This post is an attempt to answer —and update— a question I have been asked on countless occasions, namely, Which are the highest paid specialties in the translation and interpreting professions? Without further ado, let’s cut to the chase:
First of all, it goes without saying that it is essential for a translator to be highly trained in a given field of specialization; and it is highly recommended to train constantly and keep up with updates within such field. Agencies and end clients highly value this trait. Once the translator is feeling confident, it is advisable to start with small translations and from the very beginning get into the habit of creating translation memories (preferably, sorted by companies or clients).
Returning to the issue at hand, although much depends on the type of end clients or agencies —and the country where they are located—, the most interesting specialties concerning fees include:
– Pharmaceutical Translation: With rates around €0.10, €0.12 or €0.15 /word (approx. $0.18 or £0.14). The interpreters at medical conferences enjoy very good fees, but it is a quite difficult area to access.
Pharmaceutical translation
– Financial Translation: A senior “in-house” translator working in a large company (e.g., an accounting or asset management agency in Spain), can reach €40,000 (around $50.100 or £38000). If the company is located in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany or the UK, it is not unusual to find that a financial translator’s payroll could reach €80,000 gross (around $100,200 or £75,400). A freelance translator, if working with good agencies or end clients could reach around €50,000 annual gross (around $63,000 or £47,400). There are very interesting “sub-specialties” – for example: translating asset management or financial software – with rates that can reach €0.20 ($0.25 or £0.19) /word
–Interpretation in Foreign Trade: In general fees are high, especially if it involves unusual languages. It all depends on what is considered unusual regarding a given location, for example in Spain a Russian translator of my acquaintance specialized in this area may charge up to €100 (around $125 or £95) / hour.
–Software Localization: It is more like a skill, rather than a specialization. It is a skill concerning ICT that every translator can attain. There is no lack of work within the powerful software and video game industry, and a translator on the payroll can earn around 30,000/40,000€ ($40,000 or £35,000) a year.
Sotware localization
– Sworn translation: Much depends on the language combination and if the source language is legal, notarial or of academic relevance within the country. But the added value provided by the sworn translator is indisputable, who can charge up to €0.20 ($0.25 or £0.19) /word.
– Legal translations: The standard rate for certified translations for Federally Certified Court Interpreter and Expert Witness based in the Southern District of New York is $0.25-$0.27 (£0.19-£0.20 or 0.21€) per word. (Thanks Walter!).
Sworn translations
– Engineering translations: On one hand it requires a high degree of specialization, on the other hand rates are by no means negligible. Depending on the language pairs, rates can range from 0,12€ to 0,18€/word (around $0.14 or 0.10£-$0.22 or £0.19). There are many specializations within this category, such as aerospace, civil, industrial engineering, robotics…
The rates and fees depend largely on the nature of a company and the country where it is located, but with this post I am trying to highlight some of the highest paid translation specializations. Lastly, this post is open to your contributions. If you want to share your experiences, please do not hesitate to leave a message.
Idioms, Sayings and Colloquialisms in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese…
Here is an extensive list of illustrated idioms, sayings and colloquialisms and its equivalents in other languages. Please note that I have often added the word by word translation in parentheses just after the idiom/saying/colloquialism version in other languages so that the reader can get a picture of its deep, symbolic or allegorical meaning. If you want to contribute with other languages, make amendments or comments about nuances, you are very welcome.
This post will be periodically updated with new multilingual idioms, sayings, colloquialisms and awesome illustrations!
Idioms
They are truly ubiquitous in almost any language, but if we translate them literally, idioms often lose their meaning. That’s why adaptation is part and parcel of the translation process. An idiom is a group of words or a set expression that have a figurative meaning, and not a literal one. Maybe it looks like a tough nut to crack, or what you are reading is Greek to you but, believe me, it’s not rocket science. 🙂
Like two peas in a pod in many languages
Like two peas in a pod in other languages:
Like two peas in a pod in Spanish: Como dos gotas de agua (like two water droplets). Like two peas in a pod in French: Comme deux gouttes d’eau (like two water droplets). Like two peas in a pod in German: Sich gleichen wie ein ei dem anderen (they are so similar as one egg to another)
Like two peas in a pod in Italian: Come due gocce d’acqua (literally, like two water droplets). Like two peas in a pod in Portuguese: Como duas gotas de água (literally, like two water droplets). Like two peas in a pod in Finnish: Finnish: kuin kaksi marjaa (literally, Like two berries). Like two peas in a pod in Romanian: ca două picături de apă (literally, like two water droplets). Like two peas in a pod in Swedish: vara lika som bär. Like two peas in a pod in Catalan: com dues gotes d’aigua (literally, like two water droplets) pastats (pasted) Like two peas in a pod in Waloon: rishonner come deus gotes d’ aiwe (literally, like two water droplets).
It’s not rocket science in many languages
It’s not rocket science in other languages::
It’s not rocket science in Spanish: no hay que ser una lumbrera / genio. It’s not rocket science in French: ce n’est pas sorcier. (literally, this is not witchcraft) It’s not rocket science in Italian: non è niente di trascendentale. It’s not rocket science in German: Das ist nicht so kompliziert (literally, that is not so complicated); Das ist keine Hexerei (literally, this is not witchcraft); Das ist keine Diplomarbeit! (this is not a Diploma Thesis) It’s not rocket science in Portuguese: não é um bicho de sete cabeças (literally, it’s not a seven-headed creature)
A tough nut to crack in many languages
A tough nit to crack in other languages:
The detainee is a hard nut to crack. He hasn’t confessed anything during the interrogation.
A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in Spanish: un hueso duro de roer (a hard bone to gnaw). A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in French: Dur à cuire (hard to cook) This is a hard nut to crack in German: Das ist ein dicker (That’s a fat one)/ harter Brocken (hard chunks). A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in Italian: un osso duro (a hard bone ). This is a hard nut to crack in Portuguese: um osso duro de roer (a hard bone to gnaw). A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in Mandarin Chinese: 难以攻克的困难 (Difficult to overcome) A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in Danish: en hård nød at knække (a hard need to crack) A hard nut to crack (fig. problem, person) in Catalan: un os dur de rossegar (a hard bone to gnaw).
(to) clutch at straws in many languages
Alternative form: grasp at straws
A drowning man will clutch at straws.
