Achèvement vs Achievement
Achèvement refers to the completion or culmination of something.
Achievement has a more positive sense of attaining something that was sought after: exploit, réussite, accomplissement.
Actuellement vs Actually
Actuellement means "at the present time," and should be translated as currently or right now. Je travaille actuellement - I am currently working. A related word is actuel, which means present or current: le problème actuel - the current/present problem.
Actually means "in fact" and should be translated as en fait or à vrai dire. Actually, I don't know him - En fait, je ne le connais pas. Actual means real or true, and depending on the context can be translated as réel, véritable, positif, or concret : The actual value - la valeur réelle.
Affaire vs Affair
Affaire can mean business, matter, deal, transaction, or scandal.
Affair is the equivalent of affaire only in the sense of an event or concern. A love affair is une liaison, une affaire d'amour, or une aventure amoureuse.
Affluence vs Affluence
Une affluence is a crowd of people: Il y avait une affluence attendant à la porte - There were crowds waiting at the door.
Affluence indicates a lot of something (usually wealth): There's an affluence of information here - Il y a une abondance d'information ici. His affluence is obvious - Sa richesse est évidente.
Agenda vs Agenda
Agenda refers to a datebook.
Agenda means l'ordre du jour or le programme.
Agonie vs Agony
Agonie refers to death pangs or mortal agony, while Agony means severe physical or mental pain, but not necessarily just this side of death: angoisse, supplice.
Aimer vs Aim
Aimer means to like or to love.
Aim can be a noun - but, visées - or a verb - braquer, pointer, viser.
Amitié vs Amity
Amitié is the generic French word for friendship, while Amity is used more specifically to mean peaceful relations between nations - concorde or bons rapports.
Ancien vs Ancient
Ancien can mean old in the sense of not young as well as in the sense of former: mon ancien professeur - my old (former) teacher, mon professeur ancien - my old (aged) teacher. Learn more about adjectives.
Ancient means antique or très vieux.
Argument vs Argument
Argument is a semi-false cognate. It means argument in the sense of a mathematical or philosophical argument. Also: argument massue - sledgehammer blow; argument publicitaire - advertising claim; argument de vente - selling point.
Argument is une discussion, une conversation, un débat, or une dispute.
Assistance vs Assistance
Assistance is a semi-false cognate. It's primary meaning is audience.
Assistance indicates help or aid.
Assister vs Assist
Assister à nearly always means to attend somthing: J'ai assisté à la conférence - I attended (went to) the conference.
Assist means to help or aid someone or something: I assisted the woman into the building - J'ai aidé la dame à entrer l'immeuble.
Assumer vs Assume
Assumer only means to assume in the sense of taking on responsability or assuming control. It also means to hold a job or fulfill a role.
Assume is a semi-false cognate. In addition to assumer, it can also mean supposer or présumer.
Attendre vs Attend
Attendre à means to wait for: Nous avons attendu pendant deux heures - We waited for two hours.
Attend is translated by assister (see above): I attended the conference - J'ai assisté à la conférence.
Audience vs Audience
Audience is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the meaning of the English word, it can signify: Votre audience, s'il vous plaît - Your attention, please. Ce projet a un large audience - This project has a lot of attention. Donner audience à quelqu'un - To meet with / listen to someone. Audience publique - A public meeting.
Audience is a group of spectators or listeners.
Avertissement vs Advertisement
Avertissement is a warning or caution, from the verb avertir - to warn.
Advertisement is une publicité, une réclame, or un spot publicitaire.
Bail vs Bail
Bail is a lease; the plural is Baux.
Bail is une caution, on bail is sous caution.
Balance vs Balance
Balance is a pair of scales or weighing machine. It can also refer to a economic balance.
Balance can be all of the above, plus 閝uilibre or aplomb.
Ballot vs Ballot
Ballot means a bundle or package while Ballot refers to a bulletin de vote (the paper upon which one votes) or a scrutin (the method of voting).
Batterie vs Battery
Batterie is a semi-false cognate. It is equivalent to the English word in all senses, but it can also refer to a set of drums or the percussion instruments in a band.
Battery refers to an electrical device that provides power as well as military weapons: a battery of artillery - une batterie de canons.
Blanc vs Blank
Blanc is a semi-false cognate. It is usually the French word for the color white but can in some instances be translated by blank: une feuille blanche - a blank sheet of paper.
Blank is an adjective meaning empty or without markings.
Bond vs Bond
Bond refers to a leap or jump. Bondir - to jump.
Bond can mean un engagement, une obligation, or un lien. To bond - coller.
Bout vs Bout
Bout means end, tip, or bit.
Bout refers to une crise (de rheumatisme) or un combat.
Bras vs Bras
Bras is an arm.
Bras is the plural of bra - soutien-gorge.
Bureau vs Bureau
Bureau is a semi-false cognate. It can refer to a desk or an office, as well as a department: Bureau europ閑n de l'environnement - European Environment Office.
