Many French words look familiar to English speakers, which makes them feel easy.
The problem? Some of these words do not mean what learners expect. These “false friends” often cause confusion or embarrassment.
1. Actuellement
This word looks like “actually,” but it does not mean that.
- Actuellement = currently / at the moment
- Actuellement, je suis fatigué ≠ “Actually, I’m tired”
- Correct meaning: “I am currently tired”
What to say instead:
- en fait = actually
2. Éventuellement
Learners often use this to mean “eventually,” but that’s incorrect.
- Éventuellement = possibly / if needed
- Je viendrai éventuellement ≠ “I will come someday”
- Meaning: “I might come, if necessary”
Correct word for eventually:
- finalement or à la fin
3. Sensible
This word doesn’t mean “sensitive” in the emotional sense.
- Sensible = logical/reasonable
- Elle est très sensible ≠ “She is emotionally sensitive”
- Meaning: “She is sensible”
For sensitive:
- Sensible can work in some contexts, but often émotif or sensible émotionnellement is
4. Assister
Looks like “to assist,” but the meaning is different.
- Assister à = to attend
- J’ai assisté mon ami ≠ “I helped my friend”
- J’ai assisté à la réunion = “I attended the meeting”
To say help:
- aider
5. Demander
Learners use this when they want to “demand” something, but it’s much softer.
- Demander = to ask
- J’ai demandé un café ≠ “I demanded a coffee”
- Meaning: “I asked for a coffee”
For demand:
- exiger
6. Librairie
A classic mistake.
- Librairie = bookstore
- Je vais à la librairie pour lire ≠ library
- Bibliothèque = library
Final Thought
Familiar-looking French words can be misleading. Instead of translating directly from English, always learn a word in context. Understanding these small differences makes your French sound more natural
and confident.