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False friends
Vocabulary
1. False friends
In English there are certain words that are written in the same way or similarly to others in other languages, but their meaning is very different.
Karajan was an exceptional conductor.
This dress was made with silk fabric.
2. The most common false friends
There are many false friends in English, but we will show some of the most common ones:
False friends | MEANING | Examples |
---|---|---|
Actually | In reality / as a matter of fact | I wasn't actually there. |
Agenda | Programme / schedule | What is the next item on the agenda? |
Argument |
|
They had another argument because of money. |
Large |
|
We need a large room to fit our guests. |
Library |
|
I often take books from the library. |
Idiom |
|
"An arm and a leg" is an idiom that means "very expensive". |
Notice |
|
The notice says that the lift is out of order. |
Sensible |
|
That was a sensible decision. |
Parent |
|
She is a single parent. |
Terrific |
|
That's terrific! |
Sympathetic |
|
Whenever you need a sympathetic ear, call me. |
Be embarrassed |
Ashamed / uncomfortable
|
I'm embarrassed to sing in front of people. |
The real words we would use in English instead of the false friend:
ENGLISH | MEANING | Examples |
---|---|---|
At present / currently |
|
At present, he is performing in a theatre. |
Diary |
|
I've put down the visit to the dentist in my diary. |
Plot |
|
Did you like the plot of the film? |
Long |
|
There is a long queue waiting for the shopping centre to open. |
Bookshop |
|
I bought this book in a bookshop in London. |
Language |
|
Latin was once the official language in a large part of Europe. |
News |
|
I've got a bit of news to tell you. |
Sensitive |
|
Sensitive people can easily be hurt. |
Relative |
|
All the relatives on my mother's side live in Australia. |
Terrifying |
|
The fancy dress you are wearing is terrifying. |
Friendly / nice | Outgoing / likeable
|
Your neighbour isn’t very friendly, is he? |
Be pregnant |
Expecting a baby
|
When did you know you were pregnant? |
Remember!
False friends are English words that are written the same way or similarly to Swords in other languages, but do not have the same meaning.
SympatheticCaring / supporting
False friend | Translation |
---|---|
Actually | In reality / as a matter of fact |
Agenda | Programme / schedule |
Argument | Quarrel / row / dispute |
Large | Big |
Library | You read and borrow books |
Idiom | Expression |
Notice | Sign / advertisement / warning |
Sensible | Wise / reasonable |
Parent | Mother or father |
Terrific | Great / awesome |
Sympathetic | Caring / supporting |
Embarrassed | Ashamed / uncomfortable |
english word | Translation |
---|---|
At present / currently | Now / at the moment |
Diary | Personal organizer |
Plot | Story |
Long | Opposite of short |
Bookshop | You buy books |
Language | Communication system |
News | Information |
Sensitive | Easily affected |
Relative | Member of your family |
Terrifying | Frightening |
Friendly / nice | Outgoing / likeable |
Pregnant | Expecting a baby |