Bureau can also mean a certain department, especially in government. In British English, a bureau has the same sense of desk as in French, but in American English a bureau is a chest of drawers: commode.
Candide vs Candid
Candide means naïve or ingenuous; Candid means open or frank: franc, sincère.
Car vs Car
Car is most often used as a conjunction: because or for. As a noun, it refers to a coach or bus.
Car is une voiture.
Caractère vs Character
Caractère refers only to the character or temperament of a person or thing: Cette maison a du caractère - This house has character.
Character can mean both nature/temperament as well as a person in a play: Education develops character - L'éducation développe le caractère. Romeo is a famous character - Romeo est un personnage célebre.
Carton vs Carton
Carton is a semi-false cognate. While it can refer to a box, it can also mean simply cardboard. It can also indicate a target, sketch, or card.
Carton can be a pot, carton, boîte, brick, or cartouche.
Case vs Case
Case is a square or a box (e.g., on a form), a compartment, or a hut.
Case can refer to un cas, un procès, or une valise.
Caution vs Caution
Caution is a financial term; it can mean guarantee, security, bail, or backing.
Caution indicates prudence, circonspection, or avertissement.
Ceinture vs Century
Ceinture is a belt.
Century is un siècle.
Cent vs Cent
Cent is the French word for a hundred.
Cent can be figuratively translated by un sou. Literally, it is one hundredth of a dollar.
Chair vs Chair
Chair means flesh.
Chair can be une chaise, un fauteuil (armchair), or un siège (seat).
Charge vs Charge
Charge as a noun can mean burden, load, cargo, responsibility. The verb charger means to load or to charge.
Charge the noun can mean inculpation, accusation, or attaque. The verb to charge can mean accuser or faire payer.
Chat vs Chat
Chat is the French word for cat.
Chat is both a noun and a verb: bavarder/bavardage or discuter/discussion.
Chope vs Chop
Chope is a mug or pint.
Chop can be a noun - une côtelette, un coup - or a verb - trancher, couper, hacher.
Circulation vs Circulation
Circulation is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the circulation of air, water, etc., it can mean traffic.
Circulation means circulation or propagation.
Client vs Client
Client is a semi-false cognate. In addition to client, it can refer to a customer, patron, or patient.
Client is a client.
Coin vs Coin
Coin refers to a corner in every sense of the English word. It can also be used figuratively to mean area: l'épicier du coin - the local grocer.
Coin is a piece of metal used as money - une pièce de monnaie.
Collège vs College
Collège and lycée both refer to high school: Mon collège a 1 000 élèves - My high school has 1,000 students.
College is translated by université : This college's tuition is very expensive - Les frais de scolarité à cette université sont très élevés.
Combinaison vs Combination
Combinaison is a semi-false cognate. It can refer to a slip, overalls, or a ski-suit.
Combination is equivalent to the French in virtually all senses of the word. In British English, Combination can also refer to un side-car.
Commander vs Command
Commander is a semi-false cognate. It means to order (a command) as well as to order a meal or goods/services. Une commande is an order.
Command can be translated by commander, ordonner, or exiger. It is also a noun: ordre or commandement.
Comment vs Comment
Comment is an adverb meaning how or what: Comment vas-tu ? - How are you? Comment t'appelles-tu ? - What is your name?
A Comment is une observation or un commentaire.
Commode vs Commode
Commode as an adjective means convenient or handy; as a noun it indicates a chest of drawers.
Commode rarely means a chest of drawers, in American English it usually refers to a toilet: toilettes or cabinets. In British English, it means a special chair with a hole, under which is a chamber pot (normally used by disabled persons): une chaise percée.
Commodité vs Commodity
Commodité means convenience: les commodités de la vie moderne - the conveniences of modern life.
Commodity refers to a product for trade, goods: produit, article, denrée (latter refers only to food).
Complet vs Complete
Complet is an adjective: complete, comprehensive, full, total. The feminine form is complète. It is also the noun for a men's suit.
Complete is an adjective: complet, terminé. It is also a verb: compléter, finir, remplir.
Concerner vs Concern(ed)
Concerner is a semi-false cognate. It means to concern only in the sense of to affect by something: Cela ne vous concerne pas - This doesn't concern/affect you. Thus concerné means affected by, not concerned about something.
Concern is both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it can mean concerner/toucher as well as inquiéter. The noun means rapport, affaire, souci, intérêt, etc.
Concierge vs Concierge
Concierge is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the concierge of a hotel, it can refer to the caretaker of a building or apartment house.
Concierge is a member of hotel staff.
Concret vs Concrete
Concret is an adjective which means concrete (in the sense of real/tangible or made of concrete). Feminine version: concrète.
Concrete can be an adjective or a noun: le béton.
Confident vs Confident
Confident is a noun, the French equivalent of confidant - someone you tell all your secrets and private matters.
Confident is an adjective; the French equivalents are confiant, assuré, sûr, and persuadé.
Consumer vs Consume
Consumer means to consume only as a fire or as ambition consumes.
Consume usually refers to eating or drinking something: consommer.
