Learning a new language is an exciting journey filled with discoveries and challenges. One of the intriguing challenges that language learners often face is encountering “false friends” or “false cognates.” These are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have completely different meanings. For English speakers learning Hungarian, this can be particularly tricky due to the significant differences between the two languages. In this article, we will explore some common false friends in Hungarian and English to help you navigate through these linguistic pitfalls.
What Are False Friends?
False friends are words in two languages that appear to be similar but differ significantly in meaning. These words can easily mislead language learners into making errors in comprehension and communication. Understanding false friends is crucial for effective language learning, as it helps learners avoid misunderstandings and improves their overall fluency.
Why False Friends Exist
False friends often arise due to historical connections between languages, borrowing of terms, or sheer coincidence. In the case of Hungarian and English, the two languages belong to different language families (Finno-Ugric for Hungarian and Germanic for English), yet they have still developed some false friends over time. These false cognates can be especially confusing because they seem familiar, yet their meanings can lead you astray.
Common Hungarian-English False Friends
Below is a list of some common false friends that English speakers might encounter while learning Hungarian. We will look at the Hungarian word, its pronunciation, its meaning in Hungarian, and how it differs from the English word it resembles.
1. Actual (Hungarian: aktuális)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈɒktuɒliʃ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Current, up-to-date
– **English False Friend:** Actual, meaning real or factual
Explanation: In English, “actual” refers to something real or existing in fact. In Hungarian, “aktuális” means something that is current or up-to-date. For example, “aktuális hírek” means “current news,” not “actual news.”
2. Camera (Hungarian: kamera)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈkɒmɛrɒ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Video camera, camcorder
– **English False Friend:** Camera, meaning a device for taking photographs
Explanation: In English, a “camera” is a device used for taking photographs. In Hungarian, “kamera” specifically refers to a video camera or camcorder. If you want to talk about a photo camera in Hungarian, you would use “fényképezőgép.”
3. Eventual (Hungarian: esetleges)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈɛʃɛtlɛɡɛʃ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Possible, incidental
– **English False Friend:** Eventual, meaning something that will happen at some point in the future
Explanation: In English, “eventual” refers to something that will happen at some unspecified future time. In Hungarian, “esetleges” means something that is possible or incidental. For example, “esetleges problémák” means “possible problems,” not “eventual problems.”
4. Fabric (Hungarian: gyár)
– **Pronunciation:** [ɟaːr]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Factory
– **English False Friend:** Fabric, meaning cloth or material
Explanation: In English, “fabric” refers to cloth or material used for making clothes. In Hungarian, “gyár” means a factory or a place where goods are manufactured. The Hungarian word for fabric is “szövet.”
5. Sympathy (Hungarian: szimpátia)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈsimpaːtiɒ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Liking, fondness
– **English False Friend:** Sympathy, meaning feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune
Explanation: In English, “sympathy” refers to feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. In Hungarian, “szimpátia” means a liking or fondness for someone. For example, “Nagy szimpátiát érzek irántad” means “I feel a great liking for you,” not “I feel great sympathy for you.”
6. Agenda (Hungarian: napirend)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈnɒpirɛnd]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Schedule, order of the day
– **English False Friend:** Agenda, meaning a list of items to be discussed at a meeting
Explanation: In English, an “agenda” is a list of items to be discussed at a meeting. In Hungarian, “napirend” refers to a schedule or the order of the day. If you want to talk about an agenda in Hungarian, you would use “napirendi pontok.”
7. Patron (Hungarian: patrónus)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈpɒtroːnuʃ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Sponsor, protector
– **English False Friend:** Patron, meaning a regular customer
Explanation: In English, a “patron” is a regular customer of a store or business. In Hungarian, “patrónus” means a sponsor or protector. For example, “patrónusok támogatják a művészt” means “sponsors support the artist,” not “patrons support the artist.”
8. Sensible (Hungarian: érzékeny)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈeːrzeːkɛɲ]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Sensitive
– **English False Friend:** Sensible, meaning practical or reasonable
Explanation: In English, “sensible” means practical or reasonable. In Hungarian, “érzékeny” means sensitive or easily affected by emotions. For example, “érzékeny bőr” means “sensitive skin,” not “sensible skin.”
9. Library (Hungarian: könyvtár)
– **Pronunciation:** [ˈkøɲvtaːr]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Library
– **English False Friend:** Library, meaning a place where books are kept
Explanation: This is a tricky one because “library” and “könyvtár” actually mean the same thing—a place where books are kept. However, many English speakers mistakenly think “library” in Hungarian sounds like “bookstore.” The Hungarian word for bookstore is “könyvesbolt.”
10. Chef (Hungarian: séf)
– **Pronunciation:** [ʃeːf]
– **Hungarian Meaning:** Chef, head cook
– **English False Friend:** Chef, meaning a professional cook
Explanation: In both English and Hungarian, “chef” refers to a professional cook. However, English speakers often use “chef” to refer to the head cook in a kitchen, while in Hungarian, “séf” simply means a chef or cook. To specify the head cook, Hungarians might use “főszakács.”
Strategies to Avoid Confusion
Understanding and recognizing false friends is just the beginning. Here are some strategies to help you avoid confusion and use these words correctly:
1. Context is Key
Always pay attention to the context in which a word is used. The surrounding words and the overall meaning of the sentence can provide valuable clues about the correct interpretation of a false friend.
2. Use a Reliable Dictionary
Invest in a good Hungarian-English dictionary that provides detailed definitions and usage examples. Online dictionaries and language learning apps can also be very helpful.
3. Practice with Native Speakers
Engage in conversations with native Hungarian speakers to get a better feel for how words are used in everyday language. This practical experience can help reinforce your understanding and correct usage of false friends.
4. Create Flashcards
Make flashcards with the false friends you encounter, including their correct meanings and example sentences. Review these flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory.
5. Read and Listen to Authentic Materials
Expose yourself to authentic Hungarian materials such as books, newspapers, podcasts, and videos. This exposure will help you see how words are used in real-life contexts and reduce the likelihood of confusion.
Conclusion
Learning Hungarian as an English speaker can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of false friends that can lead to misunderstandings. By familiarizing yourself with these common false cognates and employing strategies to avoid confusion, you can enhance your language learning journey and communicate more effectively. Remember, language learning is a process, and with practice and perseverance, you can overcome these challenges and achieve fluency. Happy learning!
