Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes: A Guide to False Cognates in French

False cognates are words that appear similar in two languages but have different meanings. They can be a nightmare for language learners, leading to misunderstandings and confusion. In French, there are many false cognates that can trip up even experienced speakers.

Types of False Cognates in French

There are two main types of false cognates in French:

Similar spelling, different meaning: These words look similar to their English counterparts, but they have a different meaning. For example, "actual" in English means "real," but in French it means "current."

Similar pronunciation, different spelling: These words sound similar to their English counterparts, but they have a different spelling. For example, "embarrasser" in French sounds like "embarrass" in English, but it actually means "to embarrass."

Common False Cognates in French

English	French	Meaning
assistant	assistant	helper
actual	actuel	current
library	bibliothèque	bookshop
pretend	prétendre	to claim
sensible	sensible	sensitive

French	English	Meaning
assister	assist	to attend
actuel	actual	real
bibliothèque	library	bookshop
prétendre	pretend	to claim
sensible	sensible	reasonable

Success Stories:

Maria, a student at the Sorbonne in Paris

"I was mortified when I asked my professor for a 'préservatif' (condom) instead of a 'préservateur' (preservative)."

John, a businessman in Lyon

"I was trying to impress a client by telling them that I was 'embarrassé' (embarrassed) by their offer, but they just looked at me strangely. I had meant to say 'gêné' (embarrassed)."

Sarah, a tourist in Nice

"I was looking for a 'restaurant' (restaurant) but kept ending up at 'librairies' (bookshops). It took me a while to realize that I had been getting my false cognates mixed up."

Tips for Avoiding False Cognates

Pay attention to context: The context of a sentence can often help you determine the correct meaning of a word.

Use a dictionary: If you're not sure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.

Be aware of common false cognates: Familiarize yourself with the most common false cognates in French so that you can avoid them.

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice speaking and writing French, the more comfortable you will become with the language and the less likely you are to make mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming that all words that look similar are false cognates: Not all words that look similar are false cognates. For example, "arriver" in French and "arrive" in English both mean "to arrive."

Relying solely on translation software: Translation software can be helpful, but it is not always accurate. Be sure to check the translations that you get from translation software against a dictionary or other reliable source.

Getting discouraged: Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Don't get discouraged if you make a mistake with a false cognate. Just learn from your mistake and move on.

Conclusion

False cognates can be a challenge, but they can also be a lot of fun. By being aware of the most common false cognates and using the tips and tricks in this article, you can avoid embarrassing mistakes and speak French with confidence.

Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes: A Guide to False Cognates in French