Contrée vs Country
Contrée refers only to the physical boundaries of a piece of land or a region.
Country can indicate un pays, une patrie, or la campagne.
Contrôle vs Control
Contrôle is a semi-false cognate. It usually refers to an inspection, verification, or test, but it can in some cases indicate self-control or control of a vehicle.
Control indicates power over someone (including oneself) or something.
Corps vs Corps
Corps is a semi-false cognate. In addition to a body of people like Corps de la Paix - Peace Corps, corps can mean (human) body or corpse.
Corps refers to un corps of people.
Crayon vs Crayon
Crayon is a pencil.
Crayon translates as un crayon de couleur. The French language uses this expression for both crayon and colored pencil.
Crise vs Crisis
Crise is a semi-false cognate; it has several meanings in addition to the English sense of crisis: une crise d'asthme- an asthma attack, une crise de colère - a fit of anger, une crise économique - an economic slump.
Crisis refers to an extremely serious event: crisis management - gestion de crise.
Défaut vs Default
Défaut is a flaw, fault, drawback, or lack.
Default is un défaut in judiciary proceedings. To default = manquer à ses engagements or prendre une valeur par défaut.
Défi vs Defy
Défi is a noun: defiance or challenge.
Defy is the verb défier or braver.
Défiler vs Defile
Défiler means to march past: les visiteurs défilaient devant le musée - the visitors marched past the museum and it can mean to unthread (a needle): Je dois défiler l'aiguille - I need to unthread the needle.
To defile is to dirty or deface something or to ruin someone's name: It's wrong to defile a great man - C'est mal de profaner un grand homme.
Délai/Délayer vs Delay
Délai is a time limit or deadline: dans un délai de 15 jours - within two weeks. Délayer means to water down or thin down, as in cooking or mixing paint.
Delay has a slightly negative connotation - it indicates that the time was unexpected and is usually translated by "retard" : They arrived with an hour's delay - Ils sont arrivés avec une heure de retard.
Demander vs Demand
Demander means to ask for: Il m'a demandé de chercher son pull - He asked me to look for his sweater. However, the French noun demande does correspond to the English noun demand.
(to) Demand is usually translated by exiger: He demanded that I look for his sweater - Il a exigé que je cherche son pull.
Détail vs Detail
Détail is a semi-false cognate. In addition to detail, it can refer to retail.
Detail means détail or renseignements.
Dire vs Dire
Dire means to say or to tell.
Dire is an adjective which means affreux, terrible, or extrême.
Divers vs Divers
Divers means diverse, varied, or several.
Divers is the plural of diver - plongeur.
Douche vs Douche
une Douche is a shower, while Douche refers to a method of cleaning a body cavity with air or water: lavage interne.
Draguer vs Drag
Draguer informally means to flirt. formally, it means to fish with a dragnet or to dredge.
Drag means traîner or tirer.
Émergence vs Emergency
Émergence is the equivalent of the English words emergence or source.
Emergency is un cas urgent or un imprévu.
Engagement vs Engagement
Engagement is any agreement, commitment, promise, or obligation.
Engagement usually refers to les fiançailles.
Entrée vs Entrée
Entrée is another word for hors-d'oeuvre; an appetizer.
Entrée refers to the main course of a meal: le plat principal.
Envie vs Envy
Avoir envie de means to want or to feel like something: Je n'ai pas envie de travailler - I don't want to work (feel like working). The verb envier, however, does mean to envy.
Envy means to be jealous or desirous of something belonging to another. The French verb is envier: I envy John's courage - J'envie le courage à Jean.
Étiquette vs Etiquette
Étiquette is a semi-false cognate. In addition to etiquette or protocole, it can be a sticker or label.
Etiquette can mean étiquette, convenances, or protocole.
Éventuel vs Eventual
Éventuel means possible: le résultat éventuel - the possible outcome.
Eventual describes something that will happen at some unspecified point in the future; it can be translated by a relative clause like qui s'ensuit or qui a résulté or by an adverb like finalement.
Éventuellement vs Eventually
Éventuellement means possibly, if need be, or even: Vous pouvez éventuellement prendre ma voiture - You can even take my car / You can take my car if need be.
Eventually indicates that an action will occur at a later time; it can be translated by finalement, à la longue, or tôt ou tard : I will eventually do it - Je le ferai finalement / tôt ou tard.
Évidence vs Evidence
Évidence is a semi-false cognate. In addition to evidence or the facts, it can mean obviousness, an obvious fact, or prominence.
Evidence means évidence, témoignage, or preuve.
Évident vs Evident
Évident usually means evident or obvious, but there is a familiar expression that always catches me: ce n'est pas évident - it's not that simple.
Evident means évident or manifeste.
Expérience vs Experience
Expérience is a semi-false cognate, because it means both experience and experiment: J'ai fait une expérience - I did an experiment. J'ai eu une expérience intéressante - I had an interesting experience.
Experience can be a noun or verb refering to something that happened. Only the noun translates into expérience : Experience shows that ... - L'expérience démontre que... He experienced some difficulties - Il a rencontré des difficultés.
