What’s the difference between “Brillant” in French and “Brilliant” in English?

We often say “Brilliant” in English and then transfer over to French and say the same word.  

But it’s a bit of a false friend and if you’re close to saying “shiny” then it can get a little bit confusing. 

So, I have created you a mini-series of false friends to master. 

This time we cover Brillant, Car, Doubler Raper and Cave - are you using them correctly?

Make your learning easier and discover:

• Brillant, Car, Doubler Raper and Cave - are you using them correctly?

• Clear explanations of how these words are so different in each language.

• Some great examples to help you remember them.

The difference between ‘Brilliant’ & ‘Brillant’

It looks very but very similar. Still, one letter makes the difference! It’s the definition of a false friend. The meaning of both words varies a lot:

• génial, super >>> brilliant
• brillant  >>> bright, shiny

Let’s have a look at full sentences:

• Génial ! Ce diamant est parfait ! >>> Brilliant! This diamond is perfect!

• Ce diamant est si brillant qu’il illuminait toute la pièce. >>> The diamond was so shiny that it lit up the entire room!

Oui! They are related to a means of transport. But non! They are not the same:

• voiture >>> car
• car  >>> coach

Let’s see how they work:

• Cette voiture est électrique. >>> This car is electric.

• Ce car va à Paris chaque samedi. >>> This coach goes to Paris every Saturday.

They are verbs but they apply in a different context:

• doubler >>> to overtake
• doubler  >>> to double

Let me show you some examples:

• Prendre ce raccourci pourrait doubler les risques de se perdre. >>> Taking this shortcut could double the odds of getting lost. 
• Il a doublé la voiture devant lui sur l'autoroute. >>> He overtook the car in front of him on the highway.

Be very cautious with the following pair because you can end up in an awkward position:

• violer >>> to rape
• râper  >>> to grate

Some illustrations to understand:

• Cette personne est accusée de viol. >>> This person is accused of rape.

• Ce fromage est mieux râpé. >>> This cheese is best grated.

The exact same spelling. Yet, they do not mean the same at all!

• Une caverne >>> a cave
• Une cave >>> a wine-cellar

Here is how to use them:

• La caverne est super belle avec ses stalactites. >>> This cave is so lovely with its stalactites.

• C’est la meilleur cave de cette région. >>> It’s the best wine-cellar in the region.

Tips to learn false friends in French.

To start with, choose one thing at a time and master it. Once you do, you can add more to your list.

Then, say it aloud to memorise it.

The word is not enough. Indeed, if you put it into context with your own example it will facilitate.

Then, you want to practice as much as possible or you will forget it.

In a nutshell, there is no need to learn a lot. You would better apply your learning in order to speak French simultaneously with confidence. 

In this mini-lesson, you have covered the following false-friends:

• génial, super >>> brilliant vs brillant  >>> bright, shiny
• voiture >>> car vs car  >>> coach
• violer >>> to rape vs râper  >>> to grate
• Une caverne >>> a cave vs une cave >>> a wine-cellar

Are you interested in learning more about false-friends? You may be interested in this mini-lesson:

The difference between ‘Actuellement’ & ‘En fait’ and more false friends 

Do you know other false friends?