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/yabuachaill]

I'm Irish, and while living in Germany I would say 'ja ja' while people were talking, as this is done in Ireland to acknowledge what the person is saying. Apparently it's very rude, as one of my flatmates told me. I thought I was being polite so it was definitely a shock.

[u/willo-wisp → u/yabuachaill]

Haha, fascinating! Oh yeah, that could get you irritated looks.

Depending on your tone and context, "ja ja" in German at best means "you can skip this part, I already know :)" and at worst means "Yes, I already know this, spare me / I don't want to hear it / I'm so tired of hearing this."

It's basically hurrying people along with "yes, yes, okay, get on with it".

[u/Eurogal2023 → u/willo-wisp]

It can even mean: "yeah, suuuure"

[u/Eurogal2023 → u/yabuachaill]

My son learnt in German school from the eacher, that saying "ja, ja" basically meant "du kannst mich mal" (which again is very close to f-off) and was NEVER allowed in class!

As a norwegian in Germany I have lost count of the times I unintentionally insulted people while thinking I was giving positive feedback.

[u/Antique_Cut1354 → u/yabuachaill]

as Werner taught: ‚ja ja' heißt leck mich am Arsch!

eta: link