Cognates are useful while learning a new language, especially French. They are words in different languages that have the same origin or root. Therefore they are spelt similarly or precisely the same.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!But keep an eye out for phoney cognates! When you’re first learning French and trying to communicate with native speakers, it’s easy to get tripped up by words that don’t mean what you think they mean. To avoid using these words in the inappropriate context, look over the list below.
Attendre
The meaning appears that “to attend”. But, it actually means “to expect”.
How to say it: Participer
Chair
The meaning of this French word seems to be a chair. But, it actually means “flesh”
How to say Chair: Chaise
Demander
The word looks like it means “to demand”. However, it actually means “to request”.
Here’s how you can say “to demand” in French: Exigir.
Grave
The word looks like it means “grave”. However, it actually means “serious”.
How to say it: Tombe
Habit
The meaning appears that “habit”. But, it actually means “dress”.
How to say it: Habitude
Location
The meaning of this French word seems to be location. But, it actually means “Rental”
How to say Location: Emplacement
Pain
The word looks like it means “Pain”. However, it actually means “Bread”.
Here’s how you can say “pain” in French: La douleur
Prétendre
The word looks like it means “to pretend”. However, it actually means “to claim”.
How to say it: Faire semblant
Sale
The word looks like it means “Sale”. However, it actually means “Dirty”.
Here’s how you can say “Sale” in French: Vendre
Store
The meaning of this French word seems to be a store. But, it actually means “Awning”
How to say Store: Magasin
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