10 English Words That Mean Totally Different In Other Languages

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While learning a new language, you may bump into several words which mean totally different in English. This is one of the greatest as well as simplest joys a person comes across while learning a different language. Several times, two words from two different languages either look or sound similar, however, they both carry totally different meanings. Quite interesting! Isn’t it?

Let us come to know a few such words.

Gift

We all are well aware of this English word. However, in German a gift means poison. Surprisingly, in the Scandinavian language, it means both poison and marriage. However, these two meanings have evolved from the same root word – to give. So be aware when you use this word in Germany.

Crap

In Romanian, crap refers to carp which is a commonly eaten fish. Quite astonishingly, English has also a fish name known as crappie. Holy crap!

Brat

Brat is a common world of English language which is used both formally as well as informally. However, brat means ‘brother’ in Russian, Serbian, Croatian, and Polish. Next time you call your brother a brat, you will have the proper explanation for it.

Lol

Quite frequent as well as popular on the internet, texting and messaging, lol in Dutch means fun. What a connection!

Air

In Indonesian language, it refers to water. So, do you want a glass of chilled air?

Pet

In French, it means ‘fart’. So whenever you are in France, be careful about not revealing anyone that how much you love your pet!

Hammer

In German, it means ‘awesome’. Well, that’s awesome!

Ohio

If you say Ohio to a Japanese person, s/he will understand it ‘good morning’.

No

In Czech, Polish and some other Slavic languages, it may mean ‘yes’. So, yes or no, that is the question?

Sean Bean

The name of this popular Game of Thrones actor is something else in Irish language. Surprisingly the Irish world seanbhean means an old woman.

Conclusion – English and other languages are rich with several such words. We have many more such interesting facts about languages and translation as our experts are efficient in professional language translation services. Need any help in any type of translation? Contact us at 888-670-3369.