FYW 201 : PART 6 – Common false friends (= faux amis) in French and English

Many words in French and English are similar or look similar. That's lucky because it helps with learning vocabulary faster. However, these words sometimes means something very different in the two languages! In this case, they are called "faux amis", false friends, or false cognates. Here’s a list of 5 common false friends so you don't make the mistake!

False friends, part 1: Episode 85- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast85
False friends, part 2: Episode 103- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast103
False friends, part 3: Episode 118 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast118
False friends, part 4: Episode 133 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast133
False friends, part 5: Episode 187 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast187

Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode
Dramatique = tragic, terrible ; dramatic (effect)

Dramatic = théâtral; spectaculaire (noticeable change)

Une cave = a cellar
une cave à vin = a wine cellar

A cave = une grotte

Chips (nf) = crisps

Chips / (French) fries = frites (nf)

Le courage = bravery, courage; guts
courage = energy, strength, heart

Je n'ai plus le courage de finir ce travail. = I no longer have the energy to finish this job.

Bon courage = Good luck

Figure = un chiffre (number); un montant (amount of money)
une silhouette = a person seen as a shape
la ligne = a body shape
un dessin (drawing), une sculpture
The figure of a dog he made in art class was very impressive.= Le dessin de chien qu'il avait fait en cours d'arts plastiques était très impressionnant.
a public figure = une personnalité

La figure = the face (of body); face/look

Tu aurais vu sa figure/ sa tête à l'annonce de la nouvelle ! = You should have seen his face when he heard the news!

A figure = (gram.) a turn of phrase, a figure of speech

Figuré,e = figurative

Figure = figure (geometry, movement)
eg in ice skating or gymnastics
LINKS and RESOURCES!

False friends, part 1: Episode 85- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast85
False friends, part 2: Episode 103- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast103
False friends, part 3: Episode 118 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast118
False friends, part 4: Episode 133 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast133
False friends, part 5: Episode 187 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast187

Thank You for Tuning In!
There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose mine, and I’m grateful for that. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the side or bottom of this page.

Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally!

Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live!

Om Podcasten

I'm Jessica, a native French teacher from the Champagne region here to help you learn French and discover the French language. You may know me from the French Voices Podcast (a series of interviews in French for the more advanced learners). If you are curious about the French language, this podcast is for you. Expand your French vocabulary and improve your French grammar in a way that is both easy and memorable. How? By connecting bridges between French and English languages to make learning more efficient! Discover the origins of some French words and French expressions, examples of related words and get a new understanding of common mistakes made by students. It doesn't matter whether you’re at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level in French. I have no doubt that you will learn from these mini French lessons. So, get on board and learn French with me! Join the community at http://frenchyourway.com.au Submit your own questions to podcast@frenchyourway.com.au