French English Look-Alikes: Words that don’t mean what you think

The French and English languages have a lot in common, but don’t trust every word you think you recognize. Some words that look the same can lead you in very different directions. These “false friends” (faux amis) can completely change the meaning of your sentence, so be careful not to fall into these linguistic traps. To avoid potential funny misunderstandings, take a look at this curated vocabulary list ⬇️

1. Sensible vs. Sensible

In English, sensible means logical, reasonable - “That’s a sensible decision.”
In French, ''sensible'' means emotional, easily affected - “Il est très sensible” directly translates to ''He’s very sensitive''.
To sum up: to talk about being sensitive in French, use the adjective ''sensible'', and to talk about being logical/reasonable, use the adjective ''logique'' or ''sensé''. 

2. Library vs. Librairie 

In English, a library is a public place where you borrow books or go to study.
In French, ''une librairie'' is a place where you buy books, a bookstore. 
Therefore, to say library in French, use the term ''une bibliothèque''. 
To sum up: you need a credit or debit card to go to the ''librairie'', and you need a library card to go to the ''bibliothèque''. 

3. Location vs. Location 

In English, a location is a place, a geographical area.
In French, ''une location'' is a rental (of a car, a bike, an apartment, etc.). 
Therefore, to say location in French, use the words ''localisation'', ''lieu'' or ''endroit''. 

4. Class vs. Classe

In English, a class is a lesson or a course. 
In French, ''une classe'' is a classroom (a physical space).  
Therefore, to say a course in French, use the word ''un cours''. 

5. To rest vs. Rester 

In English, to rest means to relax and recharge - ''I'm resting at home''. 
In French, ''rester'' means to stay, to remain - “Je reste à la maison.” dirrectly translates to ''I’m staying home''. 
To sum up: to talk about staying somewhere in French, use the verb ''rester'', and to talk about resting, use ''se reposer''. 

Mastering French English false friends takes a little bit of practice, but once you know them, they’re easy to avoid. By learning these small but important differences, you make your French clearer to other people, and yourself more confident. Congrats! Your French is officially leveling up! 

Want your child to be confident with French vocabulary like this, but also grammar and conversational skills? Our next session of kids and teens courses starts on January 4th - register now to secure a spot!