The French adverb actuellement is a confusing faux ami (false cognate) that means currently, at the moment and presently. The French expression for the English word “actually” is en fait.
actuellement
currently, at the moment and presently
Pronunciation [ak-tɥ-ɛl-mɑ̃]
Example sentences
For this first example, both à la retraite and retraité mean retired in French.
Je suis actuellement sur la Côte d’Azur et je suis à la retraite !
I’m currently on the French Riviera and I’m retired!
The adjective actuel (actuelle in the feminine form) translates to “current” or “present”.
Je vous dis que vous ne comprennez pas le problème actuel !
I’m telling you that you don’t understand the current issue!
Another way to say now, currently or these days in French is en ce moment. “Tu fais quoi ?” is an informal way of saying “Qu’est-ce que tu fais ?” (What are you doing?)
Ça fait longtemps ! Tu fais quoi en ce moment ?
It’s been a while! What are you doing now?
“Actually” in English is en fait in French. This sentence uses the verb marcher (to walk, to work, to function) in the futur simple tense.
En fait, je suis sûr que ton idée marchera!
Actually, I’m sure your idea will work!
More false cognates
- La librairie – bookstore
- Sensible – sensitive
- Préservatif – condom
- L’occasion – opportunity, chance
- La location – rental
- Bosser – to work hard
French Word of the Day Archive | Lessons by David Issokson
