préservatif

condom

noun preh-zair-vah-TEEF Rare

Usage Note

Préservatif is a major false friend: it means 'condom', not 'preservative' — the food preservative is un conservateur. This is one of the most notorious traps for English speakers in French. The word comes from préserver ('to protect') and is the standard, neutral medical and everyday term.

Examples

"Il est important d'utiliser un préservatif."

Natural Translation

It is important to use a condom.

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