Expérimenter vs Experiment
Expérimenter is a semi-false cognate. It is equivalent to the English verb, but also has the added sense of to test an apparatus.
Experiment as a verb means to test hypotheses or ways of doing things. As a noun, it is equivalent to the French word expérience (see above).
Fabrique vs Fabric
Fabrique is a factory. De bonne fabrique means good workmanship.
Fabric is equivalent to tissu or étoffe. When speaking figuratively, e.g., the fabric of society, the French word is structure.
Facilité vs Facility
Facilité means ease, easiness, ability, or aptitude.
Facility is a semi-false cognate. It usually refers to a structure that serves a particular function, although it can mean easiness, aptitude, etc.
Façon vs Fashion
Façon means way, as in voilà la façon dont il procède - this is the way he does it. It can be translated by fashion when it is synonymous with way or manner, as in à ma façon - in my fashion or my way.
Fashion is a style or custom, usually in clothing: mode or vogue. For all of you apple pie eaters out there, now you know that à la mode really means in fashion.
Fastidieux vs Fastidious
Fastidieux means tedious, tiresome, or boring
Fastidious means attentive to detail or exacting: minutieux, méticuleux, tatillon.
Fendre vs Fend
Fendre means to split or to chop.
Fend is se débrouiller, to fend off means parer or détourner.
Figure vs Figure
Figure is a semi-false cognate. It is the French word for face, but can also refer to an illustrated or mathematical figure.
Figure refers to numbers chiffres as well as to the form of a person's body: forme, silhouette.
File/Filer vs File
File is a line or queue. Filer means to spin (e.g., cotton or thread) or to prolong.
File can refer to une lime (as well as the verb limer), un dossier, or un classeur (and the verb classer).
Film vs Film
Film refers to a movie.
Film can mean un film as well as la pellicule.
Finalement vs Finally
Finalement means eventually or in the end.
Finally is enfin or en dernier lieu.
Fond vs Fond
Fond is a noun: bottom or back.
Fond is an adjective: to be fond of - aimer beaucoup, avoir de l'affection pour.
format vs format
format means size.
format as a noun refers to présentation; as a verb it means formater or mettre en forme.
formidable vs formidable
formidable is an interesting word, because it means "great" or "terrific"; almost the opposite of the English. Ce film est formidable ! - This is a great movie!
formidable means dreadful or fearsome: The opposition is formidable - L'opposition est redoutable/effrayant.
Grand vs Grand
Grand is a semi-false cognate. It means both great (e.g., un grand homme - a great man) and large or tall: elle est grande - she's tall, une grande quantité - a large quantity.
Grand is a very versatile term. It can mean large or impressive in size, scope, or extent; rich and sumptuous; pleasing; and/or important/principal.
Grappe vs Grape
Grappe is a cluster: une grappe de raisins - a bunch of grapes, grappes humaines - clusters of grapes.
Grape is un raisin.
Gratuité vs Gratuity
Gratuité refers to anything that is given for free: la gratuité de l'éducation - free education.
Gratuity is un pourboire or une gratification.
Grief vs Grief
Un grief is a grievance: Il me fait grief d'être au chômage - He holds my unemployed status against me.
Grief refers to great sadness or chagrin: I'd never felt such grief - Je n'ai jamais senti une telle douleur.
Habit vs Habit
Habit means one's dress or outfit; Habits means clothes.
Habit refers to something a person does regularly, even to the point of addiction: habitude, coutume. It can also refer to a nun's outfit: habit de religieuse.
Haineux vs Heinous
Haineux is from haine - hatred. It means malevolent or full of hatred.
Heinous means atrocious/horrific: odieux, atroce, abominable.
Hasard vs Hazard
Hasard is a semi-false cognate. In addition to hazard, it can mean coincidence, chance (e.g., a chance meeting), or fate. Par hasard - by chance.
Hazard refers to un risque, danger, or péril.
Ignorer vs Ignore
Ignorer is a semi-false cognate. It nearly means to be ignorant or unaware of something: j'ignore tout de cette affaire - I know nothing about this business.
Ignore means to deliberately not pay attention to someone or something. The usual translations are ne tenir aucun compte de, ne pas relever, and ne pas prêter attention à.
Inconsistant vs Inconsistent
Inconsistant indicates poor consistency: flimsy, weak, colorless, runny, or watery. In a more general sense, it can be translated by inconsistent.
Inconsistent means lacking consistency or being erratic: inconséquent, incompatible.
Instance vs Instance
Instance means authority, official proceedings, or insistence.
Instance refers to something that is representative of a group, an example - un exemple.
Intéressant vs Interesting
Intéressant is a semi-false cognate. In addition to interesting, it can mean attractive, worthwhile, or favorable (e.g., a price or offer).
Interesting means captivating, worth looking at, etc.
Intoxiqué vs Intoxicated
Intoxiqué means poisoned, while intoxicated means drunk - ivre.
