As February draws to a close, are you savouring every last moment of winter’s quiet before spring arrives, or are you eager to dive into your French learning goals with renewed energy? While many people wait for January to make resolutions, I’ve always felt that this time of year is perfect for building momentum. The year is settling in, and we have the chance to refocus and recommit to our goals with clarity and intention! 🌱
So, what about you?
Quels sont vos buts pour les mois à venir ?
Speaking of goals, let’s talk about the word “but” in French!
Did you know that un but does NOT mean “bottom,” nor is it the “but” in “no ifs nor buts”? In French, un but means a goal. It can refer to a physical goal in sports (like the net in football) or a more abstract goal that you aim to achieve in life. ⚽
And here’s a fun twist. The French also use the English-sounding word “le goal” but not to mean “goal.” Instead, it refers to the goalkeeper (the person who defends the goal)! A little linguistic trap to keep us on our toes!
While pondering the words but and goal, I was reminded of several other false friends (words that look familiar but have different meanings from what we might expect).
Would you like to learn my current top 11 favourite falsies?
D’accord ! On y va…
1. rude = rough, tough, or harsh NOT “rude,” which is impoli.e.
2. hurler = To yell or to shout NOT “to hurl,” which is lancer (throw) or vomir (to be sick).
3. un store = an awning or a blind NOT a “store,” which is un grand magasin.
4. un talon = a heel NOT talons, which are les griffes.
5. la rente = income or allowance NOT “rent,” which is le loyer.
6. un préservatif = a condom NOT “a preservative,” which is un conservateur.
7. une verge = a penis (!) NOT “a verge,” which is un bas-côté (I always wonder what French motorists must think when they see UK road signs warning of “Soft Verges”! 🤣).
8. le lard = bacon NOT “lard,” which is le saindoux.
9. un trombone = a paperclip (as well as the musical instrument, a trombone).
10. une bride = a bridle (for a horse) NOT “a bride,” which is une mariée.
11. une bombe = while this can mean “a bomb,” it also means an aerosol spray (en bombe = in an aerosol) and a riding hat! “Faire la bombe” doesn’t mean to blow something up, it means to have a wild time! 🎉
Do you have any favourite false friends? I’d love to hear them! Equally, I’d love to know your French learning goals for the coming months. I read every comment and message I receive!
Je vous souhaite une belle fin de février et un magnifique début de printemps ! 🌸
Frannie x
Translation notes:
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Quels sont vos buts pour les mois à venir ? = What are your goals for the coming months?
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D’accord, on y va… = OK, let’s go!
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