Holidays, business trips and false friends. Whenever you travel, whether on holiday or on a business trip, the classic language mix-ups tend to come along too.
Here are three false friends I come across all the time in my work, even with professionals whose English is excellent:
- Actually ≠ attualmente. Actually means “in reality” or “in fact”. If you mean attualmente, use currently.
- Eventually ≠ eventualmente. Eventually means “in the end” or “sooner or later”. For eventualmente, use possibly, if necessary or if appropriate.
- Sensible ≠ sensibile. Sensible means “reasonable” or “level-headed”. If you mean sensibile, the word you want is sensitive.
Small details? In a work email or a negotiation, they can change the whole meaning of your message.
Which false friend trips you up most often? If you’d like to work on your professional English, get in touch.