a sneeze) has NOTHING to do with injury.
Bless = give a blessing. Injure/hurt = blesser.
"Bless you" (after a sneeze) has NOTHING to do with injury.
"Library" ≠ librairie
Library = where you borrow books. Bookshop = librairie.
"I bought this at the library" → you didn't buy anything at a library.
Library = where you borrow books. Bookshop = librairie.
"I bought this at the library" → you didn't buy anything at a library.
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