Nine French false friends that appear in everyday conversation
From sans doute to déception, here are some terms to familiarise yourself with to avoid confusion
You will need to learn these false friends to avoid confusion in your everyday life
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False friends are words that look or sound similar in English and French but have completely different meanings, and they can cause considerable confusion. .
Some just have subtle differences in meaning, but this can change the significance behind the entire phrase.
The best way to avoid falling for false friends is simply to learn them. A good tip when learning new vocabulary is to learn the word in context, for example, by putting it in a sentence.
Here are some which can crop up in everyday conversation to beware of.
Common French False Friends to Watch Out For
1. Sans doute
Looks like: Without a doubt
Actually means: Probably / Maybe
One of the most confusing expressions for English speakers is sans doute. If you translate it literally, it seems to mean “without a doubt” or “definitely.”
However, in French, sans doute means “probably” or “most likely”. Using this phrase when you’re trying to express strong certainty can lead to misunderstandings.
For example:
If you want to express certainty in French, you’d use something like sans aucun doute or certainement.
2. Pinceau
Looks like: Pinch
Actually means: Paintbrush
While pinceau might sound like it refers to something related to pinching (from the verb pincer), it actually means “paintbrush”.
This false friend could lead to some confusion if you’re in an art store or talking about painting. To avoid misunderstandings, remember that pinceau refers to a tool for applying paint, not a physical action like pinching.
If you want to talk about pinching, you would use the verb pincer (to pinch).
3. Actuellement
Looks like: Actually
Actually means: Currently
This is a well known example of a faux ami that trips up many English speakers.
Actuellement looks like the English word “actually,” but it doesn’t mean the same thing. In French, actuellement means “currently” or “at present.” To say “actually” in French, you would use en fait or à vrai dire.
For example:
4. Faire l’apologie de
Looks like: To make an apology
Actually means: To champion / advocate
In English, “apology” refers to an expression of regret or saying sorry.
In French, however, faire l’apologie de quelque chose/quelqu'un means to “champion” or “advocate” for something. If you want to apologise in French, you’d use désolé, pardon or the verb s’excuser.
5. Bribes
Looks like: Bribe (as in corruption)
Actually means: Snippet / Fragment
In French, bribes refers to a small portion or fragment of something, such as a piece of information. The English meaning of “bribe” as in corruption is pot-de-vin.
6. Location
Looks like: Location (place)
Actually means: Rental
In English, “location” refers to a place or position. In French, however, location refers to a rental (such as a car or apartment). If you want to refer to a physical place in French, you’d use endroit or lieu.
7. Éventuellement
Looks like: Eventually
Actually means: Possibly
Éventuellement in French means “possibly” or “maybe,” not “eventually” as in English. To say “eventually” (as in “in the end”), you’d use finalement in French.
8. Coin
Looks like: Coin (as in money)
Actually means: Corner
In French, coin refers to a corner or a small area, not money. If you’re talking about coins or money, you’d use pièce or monnaie in French.
For example:
9. Déception
Looks like: Deception (trickery)
Actually means: Disappointment
While it looks like the English word “deception” (as in lying or tricking), déception in French means “disappointment.” If you want to refer to deception or trickery, the French word is tromperie.