Jars vs Jars
Jars is the French word for gander - a male goose.
Jars are wide-mouthed containers made of glass or pottery: pots, jarres.
Journée vs Journey
Journée refers to a day.
Journey is un voyage or trajet.
Kidnapper vs Kidnapper
Kidnapper is the French verb to kidnap.
Kidnapper refers to the person who does the deed - un ravisseur / une ravisseuse.
Lac vs Lack
Lac is a large body of water - lake.
Lack is a deficiency or absence - un manque.
Laid vs Laid
Laid is an adjective meaning ugly.
Laid is the past tense of the English verb to lay: he laid his briefcase on the table - il a posé son porte-documents sur la table, she was laid on the ground - elle était déposée au sol.
Lame vs Lame
Lame is a noun: strip (of wood or metal), slide (of a microscope), or blade.
Lame is an adjective: boiteux, estropié, faible.
Large vs Large
Large is the French adjective for wide, broad, or expansive. It can also mean generous or ample.
Large is synonomous with big - grand, vaste, gros, important.
Lecture vs Lecture
Lecture refers to reading in all senses of the word.
Lecture indicates a speech on a particular subject, especially for academic purposes: une conférence.
Librairie vs Library
Une Librairie is a bookstore, while Library in French is une bibliothèque.
Liqueur vs Liquor
Liqueur is a sweet, flavored alcoholic beverage: J'ai bu une liqueur après le dîner - I drank a cordial after dinner.
Liquor can mean any alcoholic beverage, but most often refers to hard liquor: Liquor is his only vice - L'alcool est son vice unique.
Lit vs Lit
Lit is a bed.
Lit is the past participle of to light: allumer or éclairer.
Location vs Location
Location refers to something that is available for rent, such as a house or car. C'est pour un achat ou pour une location ? - Is it to buy or to rent?
Location indicates the position or placement of someone/something: It's a suitable location for a bakery - C'est une emplacement convenable à une boulangerie.
Logeur vs Lodger
Logeur is the landlord - the person who rents out rooms, while a Lodger is the opposite - the person who rents/stays in the rooms: locataire, pensionnaire.
Losange vs Lozenge
Losange means diamond (in shape).
Lozenge is une pastille (pour la toux).
Magasin vs Magazine
Magasin is the general word for a store. It is also equivalent to the magazine of a gun.
Magazine is une revue or un périodique.
Mail vs Mail
Mail is the French word for the old-fashioned meaning of mall, i.e., a tree-lined walk or square.
Mail as a noun = poste or courrier; as a verb = envoyer or expédier (par la poste), poster.
Main vs Main
Main is the French noun for hand.
Main is the English adjective for principal, premier, majeur, or essentiel.
Malice vs Malice
Malice is a semi-false cognate; it can mean malice or simply mischievousnous or mischief.
Malice has only the stronger meaning of deliberate cruelty: méchanceté or malveillance.
Marron vs Maroon
While both of these are colors, Marron is brown and Maroon is a reddish color, best translated by bordeaux.
Mécanique vs Mechanic
Mécanique is an adjective which means mechanical or machine-made.
Mechanic is a worker skilled in making, repairing, or using machines: un mécanicien.
Menteur vs Mentor
Menteur can be a noun - liar or an adjective - false. Mentir - to lie.
Mentor is a noun - mentor, maître spirituel.
Merci vs Mercy
Merci i is the French word for thank you. It can also mean mercy, but this is quite uncommon.
Mercy refers to pitié, indulgence, or miséricorde.
Mère vs Mere
Mère means mother.
Mere is an adjective meaning simple, pur, seul, etc.
Mode vs Mode
Mode is a semi-false cognate. Normally, it means fashion; à la mode literally means in fashion or fashioable.
Mode is a manner or way of doing something: a mode of life - une manière de vivre or a particular form, variety, or manner: a mode of communication - une façon de communiquer. It can also refer to status: The computer is in interactive mode - L'ordinateur est en mode conversationnel.
Monnaie vs Money
Monnaie can refer to currency, coin(age), or change.
Money s the general term for argent.
Mousse vs Mousse
Mousse is a semi-false cognate. It does refer to the dessert and hair product, but it also means such diverse things as moss, lather, or foam - so it's very important to pay attention to the context! This includes the foam in beer or a bottle of champagne.
Mousse simply refers to the dessert: chocolate mousse - mousse au chocolat or a styling product: hair mousse - mousse coiffante.
Mouton vs Mutton
Mouton can refer both to the animal (sheep) as well as the meat (mutton).
Mutton refers only to the meat.
Napkin vs Napkin
Napkin is not in any of my dictionaries, but I learned the hard way that it means a sanitary napkin: J'ai besoin d'un napkin - I need a sanitary napkin.
Napkin is correctly translated by serviette: I need a napkin - J'ai besoin d'une serviette.
Occupé vs Occupied
Occupé is from occuper - to occupy in all senses of the word. It can also mean to employ or to keep busy: Mon travail m'occupe beaucoup - My work keeps me very busy.
