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:
Librairie – is a bookshop or newstand; une médiathèque is a library in French.
Prune – is a plum; a prune is un pruneau.
Raisin – is a grape; raisins secs are raisins and sultanas.
Jolie – means pretty; joyeux and jovial is jolly, happy and cheerful.
Bouton – does mean a button but it also means a pimple.
Abuser – means to take advantage of; to abuse is insulter.
Achever – is to complete; réaliser is to achieve.
Décevoir – means to disappoint; tromper is to deceive.
Gentil – means nice or kind; gentle is aimable or doux.
Merci – means thanks; mercy is miséricorde.
Dent – une dent is a tooth; une bosse is a dent/bump.