(to) clutch at straws in other languages:
(to) clutch at straws in Spanish: Agarrarse a un clavo ardiendo (to clutch at a burning nail). (to) clutch at straws in French: Se raccrocher aux branches (to cling to the branches). (to) clutch at straws in German: Nach Strohhalmen greifen (to clutch at straws) also Sich an einen Strohhalm klammern (clutch at straws). (to) clutch at straws in Italian: Crearsi delle illusioni (to make up hopes) Similar to “A drowning man will clutch at straws” in Portuguese: quem não tem cão, caça com gato (Who does not have dog, hunts with a cat). (to) clutch at straws in Catalan: Agafar-se a la taula de salvació (clutching at a salvation board). (to) clutch at straws in Basque: iltze goriari heldu (to the nail polished).
(to) hit the nail on the head in many languages
(to) hit the nail on the head in other languages:
(to) hit the nail on the head in Chinese: Mandarin: 一針見血 (zh), 一针见血 (zh) (yīzhēnjiànxiě) (draw blood on the first prick) (to) hit the nail on the head in Catalan: Justa la fusta (just to the whip); clavar-la (to nail it). (to) hit the nail on the head in Czech: uhodit hřebíček na hlavičku, udeřit hřebíček na hlavičku (to hit the cloves on the head, to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Danish: ramme hovedet på sømmet (to hit the head on the seam). (to) hit the nail on the head in Dutch: de spijker op de kop slaan (to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Finnish: osua naulan kantaan (to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in French: faire mouche (literally, to do the fly). (to) hit the nail on the head in German: den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen ((to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Hungarian: fején találja a szöget (hu) (to) hit the nail on the head in Icelandic: hitta naglann á höfuðið, eiga kollgátuna, hitta í mark, koma orðum að kjarna máls, tilgreina kjarna máls (to) hit the nail on the head in Italian: colpire nel segno (to hit the mark). (to) hit the nail on the head in Lithuanian: durti kaip pirštu į akį (prick as finger in the eye) (to) hit the nail on the head in Polish: trafić w sedno (to hit the nail) (to) hit the nail on the head in Portuguese: acertar em cheio (literally, to fully hit). (to) hit the nail on the head in Russian: попа́сть не в бровь а в глаз (popástʹ ne v brovʹ a v glaz) (hit not the brow but the eye), попа́сть в то́чку (popástʹ v tóčku) (hit the spot) (to) hit the nail on the head in Spanish: dar en el blanco (to hit the bullseye), dar en el clavo (to hit the nail); clavarlo (to nail it) (to) hit the nail on the head in Swedish: slå huvudet på spiken (to turn your head on the nail). (to) hit the nail on the head in Basque: bete-betean asmatu (fully invented), erdiz erdi asmatu (half invented)
Old wine in new bottles in other languages
Alternative forms and equivalents: Old wine in a new bottle; the same old same old; the same old stuff; another day, another dollar; same shite different night.
It is a reference to the parable of Jesus of New Wine into Old Wineskins, Matthew 9:14–17, Mark 2:21–22, and Luke 5:33–39.
They hoped that the new president would not be old wine in a new bottle, but that he would fulfil the aspirations of the working class.
Old wine in new bottles in other languages::
Old wine in new bottles in Spanish: El mismo perro con diferente collar (the same dog with different collar). Old wine in new bottles in French: Bonnet blanc, blanc bonnet (white bonnet, bonnet white). Old wine in new bottles in German: Neuer Wein in alten Flaschen. Old wine in new bottles in Italian: (Translation needed) Old wine in new bottles in Portuguese: (Translation needed) Old wine in new bottles in Persian: رایه ایده ای کهنه در لباسی نو (An old idea in a new dress). Old wine in new bottles in Finnish: Vanhaa viiniä uudessa pulloss (old wine in a new pulloss) Old wine in new bottles in Catalan: de moliner mudaràs i de lladre no t’escaparàs (you will change to miller and won’t escape from thief).
(to) Split hairs in many languages
She always has to split hairs, doesn’t she?
(to) split hairs in other languages::
(to) split hairs in Spanish: buscar tres pies al gato (literally, try to find three feet in the cat); rizar el rizo (literally, to curl the curl) (to) split hairs in French: chercher midi à quatorze heures. (lterally, look for noon to fourteen o’clock). (to) split hairs in German: haarspalterei (literally, hair splitting). (to) split hairs in Italian: spaccare il capello in quattro (literally, split the hair into four) , cercare il pelo nell’uovo (literally, look for the hair in the egg). (to) split hairs in Portuguese: discutir detalhezinhos, fazer distinções miúdas (literally, discuss small details, make small distinctions). (to) split hairs in Finnish: hiusten halkominen (literally, hair splitting). (to) split hairs in Catalan: buscar tres peus al gat (literally, try to find three feet in the cat). (to) split hairs in Basque: izurra izurtu (literally, to plunge the pestle).
Not for all the tea in China in many languages
(like) water off a duck’s back in many languages
Listen to me: just ignore these slanders, like water off a duck’s back.
Like water off a duck’s back in other languages::
Like water off a duck’s back in Spanish: como quien oye llover Like water off a duck’s back in French: comme l’eau sur le dos d’un canard Like water off a duck’s back in German: alles an ihm ab Like water off a duck’s back in Italian: è come parlare al muro Like water off a duck’s back in Portuguese: entrar por um ouvido e sair pelo outro Like water off a duck’s back in Catalan: com si sentís ploure Like water off a duck’s back in Polish: jak po kaczce Like water off a duck’s back in Czech: jedním uchem tam, druhým ven Like water off a duck’s back in Russian: как с гу́ся вода́ Like water off a duck’s back in Swedish: som vatten på en gås
(to) lose one’s train of thought in many languages
Sorry… what was I saying? I lost my train of thought.
(to) lose one’s train of thought in other languages:
(to) lose one’s train of thought in Spanish: irse el santo al cielo; perder el hilo (to) lose one’s train of thought in French: Perdre le fil de sa pensée (to) lose one’s train of thought in German: den Faden verlieren; aus dem Konzept geraten (to) lose one’s train of thought in Italian: perdere perduto ilfilo del discorso. (to) lose one’s train of thought in Portuguese: perder a linha de pensamento / raciocínio (to) lose one’s train of thought in Catalan: anar-se’n el sant al cel. (to) lose one’s train of thought in Basque: ahaztu, ahantzi; adia/arreta galdu
Gift of tongues in many languages
Alternative form: gift for languages
Mary’s got a gift for languages / gift of tongues. She can speak English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch and Corsican.