Occupied is the past participle of occupy - occuper, habiter, remplir.
Office vs Office
Office is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the meanings below, it can refer to duties, church services or prayers, or a pantry.
Office can mean the physical place where one works as well as the office or position that someone holds.
Once vs Once
Once = ounce.
Once can mean une fois or jadis.
Opportunité vs Opportunity
Opportunité refers to timeliness or appropriateness: Nous discutons de l'opportunité d'aller à la plage - We're discussing the appropriateness of going to the beach (under the circumstances).
Opportunity leans toward favorable circumstances for a particular action or event. It's an opportunity to improve your French - C'est une occasion de te perfectionner en français.
Or vs Or
Or has two completely different meanings. It is the word for gold: or fin - fine gold. It is also a conjunction used to make a transition from one idea to another, meaning now or whereas: J'attendais au pire, or il a attendu patiemment - I expected the worst, whereas he waited patiently.
Or is simply a conjunction used to denote an alternative; the French equivalent is ou : I need to buy a pen or a pencil - Je dois acheter un stylo ou un crayon.
Organe vs Organ
Organe refers to the organs of the body and international organs.
Organ is also the musical instrument orgue.
Ostensible vs Ostensible
Ostensible means obvious or conspicuous: Son indifférence est ostensible - Her indifference is conspicuous.
Ostensible means apparent or supposed: His ostensible reason was to help us - Sa raison prétendu était de nous aider.
Ours vs Ours
Un ours is a bear.
Ours is the possessive pronoun le nôtre.
Ouverture vs Overture
Ouverture is a semi-false congate. In addition to overture, it the French word for opening
Overture means ouverture or avance.
Pain vs Pain
Pain is the French word for bread.
Pain is the English word for douleur, peine, souffrance.
Pair vs Pair
Un pair means a peer; as an adjective, pair means even: le côté pair de la rue - the even-numbers side of the street.
A pair is usually translated by une paire : a pair of shoes - une paire de chausseurs.
Pale vs Pale
Une pale is an oar, paddle, or propeller blade.
Pale means light in color. When referring to a person's complexion, it is translated by pâle. But pale blue - bleu clair.
Parti/Partie vs Party
Parti can refer to several different things: a political party, an option or course of action (prendre un parti - to make a decision), or a match (as in he's a good match for you). It is also the past participle of partir. Partie can mean a part (e.g., une partie du film - a part of the film), a field or subject, a game (e.g., une partie de cartes - a game of cards), or a party in a trial.
Party can also mean une fête, soirée or réception; un correspondant (au téléphone), or un groupe/une équipe.
Passer vs Pass
Passer is a semi-false cognate. It is normally translated by to pass, except when talking about a test. Je vais passer un examen cet après-midi - I'm going to take a test this afternoon.
Pass is translated by réussir when talking about a test: I passed the test - J'ai réussi à l'examen.
Patron vs Patron
Patron is an owner, boss, or employer.
Patron is a client, someone who purchases from a store, restaurant, or other business: un client or (for the theater only) un habitué.
Pays vs Pays
Pays refers to a certain territory, usually a country, but can on occasion refer to a village.
Pays is the third person singular conjugation of the verb to pay: he pays me cash - il me paie en liquide.
Personne vs Person
Personne is a semi-false cognate. As a noun, it means person, but as a pronoun, it can mean anyone or no one: Elle le connais mieux que personne - She knows him better than anyone. Personne n'est ici - No one is here.
Person refers to a human being.
Phrase vs Phrase
Phrase is a sentence.
Phrase refers to une expression or locution.
Physicien vs Physician
Physicien is a physicist, while physician is a médicin.
Pie vs Pie
Pie refers to a magpie.
Pie indicates une tarte or une tourte.
Pièce vs Piece
Pièce is a semi-false cognate. It means piece only in the sense of broken pieces. Otherwise, it indicates a room, sheet of paper, or coin.
Piece is a part of something - un morceau or une tranche.
Pinte vs Pint
Pinte means a quart (in Québec) and a bar or café (in Switzerland). In standard French, it refers to an archaic unit of measurement.
Pint is approximately un demi-litre.
Police vs Police
Police is a semi-false cognate. In addition to a law-enforcing body, it can also mean policy (e.g., insurance) and font.
Police refers only to the law-enforcing body. There are two different organizations in France: la police - under the Ministry of the Interior and la gendarmerie - under the Ministry of War.
Politique vs Politics
Politique can be the adjective political or a noun: un politique = politician while une politique = politics or a policy
Politics refers only to la politique.
Pond vs Pond
Pond is from the verb pondre - to lay (an egg).
Pond is un étang.
Pot vs Pot
Un Pot can be a jar, earthenware pot, can, or carton. There is also a familiar expression " Prendre un pot " - to have a drink.
A Pot is a cooking vessel: une marmite or une casserole. Pot is also a slang term for marijuana - marie-jeanne.
Pour vs Pour
Pour is the French preposition for.
Pour is a verb which means verser or pleuvoir à verse.
