False Cognates (False Friends)

False cognate

Meaning

In context example

crayon (Eng.)

a pencil made of wax

Pre-schoolers use up a lot of crayons.

crayon (Fr.)

a pencil

Please use a crayon to write your draft. x
Please use a pencil to write your draft. ✔

grand (Eng.)

impressive

He got up on stage and confessed his love to her, which is a grand gesture!

grand (Fr.)

tall

My first son is short. My second son, however, is very grand. x
My first son is short. My second son, however, is very tall. ✔

habit (Eng.)

a pattern/regular tendencies

I used to bite my nails. It’s a habit that I gladly do not have anymore.

habit (Fr.)

a suit

I’ll be wearing my best habit for your wedding. x
I’ll be wearing my best suit for your wedding. ✔

location (Eng.)

a specific position/place

Can you send me your location? I’ll meet you there.

location (Fr.)

a lease

Did you buy your car or is it a location? x
Did you buy your car or is it a lease? ✔

main (Eng.)

principal something

This is my main address, but I have another one in another city.

main (Fr.)

a hand

When you meet the interviewer, don’t forget to shake her main. x
When you meet the interviewer, don’t forget to shake her hand. ✔

phrase (Eng.)

an expression/group of words

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning.

phrase (Fr.)

a sentence

Please, let me finish my phrase. x
Please, let me finish my sentence. ✔

race (Eng.)

a speed competition

My brother won his last boat race.

race (Fr.)

a breed/species

You want to know my dog’s race? It’s a Golden retriever. x
You want to know my dog’s breed? It’s a Golden retriever. ✔

store (Eng.)

a shop

I am going to the grocery store, do you want anything?

store (Fr.)

a blind

I’m trying to nap. Can you close the store? x
I’m trying to nap. Can you close the blind? ✔

False cognate

actual (Eng.)

real

They are celebrating his birthday on Saturday, but his actual birthday is on Monday.

actuel (Fr.)

current

Where do I work now? My actual job is at the bank. x
Where do I work now? My current job is at the bank. ✔

brilliant (Eng.)

intelligent

This is a brilliant idea.

brillant (Fr.)

shiny

Your diamond is brilliant. x
Your diamond is shiny.  ✔

charge (Eng.)

to demand an amount of money from someone for a service or good supplies

The hairdresser charges $30 for a cut.

charger (Fr.)

to load

We have to charge the suitcases in the car. x
We have to load the suitcases in the car. ✔

deranged (Eng.)

crazy/insane

Some people describe him as deranged.

déranger (Fr.)

to bother someone

Don’t derange me while I am working on my presentation. x
Don’t bother me while I am working on my presentation. ✔

evidence (Eng.)

indisputable proof

They gathered enough evidence to build a strong case.

évidence (Fr.)

visibly apparent

She loves you. It’s an evidence. x
She loves you. It’s apparent. ✔

gentle (Eng.)

not harsh

Be gentle with your baby brother.

gentil (Fr.)

kind

Thanks for the gift. It’s very gentle of you. x
Thanks for the gift. It’s very kind of you. ✔

hazard (Eng.)

a danger

Icy roads are a hazard for drivers.

hasard (Fr.)

chance

You can’t be good at this game. It is pure hazard. x
You can’t be good at this game. It is pure chance. ✔

library (Eng.)

a room or building containing collections of books

If you want to join, I'm going to the school library to study this afternoon.

librairie (Fr.)

a bookstore

I purchased this book at the library. x
I purchased this book at the bookstore. ✔

mercy (Eng.)

compassion or forgiveness 

The judge showed the criminal no mercy. He will spend the rest of his life in prison.

merci (Fr.)

thank you

Mercy for the birthday gift. x
Thank you for the birthday gift. ✔

photograph (Eng.)

a picture

When I miss my grandmother, I always look at this photograph I have of her.

photographe (Fr.)

a photographer

She wanted to become a doctor, but she became a photograph instead. x
She wanted to become a doctor, but she became a photographer instead. ✔

reunion (Eng.)

gathering after a period of separation 

I will attend my high school reunion. It’s been 10 years since I graduated.

réunion (Fr.)

a meeting

I have a reunion with my colleagues in 30 minutes. x
I have a meeting with my colleagues in 30 minutes. ✔

supply (Eng.)

stock of something

Can you go get more flour in the supply room?

supplier (Fr.)

to beg 

Please give me another chance. I supply you. x
Please give me another chance. I beg you. ✔

something considered common practice

x

✔