Gift of tongues in other languages:
Gift for languages in Spanish: don de lenguas. Gift for languages in French: don de langues. Gift for languages in German: Sprachbegabung. Gift for languages in Italian: dono delle lingue. Gift for languages in Portuguese: dom das línguas. Gift for languages in Catalan: do de llengües.
It’s a small world! in many languages
You know my cousin!? Well, it’s a small world, isn’t it?
It’s a small world in other languages:
It’s a small world in Finnish: maailma on pieni It’s a small world in French: le monde est petit (fr) It’s a small world in German: die ganze Welt ist ein Dorf, wie klein die Welt doch ist, unsere Welt ist ja so klein It’s a small world in Hungarian: kicsi a világ It’s a small world in Italian: il mondo è piccolo, com’è piccolo il mondo, come è piccolo il mondo It’s a small world in Japanese: 世間は広い様で狭い (せけんはひろいようでせまい, seken wa hiroi yō de semai), 世界は狭い (せかいはせまい, sekai wa semai), 世間は狭い (せけんはせまい, seken wa semai) It’s a small world in Polish: jaki ten świat mały It’s a small world in Russian: мир те́сен (mir tésen) It’s a small world in Spanish: el mundo es un pañuelo It’s a small world in Swedish: världen är liten It’s a small world in Catalan: el món és un mocador (ca)
A cock-and-bull story in many languages
He gave us some cock-and-bull story about having to be in a meeting.
A cock-and-bull story in other languages:
Cock-and-bull story in Spanish: un cuento chino (literally, a Chinese story) Cock-and-bull story in French: une histoire à dormir debout (literally, a story to sleep standing up) Cock-and-bull story in German: Lügengeschichte (literally, pack of lies) Cock-and-bull story in Italian: frottola (literally, fib) Cock-and-bull story in Portuguese: história para boi dormir (literally, a story to sleep ox) Cock-and-bull story in Catalan: un sopar de duro (literally, a 5 cents coin story) Cock-and-bull story in Basque: (col.) gezur (huts) (literally, lie)
As nutty as a fruitcake in many languages
It’s all Greek to me in many languages
I don’t understand a bloody word. It’s all Greek to me!
Alternative form in English: It’s double Dutch.
Here is a list of expressions meaning the same in many languages. Chinese seems to be the number one choice when it comes to define an unintelligible language or handwriting. Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and Turkish are coming behind… I have pinpointed those languages that appear in some other language’s expressions with an arrow (►). The Serbian and Croatian cases strike me as the most funny, they literally mean: “These are to me a Spanish village” and “These are to me the Spanish countryside”.
It’s all Greek to me in Albanian: Mos fol kinezce. ( Do not speak Chinese). It’s all Greek to me in Afrikaans: Dis Grieks vir my. ( It’s Greek to me). ► It’s all Greek to me in Arabic: .يتحدث باللغة الصينية ; .يحكي كرشوني ; بتتكلم بالهندي؟ (Speaking in Chinese/ Syriac / Are you speaking Hindi?) It’s all Greek to me in Asturian: Suename chinu, Ta’n chinu. (It sounds like Chinese to me. This is in Chinese). It’s all Greek to me in Basque: ulertezin, ulergaitz, ezin ulertuzko; txinera It’s all Greek to me in Bulgarian: Все едно ми говориш на патагонски. (It’s like you’re talking in Patagonian.) It’s all Greek to me in Cantonese: 呢啲係咪鬼畫符呀 ? / 呢啲係唔鬼畫符呀 ?(Is this ghost’s script?) It’s all Greek to me in Catalan: Això està en xinès. (This is Chinese) It’s all Greek to me in Cebuano: Nilatin; Inintsik. (Latin, Chinese) It’s all Greek to me in Croatian: To su za mene španska sela. (These are to me the Spanish countryside) It’s all Greek to me in Czech: To je pro mě španělská vesnice (This is a Spanish village to me) It’s all Greek to me in Danish: Det rene volapyk. (This is pure gibberish) It’s all Greek to me in Dutch: Dat is Chinees voor mij; Ik snap er geen jota van. (That is Chinese to me; I don’t understand one iota of it) It’s all Greek to me in Esperanto: Tio estas Volapukaĵo. (That’s a Volapük thing). It’s all Greek to me in Estonian: See on mulle hiina keel. (This is Chinese to me). It’s all Greek to me in Filipino: Parang Intsik (It looks like Chinese). It’s all Greek to me in Finnish: Täyttä hepreaa. Kuulostaa siansaksalta. (It’s all Hebrew; Sounds like gibberish). ►It’s all Greek to me in French: C’est du chinois; C’est de l’hébreu. (It’s Chinese/Hebrew) It’s all Greek to me in German: Das kommt mir spanisch vor (That sounds like Spanish to me); Spreche ich chinesisch? ( Am I speaking Chinese?); Fachchinesisch (specialty Chinese(= technical jargon)); Kauderwelsch; Böhmische Dörfer; Polnisch rückwärts (Polish reversed). ►►It’s all Greek to me in Greek: Αυτά μου φαίνονται αλαμπουρνέζικα. (These seem to me gobbledygook). It’s all Greek to me in Greek Cypriot: Εν τούρτζικα που μιλάς (Are you speaking Turkish?) It’s all Greek to me in Hebrew: זה סינית בשבילי (It’s Chinese to me!). It’s all Greek to me in Hungarian: Ez nekem kínai. (It’s Chinese to me). It’s all Greek to me in Icelandic: Hrognamál (Fish-egg language) It’s all Greek to me in Indonesioan: Bahasa planet ((Other)-planet language) It’s all Greek to me in Italian: Questo per me è arabo/aramaico/ostrogoto / (This is Arabic/Aramaic/Ostrogoth to me) It’s all Greek to me in Japanese: ちんぷんかんぷん (“Ching chong”) It’s all Greek to me in Latin: Graecum est; nōn legitur (This is Greek; it can’t be read) It’s all Greek to me in Latvian: Tā man ir ķīniešu ābece (This is Chinese alphabet book to me) It’s all Greek to me in Lithuanian: Tai man kaip kinų kalba (This is Chinese alphabet book to me) It’s all Greek to me in Macedonian: За мене тоа е шпанско село. (It is for me a Spanish village). ►►It’s all Greek to me in Mandarin: 火星文 (Martian language); 看起來像天書。/看起来像天书。(looks like hieroglyphics); 這是鬼畫符嗎?/这是鬼画符吗?(Is this written in ghost’s script? > poor, incomprehensible handwriting); 聽起來像鳥語。/ 听起来像鸟语。(Sounds like the birds)
It’s all Greek to me in Norwegian: Det er helt gresk for meg. (It’s complete Greek to me) It’s all Greek to me in Persian: انگار ژاپنی حرف می زنه (It’s as if he/she’s speaking Japanese); مگه ترکی حرف میزنم؟ (Am I speaking Turkish) It’s all Greek to me in Polish: To dla mnie chińszczyzna. (It is Chinese, to me); Siedzieć jak na tureckim kazaniu (Sit as in a Turkish sermon); Czeski film (Czech movie) It’s all Greek to me in Portuguese: Isto para mim é chinês / grego (This is Chinese / Greek to me) It’s all Greek to me in Romanian: Parcă e chineză. (It’s like Chinese) It’s all Greek to me in Russian: Это для меня китайская грамота (That’s Chinese writing to me). It’s all Greek to me in Serbian: То су за мене шпанска села (These are to me a Spanish village); К’о да кинески причаш. (Like speaking in Chinese). ►It’s all Greek to me in Spanish: Está en chino/arameo. (This is in Chinese/Aramaic); Me suena a chino/arameo. (It sounds like Chinese/Aramaic to me); No entiendo ni jota (I don’t understand one iota of it). It’s all Greek to me in Swedish: Det är rena grekiskan. (It’s all Greek). ►It’s all Greek to me in Turkish: Konuya Fransız kaldım. (I am French to the topic); Anladıysam Arap olayım. (If I could understand, I’d be an Arab.) It’s all Greek to me in Ukranian: Це для мене китайська грамота. (That’s Chinese writing to me)
No great shakes in many languages
The actors are not great shakes.
