In this French lesson, we will be discussing 25 common false friends between French and English verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and how to properly use them.
False friends are words that appear to have similar meanings in two languages, but in reality, have different meanings. These false friends can often lead to confusion and misunderstandings, which is why it’s essential to understand the differences between them.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how to use verbs such as “assister” and “attendre,” adverbs such as “actuellement” and “éventuellement,” adjectives like “grave,” and nouns such as “une librairie” and “du pain.”
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a better understanding of how to properly use false friends in French and in English in their appropriate contexts.
Free PDF at the bottom of the page 📄
On a assisté à la réunion hier.
We attended the meeting yesterday.
L’infirmier aidera le médecin pendant la chirurgie.
The nurse will assist the doctor during the surgery.
Attends-moi s’il te plaît.
Wait for me, please.
J’ai eu la chance d’assister à son dernier concert.
I had the chance to attend his last concert.
Le conducteur a été blessé dans l’accident.
The driver was injured in the accident.
Que Dieu te bénisse !
God bless you!
Est-ce que tu peux m’aider à charger la voiture ?
Can you help me load the car?
Combien est-ce qu’ils t’ont facturé ?
How much did they charge you?
Je suis choquée !
I am shocked !
J’ai failli m’étouffer.
I nearly choked.
J’ai oublié de lui demander.
I forgot to ask him.
Il exige que tu lui rendes les clés.
He demands that you return the keys to him.
On est restés à la plage toute la journée.
We stayed at the beach all day.
On s’est reposés après avoir nagé.
We rested after swimming.
Elle ne le supporte pas.
She can’t tolerate him. She can’t stand him.
Il a toujours soutenu sa femme dans ses projets.
He always supported his wife in her projects.
Je vis actuellement en Europe.
I currently live in Europe.
En fait, il n’a jamais appelé.
Actually, he never called.
On pourra éventuellement en parler plus tard.
We can possibly talk about that later.
Il a finalement accepté notre offre d’achat.
He eventually accepted our offer to purchase.
ADJECTIVE
Est-ce que c’est grave ?
Is it serious?
On a mis des fleurs sur la tombe.
We put flowers on the grave.
NOUNS
Est-ce que tu as vu mes baskets ?
Have you seen my trainers?
Le panier est plein de papiers à trier.
The basket is full of papers to be sorted.
Tu as toujours mal au bras ?
Do you still have arm pain?
La climatisation du car était en panne.
The bus’ air conditioning was broken.
Sa voiture ne démarre plus.
His car won’t start.
On pouvait voir sa chair à cause de sa blessure.
We could see his flesh because of his wound.
On va avoir besoin de plus de chaises.
We’re gonna need more chairs.
Le fauteuil irait mieux dans le coin.
The armchair would fit better in the corner.
Est-ce que tu as une pièce pour le caddie ?
Do you have a coin for the shopping cart?
Tu as du chocolat plein la figure.
You have chocolate all over your face.
Avec ta silhouette tu peux tout porter.
With your figure you can wear anything.
Mes habits ne sont pas secs.
My clothes are not dry.
Fumer est une mauvaise habitude.
Smoking is a bad habit.
Quelle journée interminable !
What an endless day!
Ce voyage est passé vite.
This journey went by quickly.
Elle a toujours aimé la lecture.
She has always loved reading.
La conférence commence dans une heure.
The lecture starts in an hour.
La librairie a reçu mon livre.
The bookstore received my book.
Elle loue ses livres à la bibliothèque.
She rents her books from the library.
La location de son appartement lui permet de bien vivre.
The rental of his apartment allows him to live well.
Est-ce que tu connais le lieu du mariage ?
Do you know the location of the wedding?
On mange du pain tous les jours.
We eat bread every day.
Tout à coup, j’ai ressenti une forte douleur d’estomac.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my stomach.
Est-ce que vous voulez jouer une partie ?
Do you want to play a game?
Cette fête était un vrai succès.
This party was a real success.
Elle est allergique aux raisins.
She is allergic to grapes.
Il n’aime pas les raisins secs dans les gâteaux.
He doesn’t like raisins in cakes.
There you have it! 25 false friends to avoid when speaking French!
Remember to get your free PDF below.
Check out this lesson on my YouTube channel if you prefer learning with a video lesson.
2 Responses
I am very happy and greatful that i met a talented teacher like you .your lessons are a great help to improve my french
I am so happy you find my lessons helpful Makda 🙂