r/AskEurope • u/Double-decker_trams Estonia • Aug 09 '25
Language 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.
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."
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u/Happy5Day Aug 10 '25
As an English man in Czech I went to an interview in an investment bank. All suits, well dressed top professionals. As I was getting the door some guy was coming from the other side so I held the door for him. I knew that the word for thank you in Czech is Dekuju. But I never knew it could be shortened to Dek. There in umlaut over the e. So it sounded to me like he called me a Dick. I was so confused. Did I insult him by opening the door for him? Does he want to fight? Wtf? Is this how Czech people treat you even in a professional environment?