No great shakes in other languages:
No great shakes in Spanish: (no ser como) para tirar cohetes. No great shakes in French: ça casse pas des briques. No great shakes in German: nicht gerade vom Hocker hauen. No great shakes in Italian: non è che brilli.
Let bygones be bygones in many languages
They decided to let bygones be bygones for the sake of coexistence.
Let bygones be bygones in other languages:
Let bygones be bygones in Spanish: Pelillos a la mar; el pasado, pasado está. Let bygones be bygones in French: Passons l’éponge. Let bygones be bygones in German: die Vergangenheit ruhen lassen; die Vergangenheit Vergangenheit sein lassen. Let bygones be bygones in Italian: Mettiamoci una pietra sopra Let bygones be bygones in Portuguese: águas passadas não movem moinhos. Let bygones be bygones in Dutch: geen oude koeien uit de sloot halen, zand erover! Let bygones be bygones in Catalan: Fer creu i ratlla. Let bygones be bygones in Irish: An rud atá thart bíodh sé thart.
(to) get goosebumps in many languages
His speech was awesome! I got goosebumps when he said the last lines.
(to) get goosebumps in other languages:
(to) get goosebumps in Spanish: poner(se) la piel de gallina. (to) get goosebumps in French: avoir la chair de poule. (to) get goosebumps in German: Ich bekam eine Gänsehaut. (I got goosebumps). (to) get goosebumps in Italian: venire la pelle d’oca. (to) get goosebumps in Portuguese: arrepiar-se. (to) get goosebumps in Catalan: posar la pell de gallina. (to) get goosebumps in Basque: oilo-ipurdi.
(to) go up in smoke in many languages
Without a scholarship, his dreams of becoming a doctor would go up in smoke.
(to) go up in smoke in other languages:
(to) go up in smoke in Spanish: quedar en aguas de borrajas; esfumarse. (to) go up in smoke in French: partir en fumée. (to) go up in smoke in German: sich in Rauch auflösen (to) go up in smoke in Italian: andare in fumo. (to) go up in smoke in Portuguese: ser mal sucedido; ser abandonado; fracassar; falhar. (to) go up in smoke in Catalan: fer-se fonedís; esfumar-se. (to) go up in smoke in Basque: desagertu, ezkutatu
(to) be the talk of the town in many languages
How did you not hear about her new boyfriend? It’s the talk of the town!
(to be) the talk of the town in other languages:
(to) be the talk of the town in Spanish: ser la comidilla; estar en boca de todos. (to) be the talk of the town in French: tout le monde en parle. (to) be the talk of the town in German: Stadtgespräch. (to) be the talk of the town in Italian: sulla bocca di tutti. (to) be the talk of the town in Catalan: tothom en va ple. (to) be the talk of the town in Basque: herrian zurrumurruak dabiltza.
(to) tar with the same brush in many languages
It is not fair to tar all politicians with the same brush.
(to) tar with the same brush in other languages:
(to) tar with the same brush in Spanish: meter en el mismo saco. (to) tar with the same brush in French: mettre dans le même sac. (to) tar with the same brush in German: über einen Kamm scheren. (to) tar with the same brush in Italian: fare di tutta l’erba un fascio. (to) tar with the same brush in Portuguese: meterno mesmo saco. (to) tar with the same brush in Catalan: posar en el mateix sac. (to) tar with the same brush in Irish (Gaelic): caitheamh leo uilig mar aon aicme amháin. (to) tar with the same brush in Basque: zaku berean sartu.
A storm in a teacup / A tempest in a teapot in many languages
It seemed to me an unimportant detail, but it set off a tempest in a teapot during the debate.
A tempest in a teapot / A storm in a teacup in other languages:
A tempest in a teapot in Spanish: Una tormenta en un vaso de agua. A tempest in a teapot in French: tempête dans un verre d’eau A tempest in a teapot in German: Sturm im Wasserglas A tempest in a teapot in Italian: tempesta in un bicchiere d’acqua A tempest in a teapot in Portuguese: tempestade em copo d’água A tempest in a teapot in Romanian: furtună-n pahar de apă. A tempest in a teapot in Russian: бу́ря в стака́не воды́ A tempest in a teapot in Chinese (Mandarin): 小題大做 (zh), 小题大做 A tempest in a teapot in Catalan: una tempesta en un vas d’aigua. A tempest in a teapot in Danish: storm i et glas vand c (storm in a glass of water) A tempest in a teapot in Icelandic: veður út af engu, ys og þys út af engu
(to) rack one’s brains in many languages
Alternative forms: (to) wrack on’es brain. (to) rack one’s brain. = Struggle to remember something.