Prétendre vs Pretend
Prétendre means to claim or assert: Il prétend savoir jouer du piano - He claims to be able to play the piano. Prétendu - alleged or supposed.
Pretend means to make believe or to feign: She's pretending to be sick - Elle simule (or elle feint) d'être malade.
Propre vs Proper / Prop
Propre can mean clean or own (as in ma propre voiture - my own car).
Proper means convenable or adéquat and a Prop is un support or un étai.
Prune vs Prune
Prune refers to a plum.
Prune can be a noun - un pruneau or a verb - tailler, élaguer.
Qualité vs Quality
Qualité is a semi-false cognate. It means both quality (e.g., of a product) and capacity or position: en sa qualité de maire - in his capacity as mayor.
Quality refers to the characteristics of things or people: the quality of life - la qualité de la vie.
Quête vs Quest
Quête is a semi-false cognate. The main sense is a collection, but it can also be used to refer to something like the quest for the holy grail or a pursuit of the absolute.
Quest can also be used for less noble pursuits: quest for a job - à la recherche d'un emploi.
Quille vs Quill
Quille refers to a skittle, one of the pins used in the British game of ninepins, as well as to the game itself. Quille also means keel, as in the keel of a boat.
Quill is the shaft of a feather tuyau de plume, a large wing or tail feather penne, and the sharp spine found on porcupines piquant.
Quitter vs Quit
Quitter is a semi-false cognate: it means both to leave and to quit (ie, leave something for good).
Quit nearly always means to leave something for good.
Raide vs Raid
Raide is the French adjective for stiff, taut, or steep.
Raid is the English noun for un raid or une incursion.
Raisin vs Raisin
Raisin is the French word for grape.
Raisin is un raisin sec.
Rampant vs Rampant
Rampant is the French adjective for creeping or crawling: Le chat rampant m'a dérangé - The creeping cat disturbed me.
Rampant means growing without limit: Rampant vegetation covers the wall - La végétation exubérante couvre le mur.
Rang vs Rang
Rang is a row, line, or rank. In Canadian French, it can be a country road.
Rang is the past participle of ring - sonner.
Râpe/Râper vs Rape
Râpe is a grater or grinder. Râper means to grate, rasp, or grind.
Rape is the noun viol or the verb violer.
Rater vs Rate
Rater means to misfire, miss, mess up, or fail.
Rate is the noun proportion or taux or the verb évaluer or considérer.
Récipient vs Recipient
Récipient is a container or receptacle.
Recipient refers to la personne qui reçoit, la déstinataire, or le bénéficiaire.
Refus vs Refuse
Refus means refusal or insubordination
Refuse (as a noun) refers to garbage: détritus, ordures, déchets. The verb Refuse is equivalent to refuser in French.
Regard vs Regard
Regard can mean a glance, expression (on one's face), manhole, or peephole.
Regard can mean attention, considération, respect, or estime.
Rein vs Rein
Rein is a kidney.
Rein is une rêne or une guide.
Remarquer vs Remark
Remarquer is a semi-false cognate. It can mean to notice or to remark. Une remarque is a comment or remark.
Remark is both the noun and the verb - remarque(r).
Replacer vs Replace
Replacer means to put something back in its place: to re-place it.
Replace means remplacer or remettre.
Reporter vs Report
Reporter means to postpone or to take back.
Report as a verb means rapporter, déclarer, or dénoncer. The noun refers to un rapport or une rumeur.
Représentation vs Representation
Représentation is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the English meanings of the word, it can also refer to theatrical performances.
Representation refers to a notation or a graphic, as well as representation in government.
Responsable vs Responsible
Responsable is a semi-false cognate. In addition to an adjective, Responsable is a noun meaning responsible party, official, representative, or person in charge.
Responsible is equivalent to its French cognate.
Rester vs Rest
Rester is a semi-false cognate. It usually means to stay or remain: Je suis restée à la maison - I stayed at the house. When it is used idiomatically, it is translated by rest: He refused to let the matter rest - Il refusait d'en rester là.
The verb Rest in the sense of getting some rest is translated by se reposer: Elle ne se repose jamais - She never rests.
Résumer vs Resume
Résumer means to summarize.
Resume means to begin again: reprendre, recommencer.
Revenu vs Revenue
Revenu is the equivalent of revenue or income, but it is also the past participle of revenir - to come back.
Revenue means revenu or rentes.
Revue vs Revue
Revue is a semi-false cognate. In addtion to revue, it often means a magazine as well as review or inspection.
Revue is a revue or spectacle.
Route vs Route
Route is a semi-false cognate. It can refer to a maritime or trade route or else to a road.
Route means itinéraire, voie, or parcours.
Scène vs Scene
Scène refers to the stage as well as all senses of scene.
Scene means scène or décor.
Secret vs Secret
Secret is a semi-false cognate; in addition to the English sense of secret, the French word can mean reserved or reticent: Il est secret - He is reserved.
Secret refers to something that is not public knowledge.
Sécurité vs Security
Sécurité means safety as well as security.
