One of the great things about learning French or English is that many words have the same roots in the Romance languages and English. However, there are also a great many faux amis, or false cognates, which look similar but have different meanings. This is one of the biggest pitfalls for students of French. There are also "semi-false cognates": words that can only sometimes be translated by the similar word in the other language.


This alphabetical list (newest additions) includes hundreds of French-English false cognates, with explanations of what each word means and how it can be correctly translated into the other language. To avoid confusion due to the fact that some of the words are identical in the two languages, the French word is followed by (F) and the English word is followed by (E).

Zeste (F) vs Zest (E)

   Zeste (F) refers to zest, the grated citrus fruit peel used in cooking. It can also be used ironically to mean a hint or touch of something: un zeste de folie - a hint of madness.
   Zest (E) can mean zeste, but more commonly indicates great enthusiasm - un entrain, un désir, un goût. Zest for life - un goût de vivre.

Zone (F) vs Zone (E)

   Zone (F) usually means a zone or an area. It can also refer to a slum.
   Zone (E) = une zone.

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