He’s been racking his brains all day, but he can’t remember her telephone number.
(to) rack one’s brain in other languages:
(to) rack one’s brains in Spanish: devanarse los sesos. (to) rack one’s brains in French: se creuser le cervelle / la tête. (to) rack one’s brains in German: sich den Kopf zerbrechen. (to) rack one’s brains in Italian: scervellare, arrovellarsi (to) rack one’s brains in Portuguese: quebrar a cabeça. (to) rack one’s brains in Mandarin Chinese: 絞盡腦汁 (zh), 绞尽脑汁 (to) rack one’s brains in Basque: garnak urtu. (to) rack one’s brains in Catalan: escarrassar-s’hi. (to) rack one’s brains Finnish: miettiä päänsä puhki. (to) rack one’s brains Icelandic: brjóta heilann. (to) rack one’s brains Japanese: 脳漿を絞る.
A chicken and egg situation / a catch 22 in other languages:
A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in Spanish: Un pez que se muerde la cola A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in French: serpent qui se mord la queue.
A chicken and egg situation / a catch 22 in many languages
A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in German: Zwickmühle (de) f, Dilemma (de) n, Teufelskreis (de) du, Sackgasse (de) f, ausweglose Situation f A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in Italian: non c’è via d’uscita. (There’s no way out).
A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in Portuguese: Se ficar o bicho pega, se correr o bicho come (‘if you run the bug takes (catches), if you stay the bug eats’.) A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in German: eine Zwickmühle. A chicken and egg situation (or a catch 22) in Catalan. un peix que es mossega la cua. It’s a chicken and egg question: if he stays, there’ll be trouble for sure, but if he leaves, they will be mad at him.
(to) have a finger in every pie in many languages
Meaning: to be involved in many -often too many- things or activities.
Alternative form: (to) have one’s fingers in many pies; I cannot be in York and London at the same time
George, you can’t have a finger in every pie. It’s too stressful.
(to) have a finger in every pie in other languages:
(to) have a finger in every pie in Spanish: a misa y repicando (go to Mass and chime) ; estar en todos los fregaos; estar en todos los saraos. (to) have a finger in every pie in French: être mêlé à tout ; on ne peut pas être à la fois au four et au moulin (one can’t watch over the oven and at the mill at the same time) (to) have a finger in every pie in German: man kann nicht auf zwei Hochzeiten (zugleich/gleichzeitig) tanzen (one can’t dance in two weddings at the same time); seine Finger überall drin haben; überall seine Hand / Hände im Spiel haben (to) have a finger in every pie in Italian: avere le mani in pasta dappertutto. (to have the hands in every pasta); Non si può cantare e portar la croce (one can’t sing and carry the cross). (to) have a finger in every pie in Portuguese: Quem toca o carrilhão não vai na procissão (He who plays the chime doesn’t participate in the procession) (to) have a finger in every pie in Catalan: No es pot ésser al plat i a les tallades. (to) have a finger in every pie in Basque: Jenteek nahi lükee ekia ta argizagia junta ditean. (people wish that the Sun and the Moon would merge) (to) have a finger in every pie in Galician: no se puede repicar e ir en la procesión. (You can’t go to Mass and chime) (to) have a finger in every pie in Russian: На двух свадьбах сразу не танцуют (one can’t dance in two weddings at the same time).
A monkey on your back in many languages
Now that they have finally closed the business, the mortgage is a real monkey on their back.
Alternative form: Chinaman on one’s back .
A monkey on your bag in other languages:
A monkey on your back in Spanish: un peso sobre las espaldas. A monkey on your back in French: un fardeau sur les épaules. A monkey on your back in German: ein ernsthaftes Problem. A monkey on your back in Italian: fardello sulle spalle . A monkey on your back in Portuguese: carregar um fardo pesado aos ombros. A monkey on your back in Catalan: un pes sobre les espatlles.
A bundle of nerves in other languages
A bundle of nerves in other languages:
A bundle of nerves in Spanish: un manojo de nervios (a bunch of nerves). A bundle of nerves in French: un paquet de nerfs (a packetof nerves). A bundle of nerves in German: ein Bündel Nerven (a bunch of nerves). A bundle of nerves in Italian: un fascio di nervi (a beam of nerves). A bundle of nerves in Portuguese: uma pilha de nervos (a stack of nerves). A bundle of nerves in Mandarin Chinese: 紧张不安的人 (a nervous person). A bundle of nerves in Russian: клубок нервов (a tangle of nerves). A bundle of nerves in Basque: Buru gabeko oiloak bezala gabiltza (We’re like unpainted chickens). A bundle of nerves in Catalan: un sac de nervis (a bag of nerves). A bundle of nerves in Gaelic Irish: bheith an-neirbhíseach
A bundle of nerves in
Amid much fanfare in many languages
Amid much fanfare, the new bridge was finally opened on 5 June 2018.
Amid much fanfare in other languages:
Amid much fanfare in Spanish: a bombo y platillo (with bass drums and cymbal); con pompa (with pageantry). Amid much fanfare in French: en fanfarre (in fanfare) Amid much fanfare in German: die Werbetrommel für etw rühren (to stir the drum of sth) Amid much fanfare in Italian: con molta enfasi. Amid much fanfare in Portuguese: com pompa e circunstância (with pageantry and circumstances) Amid much fanfare in Catalan: (a so de) bombo i platerets (to the sound of bass drums and cymbals) Amid much fanfare in Basque: zalaparta handiz (with great bustle)
As happy as a clam in many languages
Alternative forms: as happy as a clam at high water; as happy as at high tide; as happy as a dog with two tails;as happy as a lark; as happy as the day is long; as happy as a pig in muck…
As happy as a clam (at high water) in other languages:
As happy as a clam in Spanish: feliz como una perdiz (happy as a partridge) As happy as a clam in French: heureux comme un poisson dans l’eau (happy as a fish in the water). As happy as a clam in German: glücklich und froh (wie der Mops im Haferstroh) ~ (happy and happy (like the pug in oat straw). As happy as a clam in Italian: va in brodo di giuggiole (to swim in jujube soup). As happy as a clam in Portuguese: feliz como um passarinho (happy as a bird); feliz como um molusco. (happy as a mollusk)
As happy as a clam in Russian: доволен, как слон (satisfied as an elephant) As happy as a clam in Catalan: Més content que un gínjol (happier than a jujube). As happy as a clam in Finnish onnellinen kuin koiranpentu (happy as a puppy). As happy as a clam in Scottish Gaelic: cho sona ri bròg (so happy with a shoe); cho sona ri caimeanach an t-sruth (as happy as the giant of the stream); cho sona ri luch ann an lofa (as happy as a mouse in a loaf).
