FAUX AMIS - FALSE FRIENDS

FRENCH	ENGLISH		Example
	Incorrect	Correct
Achever	Achieve	Complete / finish	The renovation was finished at the end of 2010. We have completed the programme.
Actuellement	Actually	At the moment, currently.	At the moment I am revising my English.
Affluence	Affluence	Crowds	There were crowds of people in the streets.
Agenda	Agenda	Diary	I note all my appointments in my diary.
Ancien	Ancient	Former	Our former chairman was more dynamic.
Assister a	Assist	Attend	All the personnel must attend the meeting.
Avertissement	Advertisement	Warning	The message was sent as a warning.
Bail	Bail	Lease	We can move in as soon as we sign the lease.
Blesser	Bless	Hurt / injure	He was injured in a road accident.
Bribes	Bribes	Scraps, snatches	He overheard snatches of the conversation.
Chance	Chance	Luck	Good luck! I hope you'll be as lucky as Tom.
Coin	Coin	Corner	The cinema is at the corner of the street.
Commander	Command	Order	He ordered food for everybody.
Conducteur	Conductor	Driver	She told the driver to be careful on the roads.
Confection	Confection	Clothing industry	He works in the clothing industry.
Controle	Control	Check	Tickets are checked before boarding.
Deception	Deception	Disappointment	His failure was a big disappointment.
Decevoir	Deceive	Disappoint	The players were disappointed not to win.
Delai	Delay	Time limit/deadline	We were given a time limit. Friday is the deadline.
Envie	Envy	Want / feel like	I don't want to go/ I don't feel like going.
Eventuellement	Eventually	Possibly/perhaps/if need be	Perhaps/If need be I could send a fax.
Formidable	Formidable	Great/terrific	You did a terrific job!
Fortuné	Fortunate	Wealthy, well-off	The money was donated by a wealthy man.
Fournitures	Furniture	Supplies	Julie is responsible for office supplies.
Gentil	Gentle	Nice / kind	She's a nice person. Her remarks are always kind.
Grief (faire)	Grieve	Reproach	Amy reproached Tom for breaking his promise.
Habit	Habit	Clothes/ dress	The old man was wearing his Sunday clothes.
Ignorer	Ignore	Not pay attention take no notice know nothing	It's best not to pay attention to his behaviour. Take no notice of him! I know nothing about the incident.
Important	Important	Big / large	There was a big crowd waiting to see the Queen.