False friends (faux amis) are words that look or sound similar in two different languages but in fact have different meanings! Here is a list of the most important ones:
| French | English translation |
| actuel | present |
| actuellement | at present |
| réel | actual |
| réellement | actually |
| assister à | to attend |
| assister (aider) | to assist |
| attendre | to wait (for) |
| commander, diriger | to command |
| commander | to order |
| complet | comprehensive |
| compréhensif | understanding |
| contrôler | to check |
| maîtriser | to control |
| crier | to shout |
| pleurer | to cry |
| demander | to ask |
| exiger, réclamer | to demand |
| informations | news |
| renseignements | information |
| journée | day; day's work |
| voyage | journey, voyage |
| location | rent, hire |
| situation | location |
| offrir, proposer | to offer |
| offrir, donner | to give |
| travail | work |
| voyage | travel |
More false friends here.
I think one of the most important errors that we make on arrival in France is not in the list.... Preservatives ! You really don't want to say. "Does this cake contain preservatives". You will get a very strange look if you do.
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