Knowledge is no burden in many languages
Alternative form: One can never know too much.
Knowledge is no burden in other languages:
Knowledge is no burden in Spanish: El saber no ocupa lugar (Knowledge does not take up space) Knowledge is no burden in French: On ne sait jamais trop (One never knows too much). Knowledge is no burden in German: Wissen nimmt keinen Platz ein (Knowledge does not take up space). Knowledge is no burden in Italian: Il sapere non è mai troppo (One never knows too much).. Knowledge is no burden in Portuguese: O saber não ocupa lugar (Knowledge does not take up space). Knowledge is no burden in Basque: Akiteak ez dauka kalterik; jakiteak ez dau ogirik jaten (Knowledge does not eat any bread). Knowledge is no burden in Catalan: El saber no ocupa lloc (Knowledge does not take up space). Knowledge is no burden in Galician: O saber non ocupa lugar Knowledge is no burden in Greek: Όσο ζει κανένας, τόσο μαθαίνει.
The icing on the cake in many languages
Alternative forms: cherry on the cake; cherry on top.
The icing of the cake in in other languages:
The icing on the cake in Spanish: la guinda del pastel (literally, the cherry on the cake) The icing on the cake in French: la cerise sur le gâteau (literally, the cherry on the cake) The icing on the cake in German: das Sahnehäubchen auf dem Kuchen (literally, the cherry on the cake) The icing on the cake in Italian: la ciliegina sulla torta (literally, the cherry on the cake) The icing on the cake in Portuguese: a cereja do bolo (literally, the cherry on the cake) The icing on the cake in Swedish: grädde på moset (literally, the cream on the mash) The icing on the cake in Hungarian: hab a tortán (literally, whipped cream on the cake) The icing on the cake in Finnish: sokerina pohjalla (literally, sugar at the bottom) The icing of the cake in Catalan: la cirereta del pastís (literally, the little cherry on the cake)
Sayings
A saying is any concisely written or spoken sentence or expression which conveys a piece of advice or folk wisdom about life or experience.
A leopard can’t change its spots in many languages
A leopard can’t change its spots in other languages:
A leopard can’t change its spots in Spanish: La cabra tira al monte (literally, the goat tends to go head for the hills); Genio y figuta hasta la sepultura (literally, Genius and ace until the grave). A leopard can’t change its spots in French: Le loup apprivoicé rêve toujours de la forêt (literally, the tame wolf always dreams of the forest); chassez le naturel, il revient au galop (drive out the natural, it returns at full gallop). A leopard can’t change its spots in Basque: Haitzean jaioak haitzera nahi (literally, Who was born among hills, tends to go to the hills). A leopard can’t change its spots in Catalan: Cabra avesada a saltar, fa de mal desvesar (literally, A goat used to jump is difficult to unveil). A leopard can’t change its spots in Czech: starého psa novým kouskům nenaučíš, zvyk je železná košile (literally, an old dog does not learn new things, customs are an iron shirt). A leopard can’t change its spots in Finnish: jäljistään jäniskin tunnetaan (literally, a hare is known by its tracks). A leopard can’t change its spots in German: Niemand kann aus seiner Haut heraus (literally, Nobody can get out of their skin) A leopard can’t change its spots in Greek: ο λύκος κι αν εγέρασε κι άσπρισε το μαλλί του, μήτε τη γνώμη άλλαξε, μήτε την κεφαλή του (o lýkos ki an egérase ki ásprise to mallí tou, míte ti gnómi állaxe, míte tin kefalí tou, literally “Even though the wolf got old and his hair became white, he changed neither his opinion nor his head”) A leopard can’t change its spots in Hungarian: kutyából nem lesz szalonna (hu) (literally , out of a dog there will be no lard) A leopard can’t change its spots in Irish: briseann an dúchas trí shúile an chait, is treise dúchas ná oiliúint (literally, The city breaks through the eyes of the cat, the pride of indigenousness) A leopard can’t change its spots in Italian: il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio ( literally, the wolf can lose its fur but not its bad habits) A leopard can’t change its spots in Russian: Russian: волк ка́ждый год линя́ет, а всё сер быва́ет (volk káždyj god linjájet, a vsjó ser byvájet (literally, each year the wolf molts its fur, but it continues to be grey), ско́лько во́лка ни корми́, он всё в лес смо́трит (skólʹko vólka ni kormí, on vsjó v les smótrit, literally (literally, however good you feed the wolf, it still looks onto the forest), горба́того моги́ла испра́вит (ru) (gorbátovo mogíla isprávit), (only the grave can straighten the hunchback”), чёрного кобеля́ не отмо́ешь добела́ (čórnovo kobeljá ne otmóješʹ dobelá, (you can’t wash a black dog to make it white), зарека́лась лиса́ кур не ворова́ть (zarekálasʹ lisá kur ne vorovátʹ, (the fox promised not to steal chickens). A leopard can’t change its spots in Scottish Gaelic: an car a bha san t-seana mhaide ‘s duilich a thoirt às (literally, the twist which is in the old stick is difficult to take out). A leopard can’t change its spots in Serbo-Croatian: vuk dlaku mijenja, ali ćud nikada (literally, , a wolf sheds his coat, but never his temper). A leopard can’t change its spots in Yiddish: אַ חזיר בלײַבט אַ חזיר (a khazer blaybt a khazer, l(iterally, a pig remains a pig)
A watched pot never boils in many languages
Alternative forms: a watched kettle never boils; watched toast never burns.
