When learning a foreign language, it is sometimes challenging not to translate from our own language to the target language. However, translating word for word could potentially lead you into awkward situations.
Speaking to my students about being allergic to sulphites which are preservatives and hearing them say “préservatifs” which in French means condoms I decided to create a post on common mistakes to avoid awkward situations.
1) When saying: des préservatifs,
you think you are saying: preservatives but you’re really saying: condoms.
You should say: des conservateurs
2) When saying: la chatte (French people will immediately smile at you),
you think you are saying: the cat (female) but you’re really saying: the pussy.
You should say: le chat
3) When saying: Je suis chaud(e),
you think you are saying: I’m hot but you’re really saying: I’m horny.
You should say: J’ai chaud (read my post on expressions that are used with the verb To have while in English the verb To be is used)
4) When saying: Tu es bonne,
you think you are saying: you are good but you’re really saying: you are hot (very good looking).
You should say: Tu es doué(e) (you’re gifted).
5) When saying: Je suis plein(e),
you think you are saying: I’m full but you’re really saying: I’m drunk / I’m pregnant (as if you were an animal).
You should say: Je n’ai plus faim (I am not hungry anymore) or J’ai bien mangé.
6) When saying: baiser,
you think you are saying to kiss but it is a bit more complicated. When used a s a noun ‘un baiser’ means a kiss but when used as a verb it means to fuck.
7) When pronouncing: merci beaucoup = thanks a lot,
be careful not to pronounce it ‘beau cul’ which means nice ass.
I hope you had a good laugh and took notes to avoid any potentially awkward situations. 🙂