When learning French, it is easy to assume that words that look familiar in English must mean the same thing. Unfortunately, that is not always true.
These tricky words are called faux amis, also known as French false cognates or “false friends.” Understanding faux amis in French can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and speak more naturally with native speakers.
Last week, we explored vrais amis (true cognates), where French and English words share similar meanings. This time, we are focusing on the opposite: French-English faux amis that look similar but mean something completely different.
What are Faux Amis?
The term faux amis meaning literally translates to “false friends.”
In language learning, faux amis are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. These false cognates in French and English often confuse learners because they appear familiar at first glance.
For example:
- Pain in English refers to physical suffering.
- Pain in French means “bread.”
The 3 Types of Faux Amis:
Broadly speaking, there are three different kinds of false cognates:
1. Words that look alike but have no common root. These “true faux amis” happen to look similar in both French and English, but don’t – and never have – shared an etymological origin. The most common example is pain. The word means “bread” in French, but refers to an unpleasant physical sensation in English.
2. Words that share a common root but have different definitions. Linguists say that roughly one-third of the English language is composed of words that have French roots, which, in turn, were often born of Latin words. The trouble is that over the centuries, certain of these words have taken on meanings different from their original French/Latin one. For example, despite the common origin between the French verb “crier” and the English verb “to cry,” the two words have different meanings. Crier has nothing to do with sobs and tears – it means “to shout.” The French word for “to cry” is pleurer.
3. Words that share a common root and have partially similar definitions. These words, called semi-faux amis (or semi-vrai amis), share at least one definition in French and English, but also have at least one definition that the other language doesn’t share. A good example of this is the word parfum (perfume). In both French and English, it refers to a a fragrance. In French, however, it also refers to a flavor. So, don’t be startled when in une glacerie (ice cream shop) you get the question: Quel parfum voulez-vous? (What flavor would you like?) They’re not asking you about your favorite perfume!
25 Common Faux Amis
Dozens of false cognates exist but some arise in conversation more frequently than others. Memorize this list of common faux amis – and learn the proper French word for your intended meaning. Not only will you speak French better, you’ll show that you have a keen grasp on the nuances of French vocabulary!
[column col=”1/4″]French Faux Amis
actuel
actuellement
assister à
attendre
agenda
caméra
cave
coin
déception
demander
éventuellement
fabrique
gentil
journée
librairie
location
monnaie
nouvelle
préservatif
procès
raisin
rester
sensible
tissu
veste
[/column] [column col=”1/4″]Correct English Word
current
currently, presently
to attend
to wait for
diary
movie camera
cellar
corner
disappointment
to ask
possibly
factory
nice, kind
day
bookstore
rental, lease
small change (coins)
news
condom
trial
grape
to stay
sensitive
fabric
jacket
[/column][column col=”1/4″]English Faux Amis
actual
actually
to assist
to attend
agenda
camera
cave
coin
deception
to demand
eventually
fabric
gentle
journey
library
location
money
novel
preservative
process
raisin
to rest
sensible
tissue
vest
[/column] [column col=”1/4″]Correct French Word
réel
en fait
attendre
assister à
ordre du jour
appareil photo
grotte
pièce (de monnaie)
tromperie
exiger
finalement
tissu
doux
voyage
bibliothéque
endroit
argent
roman
conservateur
processus
raisin sec
se reposer
raisonnable
mouchoir
maillot de corps
[/column]
Tips to Remember French Faux Amis
Here are a few simple ways to memorise French faux amis more effectively:
- Create flashcards with the correct meanings.
- Group similar false cognates together.
- Write example sentences using each word.
- Practice speaking them aloud.
- Review commonly confused words regularly.
The more often you encounter these words in context, the easier they become to remember naturally.
What French-English faux amis trip you up the most? Share with usbelow!
As always, if you need private or semi-private assistance with your French, please contact us. We’re ready to help you speak the French of your dreams!