The false friend aka faux amis is a thorn in the side of any student learning a new language. A “false friend” refers to a word that is identical or similar in two languages but its meaning is very different.
Here are a few to keep in mind, so that your next french exchange won’t be awkward or misunderstood:
Sensible – means sensitive; sensible means raisonnable in French.
Location – means rental; location is emplacement.
Coin – means corner; coin is pièce or pièce de monnaie.
Patron – means manager; patron is client.
Appointements – means salary or wage; appointment is rendez-vous.
Couramment – means commonly or fluently (language); currently is actuellement.
Eventuellement – means possibly; eventually is finalement.
Agréable – means pleasant or nice; agreeable is favourable or d’accord.
Blesser – means to hurt, injure or wound; bless is bénir.
Candide – means naïve or ingenuous; candid is sincere or franc.
Journée – means day; journey is voyage.
Photos: anglais.manabi.fr and unravellingmag.com