Pimsleur Approach: 8 Most Frightening Foreign Language Faux Pas

8. Most Frightening Foreign Language Faux Pas Mistakes are inevitable when speaking a foreign language. You mean to say one thing, but something similar-only more inappro- priate and far more embarrassing, of course-pops out instead. To avoid creating an international incident (or at least getting slapped), watch out for these commonly confused words while on the go in foreign lands. It'll be our little secret. JAPANESE Watashi wa Nippon no OTERA o mite mitai. Translation: "I would like to see a Japanese temple." Watashi wa Nippon OTEARAI O mite mitai. Translation: "I would like to see a Japanese toilet." Just because youʻve prayed to the porcelain gods in America, doesn't mean you need to repeat that experience in Japan. Watch your words to keep your eyes on Japan's breathtaking shrines and monasteries; you have toilets back home. SPANISH Su novio es un CABALLERO muy guapo! Translation: "Your boyfriend is a very handsome gentleman!" Su novio es un CABALLO muy guapo! Translation: "Your boyfriend is a very handsome horse!" Making new friends in a foreign country is hard enough without insulting your acquaintance's boyfriend. Suffer a lazy tongue, and you may find yourself both friendless AND slapped. RUSSIAN 15 T0 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 31 21 22 29 24 Mne SOROK let Translation: "I am fourty years old." Mne DURAK let. Translation: "I am an idiot." Literally, it says, "To me idiot years" so the first interpretation would be pretty much implied. Keep it to yourself! The point of going to a new country is so people DON'T know you're an idiot. You're not supposed to tell them! FRENCH DO NOT DISTURB Je vais vous rencontrer à L'HÔTEL. Translation: "I will meet you gt the hotel." Je vais vous rencontrer à L'AUTEL. Translation: "I will meet you at the altar." When that guy you were club-hopping and getting steamy with sud- denly runs away? It wasn't your breath. GERMAN Wo erfahre ich die Geschichte der KAISER von Deutschland? Translation: "Where can I learn the history of the Emperors of Germany?" Wo erfahre ich die Geschichte der KÄSE von Deutschland? Translation: "Where can I learn the history of the cheeses of Germany?" Actually, this slip may not be so bad. We're pretty sure cheese brings all countries together! CZECH Na Zdravi! Translation: "To your health!" Nádražíl Translation: "Train Station!" Enough said. This is a good way to become known as the WORST toast giver. Ever. SPANISH Felipe está CASADO con Ana. Translation: "Philip is married to Ana." Felipe está CAŃSADO de Ana. Translation: "Philip is tired of Ana." Sure, he probably is. But is it your place to say anything? Avoid get- ting slapped by not falling victim to this common pronunciation mix-up. GERMAN Karl ISST gehackte Leber. Translation: "Karl eats chopped liver." Karl IST gehackte Leber. Translation: "Karl is chopped liver." Poor Karl... Pimsleur Approach www.PimsleurApproach.com