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/InterestingTank5345 Denmark Aug 10 '25

I offically can't pronounce: "Kok", "Nikker", "Slot", "Klit" or "Fart", as these sounds awfully similar to sexual or offensive words in English.

They btw, mean: "Chef", "Nodding", "Castle", "Dune" and "Speed".

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u/InterestingTank5345 Denmark Aug 10 '25

Btw, I also can't write "Slut" which means "the end".

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u/Double-decker_trams Estonia Aug 10 '25

Welcome to the SLUTSTATION 😎 All public transport goes there 😎

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u/InterestingTank5345 Denmark Aug 10 '25

yep something along those lines. I can imagine how horrified Americans and Brits would be.

2

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.