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Notre anniversaire - French Mistake

French mistakes analyzed and explained

By Laura K. Lawless, About.com

Mistakes will always be made in French, and now you can learn from them.

Wrong: C'est notre anniversaire

Right: C'est l'anniversaire de notre mariage

Explanation: The French word anniversaire is a semi-false cognate. It can mean "anniversary," but only if you qualify it: anniversaire de mariage (wedding anniversary), anniversaire de sa mort (anniversary of his/her death), etc. When you just say anniversaire, it refers to the anniversary of someone's birth -- a birthday.

Related lessons: False cognates | Special occasions
 

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