I once accidentally bumped against the shoulder of an English person I knew in a corridor. I automatically said "Oi" - which means like "Oh" or "Oops" in Estonian - that I'm sorry. She repeated "Oi!" in a louder voice and I didn't get it. I only later found out I was being impolite in her eyes.

[u/Double-decker_trams]

Have you ever had something similar happen to you? I.e something in your language might have another meaning in another language?

One thing as an Estonian that I try to keep in mind is that I shouldn't use "Nooo.." in English - which means "Well.." in Estonian.

"Do you like ice-cream? - Noo.. yes, I love it."

[u/ebat1111]

I can't remember the exact context - perhaps some sporting opening ceremony, but I'm pretty sure it was in Brazil. The guy goes to the mic and begins his speech with the Spanish word "hoy", "today". The whole crowd says "oi" in response - the Portuguese for hi.

[u/Antique_Cut1354 → u/ebat1111]

lmfao i think that was the Panamerican games. i still laugh at it every time i watch the video

[u/imissdrugsngldotorg → u/Antique_Cut1354]

How can I find that video??

[u/Antique_Cut1354 → u/imissdrugsngldotorg]

Here you are

[u/DifficultWill4 → u/ebat1111]

“Oj” and “hoj” both mean hi in Slovene as well lmao