If you give someone a ‘gift’ or offer your loved one a ‘kiss’ in the UK, you will likely be met with a warm smile. However, if you travel overseas, those same words might not be received with the same enthusiasm. Many everyday English words and phrases have entirely different meanings in other languages, potentially leading to awkward situations.
Words That Change Meaning Abroad
Language experts at Preply explain that words frequently lose their meaning when translated or acquire completely different meanings in another language, sometimes in hilarious ways. To help you avoid putting your foot in it, here are seven English words to be cautious about using abroad.
Gift
In English, giving a ‘gift’ is a positive gesture. However, in Germany, the word ‘Gift’ means ‘poison’, directly translating to toxin and venom. So, offering a gift in Germany might not be well received.
Mist
While ‘mist’ in English evokes images of dewy grass and gloomy weather, in German, ‘Mist’ refers to ‘dung’, ‘manure’, or rubbish in general. If you hate misty weather, perhaps this translation is fitting.
Kiss
The English word ‘kiss’ sounds very similar to the Swedish word ‘kissa’ (pronounced ‘kiss-uh’), which means ‘urine’. If you want to give someone an actual kiss in Swedish, you should use the word ‘puss’ instead.
Preservative
In English, ‘preservatives’ refer to food additives. But in France, the word ‘préservatif’ means ‘condom’. So, be careful when discussing food ingredients in French.
Pay Day
While ‘pay day’ is a celebratory term in English, your pronunciation could be confused with the Portuguese verb ‘peidei’, which means ‘I farted’. You definitely do not want to declare that to anyone.
Cookie
Although originally American, Brits commonly use ‘cookie’ for biscuits. However, in Hungary, it sounds like the Hungarian word ‘kuki’, meaning ‘small penis’. Offering a cookie in Hungary might get you concerned looks.
Salsa
The delicious dip ‘salsa’ is popular with tortilla chips, but in Korea, the word is alarmingly similar to ‘seolsa’, which means ‘diarrhoea’. So, avoid asking for salsa in Korea.
These examples highlight the importance of understanding local language nuances when traveling. Being aware of these differences can prevent embarrassing moments and ensure smooth communication.
