False friend facts for kids

False friends are two words in different languages that look or sound very similar but have completely different meanings. They can be tricky when you are learning a new language! Imagine thinking you know a word, but it actually means something else entirely. That's a false friend!

What are False Friends?

False friends are like sneaky words that pretend to be your friend in a new language. They look or sound so much like a word you already know from your own language. But watch out! Their meaning is actually different. This can lead to funny misunderstandings or even confusing situations.

For example, the English word "gift" means a present. But in German, the word Gift means "poison"! So, if you offer someone a "gift" in Germany, you might cause a bit of a shock!

Why do False Friends Happen?

False friends appear for a few reasons. Sometimes, languages share a very old ancestor. Over hundreds of years, words change their meanings in different ways in each language.

Other times, it's just a coincidence. Two words from different language families might happen to sound similar by chance. It's like finding two people with the same name but who are not related at all.

Language borrowing can also create false friends. A word might be borrowed from one language into another. Then, its meaning might shift in the new language, while the original word keeps its old meaning.

Examples of False Friends

Let's look at some common false friends that can trip you up when learning new languages.

English and Spanish

• Embarrassed (English) vs. Embarazada (Spanish): In English, "embarrassed" means feeling shy or awkward. But in Spanish, embarazada means "pregnant"!
• Library (English) vs. Librería (Spanish): An English "library" is a place where you borrow books. A Spanish librería is a bookstore where you buy books.
• Actual (English) vs. Actual (Spanish): In English, "actual" means real or true. In Spanish, actual means current or present. So, mi actual trabajo means "my current job," not "my actual job."
• Success (English) vs. Suceso (Spanish): "Success" in English means achieving something good. Suceso in Spanish means an event or occurrence, which can be good or bad.

English and French

• Library (English) vs. Librairie (French): Just like Spanish, a French librairie is a bookstore, not a library.
• Pain (English) vs. Pain (French): In English, "pain" is a feeling of hurt. In French, pain means "bread."
• Sensible (English) vs. Sensible (French): If you are "sensible" in English, you are practical and reasonable. If you are sensible in French, you are sensitive or easily affected.
• Journey (English) vs. Journée (French): An English "journey" is a trip. A French journée means "day."

English and German

• Gift (English) vs. Gift (German): As mentioned, "gift" in English is a present. Gift in German is poison.
• Chef (English) vs. Chef (German): An English "chef" is a cook in a restaurant. A German Chef is a boss or manager.
• Eventually (English) vs. Eventuell (German): "Eventually" in English means "in the end" or "after a long time." Eventuell in German means "possibly" or "perhaps."
• Bald (English) vs. Bald (German): If you are "bald" in English, you have no hair. If something is bald in German, it means "soon."

English and Italian

• Camera (English) vs. Camera (Italian): An English "camera" is for taking photos. An Italian camera means "room."
• Factory (English) vs. Fattoria (Italian): An English "factory" is a place where things are made. An Italian fattoria is a farm.
• Morbid (English) vs. Morbido (Italian): "Morbid" in English means related to death or dark thoughts. Morbido in Italian means "soft."

English and Portuguese

• Pretend (English) vs. Pretender (Portuguese): To "pretend" in English means to act like something is true when it isn't. To pretender in Portuguese means to intend or to aim for something.
• Push (English) vs. Puxar (Portuguese): To "push" in English means to move something away from you. To puxar in Portuguese means to pull! This can be very confusing on doors!

English and Other Languages

• Čerstvé (Czech/Slovak) vs. Czerstwe (Polish): In Czech and Slovak, čerstvé pečivo means "fresh bread." But in Polish, czerstwe pieczywo means "stale bread."
• Magazine (English) vs. Magasin (French/Norwegian/Danish): An English "magazine" is a publication. A French, Norwegian, or Danish magasin is a shop or a store.
• Table (English) vs. Tafel (German): An English "table" is a piece of furniture. A German Tafel can mean a blackboard, a bar of chocolate, or a panel.

How to Avoid Confusion

Learning about false friends is an important part of mastering a new language. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting tricked:

• Be Aware: Know that false friends exist. This makes you more careful when you see a familiar-looking word.
• Context is Key: Always look at the words around the tricky word. The rest of the sentence or conversation often gives clues about the real meaning.
• Use a Dictionary: If you are unsure, always check a reliable dictionary. Make sure it's a dictionary for learners, as they often highlight common false friends.
• Learn Examples: The best way to remember false friends is to learn them with their correct meanings and example sentences.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you are talking to a native speaker and a word seems off, ask them! They will be happy to explain.

False friends are a fun and interesting part of language learning. They show how languages change and develop over time. By being aware of them, you can become a more confident and accurate speaker of any language!

Images for kids

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  An example of a West Slavic shared etymology; in Czech and Slovak čerstvé pečivo means 'fresh bread', whereas in Polish czerstwe pieczywo means 'stale bread', while in Ukrainian черстве печиво (čerstve pečyvo) means 'hardened cookie (bakery)'.

See also

In Spanish: Falso amigo para niños