A watched pot never boils in other languages:
A watched pot never boils in Spanish: Quien espera, desespera (He who waits, despairs) A watched pot never boils in French: Tout vient à point a qui sait attendre (Everything comes at the right time to those who wait); Qui attend s’ennuie (He who waits, gets upset). A watched pot never boils in German: Hoffen und Harren macht manchen zum Narren (hoping and waiting is foolish); Wer viel hofft, täuscht sich oft (He who waits for a long time, often makes mistakes). A watched pot never boils in Greek: πόλλ᾿ ἐλπίδες ψεύδουσι βροτοὺς (Hopes very often deceive mortals). A watched pot never boils in Italian: ‘La pentola troppo sorvegliata non bolle mai’ from Geonese dialect: ‘A pugnatta aggueita a no bogge mai.’ (The overmolded pan never boils); Chi di speranza vive disperato muore (He who lives hoping, dies hopeless). A watched pot never boils in Portuguese: Panela vigiada não ferve (Watched panela does not boil); Quem espera, desespera (He who waits, despairs). Romanian: Timpul trece mai încet pentru cine aşteaptă (Time is slower for those who are waiting) A watched pot never boils in Russian: Ждать да догонять — нет хуже (There is nothing worse than wait to catch somebody). A watched pot never boils in Catalan: qui s’espera, desespera (He who waits, despairs) A watched pot never boils in Basque: Begira dagoenari, denbora luze (time seems longer to those who wait). A watched pot never boils in Galician: El que espera desespera (He who waits, despairs). A watched pot never boils in Irish: ní fiú feitheamh le fiuchadh (not even wait for it to boil)
You can’t get blood out of a stone in many languages
Alternative form: (to) get blood from a stone; It’s like Squeezing water from a stone.
(to) get blood out of a stone in other languages:
(to) get blood out of a stone in Spanish: Pedirle peras al olmo (to ask for pears to an elm tree). (to) get blood out of a stone in French: c’est comme se heurter à un mur (It’s like bumping into a wall). (to) get blood out of a stone in German : verlorene Liebesmüh (Love’s Labour’s Lost). (to) get blood out of a stone in Italian: come picchiare un cavallo morto (It’s like flogging a dead horse) (to) get blood out of a stone in Portuguese: tirar nabos da púcara (to throw prickly turnips). (to) get blood out of a stone in Catalan : D’on no n’hi ha, no en raja (It doesn’t flow from where there’s nothing). (to) get blood out of a stone in Irish: is doiligh olann a bhaint de ghabhar (it’s hard to get wool off a goat).
The early bird catches the worm in many languages
The early bird catches the worm in other languages:
The early bird catches the worm in Spanish: a quien madruga, Dios le ayuda (God help those who get up early). The early bird catches the worm in French: l’avenir appartient a ceux qui se lèvent tôt (the future belong to those who get up early) The early bird catches the worm in German: Morgenstunde hat Gold im Munde (the morning has gold in its mouth). The early bird catches the worm in Italian: Chi si aiuta Dio l’aiuta. Also ‘Il mattino ha l’oro in boccaat’ (the morning has gold in its mouth). The early bird catches the worm in Portuguese: Deus ajuda quem muito madruga (God helps the ones who get up early) The early bird catches the worm in Greek: Θες πλούτη και τιμή, μην κοιμάσαι την αυγή. The early bird catches the worm in Catalan: Qui matina, fa farina (He who wakes up early makes flour);la feina matinal per tot el dia val (the early work is worth for the rest of the day) The early bird catches the worm in Norwegian: den som kommer først til mølla, får først malt (The first to come is the first served) The early bird catches the worm in Swedish: först till kvarn får först mala (The first to come is the first served)
God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in many languages
What can be cured must be endured in many languages
What can’t be cured must be endured (English) ~ Al mal tiempo, buena cara (Spanish)
What can’t be cured must be endured in other languages:
çWhat can’t be cured must be endured in Spanish: Al mal tiempo, buena cara (Against bad weather, good face). What can’t be cured must be endured in Arabic: دواء الدهر الصبر عليه (The remedy for bad weather is patience). What can’t be cured must be endured in French: Il faut faire contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur (Against misfortune, strong heart). What can’t be cured must be endured in German: Man muss gute Miene zum bösen Spiel machen (You have to put a brave face to the bad game). What can’t be cured must be endured in Italian: Bisogna far buon viso a cattivo gioco (You have to make the best of a bad game). What can’t be cured must be endured in Russian: Делать хорошую мину при плохой игре (put a brave face to the bad game). What can’t be cured must be endured in Basque: Ekeetan, irria ezpainetan (against life’s adversities, a smile on your lips). What can’t be cured must be endured in Catalan: Al mal temps, bona cara (Against bad weather, good face). What can’t be cured must be endured in Galician: A mal tempo, boa cara
A man is known by the company he keeps in many languages
Disclaimer > Don’t try this at home… In fact, don’t try this anywhere at all.
A man is known by the company he keeps in other languages: see picture.
(to) carry coals to Newcastle in many languages
(to) carry coals to Newcastle in other languages:
(to) carry coals to Newcastle in Spanish: Llevar leña al monte (to take wood to the mountain). (to) carry coals to Newcastle in French: Porter de l’eau à la rivière (to carry water to the river) (to) carry coals to Newcastle in German: Eulen nach Athen tragen (Carrying owls to Athens). (to) carry coals to Newcastle in Italian: portare acqua al mare (to carry water to the sea). (to) carry coals to Newcastle in Irish Gaelic: bheith ag tabhairt cloch go Conamara (to give stones to Conamara); bheith ag cuimilt saille ar thóin na muice méithe (to take fat off the mice’s asses). (to) carry coals to Newcastle in Polish: niepotrzebnie się trudzić wozić drzewo do lasu (there’s no point in carrying a tree to the wood). (to) carry coals to Newcastle in Portuguese: lançar água no mar (to throw water to the sea) ensinar o padre nosso ao vigário (to teach the Lord’s Player to a vicar).
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in many languages
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in other languages:
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Latin: Noli equi dentes inspicere donati (D’ont look at the dentition of a gift horse).
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Spanish: A caballo regalado no le mires el dentado (D’ont look at the dentition of a gift horse). Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in German : Einem geschenkten Gaul sieht man nicht ins Maul. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Italian : A caval donato non si guarda in bocca Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Polish: Darowanemu koniowi nie zagląda się w zęby (D’ont look at the dentition of a gift horse). Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Portuguese: A cavalo dado, não se olha o dente. (don’t look at the dentition of a gift horse). Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Serbo-Croatian: Ajándék lónak ne nézd a fogát (don’t look at the dentition of a gift horse). Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Greek: Του χάριζαν ένα γάιδαρο κι αυτός τον κοίταζε στα δόντια.(D’ont look at the teeth of a gift horse). Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Basque: Dohainik edan behar duenak, hitz gutti (Free drink, few words).
