Funny literal translations from around the world

Two friends reading a book together smiling
Reading time: 3 minutes

One of the fun things about learning a new language is discovering how different cultures describe everyday objects and concepts. Sometimes, these descriptions are so literal and imaginative that they bring a smile to our faces (and maybe a few confused looks). Here are some examples of words in other languages that, when translated literally, are probably not what you expected.

Funny literal translations from around the world
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

1. Schildpad (Dutch)

Literal translation: Shield Toad

Actual meaning: Turtle

The Dutch word for turtle is "schildpad," which translates to "shield toad." It’s a descriptive term that paints a vivid picture of a turtle carrying its protective shell like a knight’s shield, even if it amusingly refers to the turtle as a toad.

2. Kummerspeck (German)

Literal translation: Grief Bacon

Actual meaning: Excess weight gained from emotional overeating

The Germans have a knack for creating compound words that perfectly capture complex emotions. "Kummerspeck" is one such word, combining "Kummer" (grief) and "Speck" (bacon) to describe the extra pounds one might gain from comfort eating during tough times.

3. Pamplemousse (French)

Literal translation: Pompous Lemon

Actual meaning: Grapefruit

The French word for grapefruit is "pamplemousse," which sounds like "pompous lemon." While grapefruits are indeed larger than lemons, the term adds a humorous flair to this citrus fruit.

4. Sobremesa (Spanish)

Literal translation: Over table

Actual meaning: The time spent chatting and relaxing at the table after a meal

In Spain, meals are not just about eating; they are social events. "Sobremesa" refers to the time spent lingering at the table, enjoying conversation and company after the meal is finished.

5. Drachenfutter (German)

Literal translation: Dragon fodder

Actual meaning: A peace offering to a partner after a quarrel

Another gem from the German language, "Drachenfutter" combines "Drache" (dragon) and "Futter" (fodder) to describe a gift given to calm an angry partner.

6. L’esprit de l’escalier (French)

Literal translation: Staircase wit

Actual meaning: The perfect retort or comeback that one thinks of only after the moment has passed

The French phrase "l’esprit de l’escalier" describes the phenomenon of thinking of the perfect comeback too late. It’s a poetic way of expressing that frustrating moment when the right words come to you after the conversation has ended.

7. Utepils (Norwegian)

Literal translation: Outside beer

Actual meaning: The act of enjoying a beer outdoors

In Norway, "utepils" is the delightful experience of drinking beer outside, especially when the weather is nice. It’s a word that perfectly captures the simple joy of enjoying a cold beverage in the great outdoors.

8. Backpfeifengesicht (German)

Literal translation: A face that needs a slap

Actual meaning: A face that is begging to be slapped

9. Gattara (Italian)

Literal translation: Cat lady

Actual meaning: An old woman who takes care of stray cats

10. Desvelado (Spanish)

Literal translation: Unveiled

Actual meaning: Sleep-deprived

In Spanish, "desvelado" literally means "unveiled," but it’s used to describe someone who is sleep-deprived. It’s a poetic way of saying that someone’s lack of sleep has been revealed.

So, the next time you’re learning a new language, keep an eye out for these delightful gems—they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Does your own language have any similarly amusing or descriptive words? You might be surprised at what you discover.

Read our blog posts 'Words that can't be translated into English' and 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills'.

More blogs from app

  • A Parent reading to his two children from a book with all three of them laying on the floor

    How can teachers encourage parents to get kids reading at home?

    By Donatella Fitzgerald MBE

    “Sharing a story with your child is one of the most incredible things you can do for them.” – .

    Research shows that getting kids reading at home can increase their reading ability at school – and improve their overall well-being. Parents and guardians can make a big difference. But how can teachers encourage parents to get their children to read more at home? We explore some strategies you can use.

    Tell parents about the benefits

    Reading can give children a break from technology-centered activities. It can help them to relax and unwind; reading a book can make children laugh and feel happier! Through hearing stories, children are also exposed to a rich and broad vocabulary.

    “It is important for teachers to establish contact with parents as much as possible and give very clear guidelines on the benefits of reading, and how they can create a reading routine and help their children read at home,” says Kasia Janitz-De La Rue, Product Development Director at app.

    So, encourage parents to find time for a reading routine. Just before bedtime is a great time, as .

    Give parents practical ideas for reading strategies

    Encourage parents to read with and not to their child. It doesn’t matter how long they set aside to read – just 10 minutes of quality reading time can make a big difference.

    Here are a few tips concrete reading tips for teachers to share with parents:

    • Ask children lots of questions while reading.
    • Use encouragement and praise to keep children engaged. Saying things like “what fantastic ideas” or “you thought so carefully about that, what might happen now?"will keep their minds working.
    • Use their past experiences to talk about what’s being read. Things like “have you learnt about…at school?” or “do you remember when we watched…and found out about…?” are good conversation starters.
    • Tune in and listen to children, and be curious about their interests. “I didn’t know you knew so much about…” or “I love reading stories about…with you,” are good phrases to keep in mind.

    It’s also a great idea to share online resources with parents. You can also suggest that parents look up read-aloud YouTube videos featuring authors, teachers or librarians reading their favorite stories. This way, children can watch and listen as often as they like.

    Recommend graded readers

    Graded readers are books that use language in line with a child‘s learning level. They can help children build confidence, and help slowly expose them to authentic reading levels.

    Encourage parents to identify what genre their child is interested in and show them the readers available. Each time parents see their children move up a level, they’re sure to see their children’s love for reading grow.

    Suggest before, during, and after reading activities

    Before reading

    Parents can take turns with their children to predict what the story is about – or what will happen next. Here is an activity teachers may suggest they try:

    “Start with the cover of the book and the blurb on the back cover. Reveal the cover slowly to ask the child what they can see. Ask them to guess what is on the cover. Once they have seen the cover, ask them questions about the images on the cover – who, what, why, where and how?”

    While reading

    Remind parents to focus on their children’s reading comprehension by using strategies like prediction, questioning, clarifying, and summarising. Teachers can ask parents to:

    • check ideas and understanding as the child reads: ‘So, you think that….’ ‘Did you expect…to happen?’ ‘Why do you think that happened?’
    • use the pictures in the book to help with comprehension
    • describe what is happening and talk about the characters.

    After reading

    Don’t forget: parents can continue to explore the book’s topic once reading time is done! A few ideas to share with parents include:

    • organising a puppet show for family members and siblings after making puppets of the characters in the book
    • having children draw a picture of their favorite character or their favorite page in the story
    • encouraging children to express their opinion on the book.