Security can refer to une caution or guarantie in addition to la sécurité.
Seize vs Seize
Seize is the number sixteen.
Seize is the verb saisir.
Sensible vs Sensible
Sensible means sensitive or even nervous, as in pas recommandé aux sensibles - not recommended for people of a nervous disposition.
Sensible means to show good sense, e.g., in making decisions: sensé, raisonnable, sage.
Simple vs Simple
Simple is a semi-false cognate. It can mean plain, one-way (as in a street or a plane ticket), or singles (as in tennis).
Simple is equivalent to its French cognate.
Situation vs Situation
Situation is a semi-false cognate. In addition to situation, it can refer to location or position.
Situation refers to situation or conjoncture.
Social vs Social
Social is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the English sense, it often refers to the world of industrial or labor relations: partenaires sociaux - management and labor.
Social describes someone/something that enjoys the company of others: a social creature - une créature sociale.
Son vs Son
Son is the third person singular possessive adjective as well as the French noun for sound.
Son is the English word for fils.
Sortir vs Sort
Sortir means to go out or to leave.
Sort as a verb means classer, trier, or séparer, while the noun means genre or espèce.
Source vs Source
Source is a semi-false cognate. In addition to source, it can refer to a spring (source of water).
Source is une source or une origine.
Souvenir vs Souvenir
Souvenir is a semi-false cognate. In addition to the English sense, it is the French verb "to remember" as well as a noun for memory, recollection, and remembrance.
Souvenir is a keepsake or memento.
Spécial vs Special
Spécial is a semi-false cognate. In addition to special, it can mean strange: Elle est très spéciale - She is very peculiar.
Special refers to something out of the ordinary: a special event - un événement spécial.
Spectacle vs Spectacle
Spectacle refers to any sort of exhibition: un spectacle de danse - a dance performance or to something that others can watch: le spectacle de la rue - the bustle on the street.
Spectacle is a semi-false cognate. It can mean an exhibition, but is usually used with a negative connotation: you made a spectacle of yourself - tu t'es donné en spectacle. Spectacles is the British English word for lunettes.
Sportif vs Sportive
Sportif refers to something related to sports: un journal sportif - a sports magazine or someone who is fond of sports: un homme sportif - an athletic man.
Sportive means playful or merry - folâtre, badin.
Stable vs Stable
Stable means stable, steady, or unmoving.
Stable is a semi-false cognate. In addition to meaning the adjective stable, it can be the noun écurie.
Stage vs Stage
Stage is an internship or training period.
Stage is une scène, le théâtre, un estrade, or une étape.
Store vs Store
Store refers to a blind, shade, or awning.
Store is any sort of magasin or provision as well as the verb mettre en réserve or conserver.
Suit vs Suit
Suit is from the verb suivre - to follow.
Suit can be a noun - costume, tailleur, tenue, etc. or a verb - convenir à.
Supplier vs Supplier
Supplier is the verb to beseech or implore.
Supplier is a noun for one who supplies - fournisseur.
Supporter vs Support
Supporter means to support or hold up, as well as to endure or put up with something.
Support means all of these things, but in the sense of enduring something, soutenir is the more common translation.
Thé vs The
Thé means tea.
The is the definite article le, la, or les.
Tirer vs Tire
Tirer means to pull.
Tire as a verb means fatiguer or lasser, as a noun it means un pneu.
Trépasser vs Trespass
Trépasser means to pass away.
Trespass means to invade another's property: s'introduire sans permission.
Truc vs Truck
Truc refers to an unnamed or unknown object: thing, trick, thingamajig.
Truck is a heavy motor vehicle for carrying things: un camion.
Truculent vs Truculent
Truculent means vivid, colorful, racy, larger than life, etc.
Truculent describes someone who is aggressive or predisposed to fight: brutal, aggressif.
Ultérieur vs Ulterior
Ultérieur means later or subsequent: la séance est reportée à une date ultérieure - the meeting is postponed to a later date.
Ulterior is followed by motive, meaning a hidden or secret purpose: he had an ulterior motive - il avait un motif secret.
Usuel vs Usual
Usuel means ordinary, everyday, or common.
Usual is slightly different: it leans more toward typical or normal - habituel or courant.
Vent vs Vent
Vent is the noun wind.
Vent can refer to any of the following: un orifice, un conduit, un tuyau, une cheminée, un trou, une fente.
Vexé vs Vexed
Vexé means hurt, upset, or offended, while Vexed means angry - fâché.
Vie vs Vie
Vie is the French word for life: C'est la vie - That's life.
Vie means to struggle or fight: I struggled with him for the gun - J'ai lutté avec lui pour le pistolet.
Volatil(e) and Volatile vs Volatile
Volatil(e) means volatile when referring to a chemical. It can also mean fleeting: une valeur volatile - a fleeting value. Une volatile is a bird or other winged creature.
Volatile can only be translated by volatil(e) in the chemistry lab. A volatile situation - une situation explosive. A volatile person - une personne versatile.