The French words you can't translate literally
The Local France - [email protected]
Published: 28 Aug, 2014 CET.
Updated: Thu 28 Aug 2014 11:48 CET
The French language has a plethora of words that if you translated literally into English could cause a fair bit of confusion and hilarity for language learners. From "throat support" to "mouth fun", we've picked out some of the best. Let us know of any more.
When trying to translate a word into another language from English, in an act of desperation, we often go for the literal translation if we don't know the real word.
Often it doesn't work. For example, if an American in Paris asked for directions to a "drug store" using "magasin des drogues" they'd either get a stern "Non!" or end up in a shady part of town.
And it works both ways.
A French person may scream in pain after stubbing their "toe finger".
French contains a vast array of words that just can't be directly translated into English. We've gathered together some of the best for your amusement.
French words you shouldn't translate literally
by Léa Surugue
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When trying to translate a word into another language from English, in an act of desperation, we often go for the literal translation if we don't know the real word.
Often it doesn't work. For example, if an American in Paris asked for directions to a "drug store" using "magasin des drogues" they'd either get a stern "Non!" or end up in a shady part of town.
And it works both ways.
A French person may scream in pain after stubbing their "toe finger".
French contains a vast array of words that just can't be directly translated into English. We've gathered together some of the best for your amusement.
French words you shouldn't translate literally
by Léa Surugue
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