"Faux-Amis" in French Language

“Faux amis”, undoubtedly a nightmare for French language learners and translators. We have numerous words in French that resemble some words from English, but they have entirely different meanings. Literal translations can sometimes lead to humorous and meaningless interpretations as well. Let’s take a look at some of these words:

1. Actuellement: It does not mean “actually”; the correct meaning is currently or at the moment.

2. Blesser: It does not mean “to bless”; rather, the meaning is pretty much the opposite: it means to be hurt or wounded.

3. Coin: It does not mean “coin”; it means corner.

4. Attendre: The actual meaning of Attendre is to wait; it does not mean to attend.

5. Rester: The correct meaning of rester is to stay. It has no relation to taking rest. The verb for taking rest in French is se reposer.

6. Avoir envie de: This expression with avoir does not mean to have envy or jealousy; it simply means to want something.

7. Librairie: Don’t commit a mistake by interpreting this word as a library; it means a book shop. The French word for Library is bibliothèque.

8. Magasin: It means a shop and not a magazine. ;P

9. Bras: The French word bras has no relation to lingerie; bras simply means an arm/arms.

10. Journée: It does not mean journey; it simply means day.

Hence, make sure you do not skip on these false friends while learning French language. Stay tuned for more such insightful blogs.