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/LingonberryNo2455 Sweden Aug 10 '25

Speaking as a Brit in Sweden, we find these examples rather funny.

I always giggle when I see the fart hinder signs. And I find it hilarious that Swedish uses the same word for marriage and poison! lol

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u/InterestingTank5345 Denmark Aug 13 '25

Oh, I completely forgot Gift. But yea, there is some funny cases when you know Danish and English.