Liste alphabétique - Q

Qualifier vs Qualify

Qualifier means to describe or, in sports, to qualify.
Qualify can be translated by donner à qqun les compétences/diplômes/qualifications pour (faire) qqch. In the sense of limiting one's remarks, qualify = nuancer or mettre des réserves à.

Qualité vs Quality

Qualité is a semi-false cognate. It means both quality (e.g., of a product) and capacity or position: en sa qualité de maire - in his capacity as mayor.
Quality refers to the characteristics of things or people: the quality of life - la qualité de la vie.

Quête vs Quest

Quête is a semi-false cognate. The main sense is a collection, but it can also be used to refer to something like the quest for the holy grail or a pursuit of the absolute.
Quest can also be used for less noble pursuits: quest for a job - à la recherche d'un emploi.

Quille vs Quill

Quille refers to a skittle, one of the pins used in the British game of ninepins, as well as to the game itself. Quille also means keel, as in the keel of a boat.
Quill is the shaft of a feather tuyau de plume, a large wing or tail feather penne, and the sharp spine found on porcupines piquant.

Quitter vs Quit

Quitter is a semi-false cognate: it means both to leave and to quit (ie, leave something for good).
Quit often means to leave something for good and is translated by quitter. When it means to quit (stop) doing something, it is translated by arrêter de: I need to quit smoking - Je dois arrêter de fumer.