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.
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Literal translation: Shield ToadÌý
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.
Literal translation: Grief BaconÌý
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.
Literal translation: Pompous LemonÌý
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.
Literal translation: Over tableÌý
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.
Literal translation: Dragon fodderÌý
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.
Literal translation: Staircase witÌý
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.
Literal translation: Outside beerÌý
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.
Literal translation: A face that needs a slapÌý
Actual meaning: A face that is begging to be slapped
Literal translation: Cat ladyÌý
Actual meaning: An old woman who takes care of stray cats
Literal translation: UnveiledÌý
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'.
Have you considered studying abroad? Moving to Canada to study? With more than 100 world-class universities across the country, there’s good reason to. From coast to coast to coast, it offers many international students a safe and supportive learning environment and the opportunity to work after graduation.
Want to learn more? In this guide, we cover ten things you should know about studying in Canada:
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Language skills have become increasingly important in the workplace as the world becomes more globalized and connected. Having the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is very valuable, and with English being a leading lingua franca for businesses across the world, language skills sit at the heart of business success.
Here we highlight four top reasons why language skills are so valuable in the workplace.
Effective communication is the number one soft skill that employers look for, . Having strong language skills enables better communication with clients and colleagues, and also helps to work effectively with people from different cultures. It builds solid relationships and reduces frustration where customers or colleagues may otherwise feel that they are not understood or listened to.
Having different languages on your CV can really help to stand out among other candidates. For some industries it is essential, such as tourism, where it is necessary to serve clients from different countries, and this is also true where companies serve clients in international markets.
Where businesses are increasingly moving to hybrid working practices that can include teams spread across different countries and timezones, it is also becoming more of an expectation and advantage to be able to connect through a central language, such as English.
Furthermore, having English language skills can provide employees with better networking opportunities, in particular through conferences, trade shows and social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
Learning a new language can be a very enriching experience that enhances personal growth and skills development. Language learning doesn't just impact communication skills; it's also been noted that learning a language helps the brain process and remember information more efficiently[1], as well as developing new cognitive and problem-solving skills.
Learning a new language requires discipline, dedication, and patience, which are qualities that can be applied to other areas of work and life.
To summarise, language skills are highly valuable in the workplace and can open up new career opportunities for employees, as well as adding tangible benefits to businesses. Investing in language skills can increase an employee's value, and this can help them succeed in today's ever-evolving work landscape.
Students who are actively involved in deciding what and how they learn are typically more engaged and motivated.
That’s not surprising, because independent learners are extremely focused on their personal learning objectives.
, independent learning is “a process, a method and a philosophy of education whereby a learner acquires knowledge by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for inquiry and critical evaluation."
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