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth in Catalan: A caball regalat, no li miris el dentat
God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in many languages
God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in other languages:
God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in Latin: Deus probat, sed non suffocat (God puts you to the test, but doesn’t smother you) God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in Spanish: Dios aprieta pero no ahora (God puts pressure on you, but doesn’t smother you). God tempers the wind to the shornlamb in French: Dieu ne veut pas la mort du pécheur (God does not wish the death of a fisherman). God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in German: Gott lässt uns wohl sinken, aber nicht ertrinken (God let us sink, but not drown) God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in Italian: Dio non manda se non quel che si può portare (God doesn’t give more than it can take away). God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in Portuguese: Deus escreve certo por linhas tortas (God writes straight with crooked lines). God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb in Basque: Munara eroaten dau Jaungoikoak, baina muna bera eztau botaten (God takes you up to a hill, but doesn’t let you fall down).
Eenie meenie miny moe in Spanish and French
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in many languages
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in other languages:
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in Spanish: No pongas todos los huevos en la misma cesta.(Don’t put all your eggs in one basket). Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in French: Il ne faut pas mettre tous les oeufs dans le même panier (Don’t put all your eggs in one basket). Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in German: Setze nicht alles auf eine Karte (Don’t bet everything on one card). Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in Italian: non puntare tutto su una sola carta (Don’t bet everything on one card). Don’t put all your eggs in one basket in Portuguese: não ponhas todos os ovos no mesmo cesto (Don’t put all your eggs in one basket). Don’t put all your eggs in Mandarin Chinese: 孤注一掷;在一棵树上吊死 (to depend on a single person or strategy).
Monkey see, monkey do in many languages
Monkey see, monkey do in other languages:
Monkey see, monkey do in Spanish: ¿Dónde va Vicente? Donde va la gente. (Where is Vincent going? To the same place where people is going) Monkey see, monkey do in French: Tout ce que je fais, mon âne le refait (My donkey mimics everything I do); À la presse vont les fous (The madmen go to the press). Monkey see, monkey do in German: Das Schaf folgt der Herde (The sheep follows the flock) Monkey see, monkey do in Greek: Ό,τι κάνει ο αρκουδιάρης, το κάνει και η μαϊμού του (what the lion tamer does, his monkey does too.) Monkey see, monkey do in Italian: La gente fa come le pecore: dove va una vanno tutte People do as sheeps: where one goes, all the other go) Monkey see, monkey do in Portuguese: Maria vai com as outras (Mary goes with the others).
In every country dogs bite
Don’t bite off more than you can chew in many languages
Don’t bite off more than you can chew (EN) ~ El que mucho abarca poco aprieta (SP)
Don’t bite off more than you can chew in other languages:
Don’t bite off more than you can chew in Spanish: Quien mucho abarca, poco aprieta. Don’t bite off more than you can chew in French: Qui trop embrasse, mal étreint. Don’t bite off more than you can chew in German: Wer zu viel fasst, lässt viel fallen Don’t bite off more than you can chew in Italian: Chi troppo vuole nulla stringe. Don’t bite off more than you can chew in Portuguese: Quem muito abarca pouco abraça.
There is no accounting for tastes in many languages
There is no accounting for tastes in other languages:
There is no accounting for tastes in Spanish: Sobre gustos no hay nada escrito. There is no accounting for tastes in French: Des goûts et des couleurs il n’en faut point parler. There is no accounting for tastes in German: Über (den) Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten. There is no accounting for tastes in Italian: Ognuno ha i suoi gusti. There is no accounting for tastes in Portuguese: Gostos não se discutem.
Old wine in new bottles in many languages
Alternative form: Old wine in new bottles.
Old wine in new bottles in other languages:
Old wine in new bottles in Spanish: El mismo perro con distinto collar (the same dog with different collar). Old wine in new bottles in French: Bonnet blanc, blanc bonnet (White bonnet, bonnet white). Old wine in new bottles in German: alter Wein in neuen Schläuchen (de) (old wine in new wineskins); dasselbe in grün (literally “the same thing in green”).
The squeaky wheel gets the grease in many languages
Akternative form: The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease in other languages:
The squeaky wheel gets the grease in Spanish: el que no llora, no mama (He who doesn’t cry, isn’t breastfed). The squeaky wheel gets the grease in French: Le rouspéteurs obtiennent toujours satisfaction (Grumblers always get satisfaction). The squeaky wheel gets the grease in German: Ein Rädchen, das nicht quietscht, wird (auch) nicht geschmiert (a cog that does not squeak is not (even) lubrivated). The squeaky wheel gets the grease in Portuguese: quem não chora, não mama (He who doesn’t cry, isn’t breastfed).
Variety is the spice of life in many languages
Variety is the spice of life in other languages:
Variety is the spice of life in Latin: Varietas delectat (Variety is appealing) Variety is the spice of life in Spanish: En la variedad está el gusto (The taste is in variety). Variety is the spice of life in French: La variété est le sel de la vie (Variety is the salt of life); il faut de tout pour faire un monde (you need all kinds of things to make a world); La variété ravive les plaisirs Variety revives pleasure) Variety is the spice of life in German: Abwechslung ist die Würze des Lebens (Variety is the spice of life); In der Abwechslung liegt das Vergnügen (pleasure is in variety). Variety is the spice of life in Italian: la varietà dà sapore alla vita (Variety flavours life); Il mondo è bello perché è vario (The world is beautiful because it is diverse). Variety is the spice of life in Portuguese: A variedade deleita (variety delights). Variety is the spice of life in Finnish: vaihtelu virkistää (varierty is the spice).
Every cloud has a silver lining in many languages
Every cloud has a silver lining in other languages:
Every cloud has a silver lining in Spanish: No hay mal que por bien no venga (there is not a bad thing that does not come for a good one). Every cloud has a silver lining in French: À quelque chose malheur est bon (to any thing bad luck is good). Every cloud has a silver lining in German: kein Unglück ist so groß, es hat sein Glück im Schoß (No misfortune is so great; it comes with luck in the lap). Every cloud has a silver lining in Italian: non tutto il male vien per nuocere (Not all evil comes to harm). Every cloud has a silver lining in Portuguese: há males que vêm para o bem (there are bad things that come for the best). Every cloud has a silver lining in Mandarin Chinese: 瘦死的駱駝比馬大, 瘦死的骆驼比马大 (The dead camel is worse than the horse). Every cloud has a silver lining in Russian: нет ху́да без добра́ (There is no evil without good). Every cloud has a silver lining in Basque: gaitz asko, onerako (many diseases, for good) Every cloud has a silver lining in Scottish Gaelic: tha a’ ghrian air cùlaibh gach sgothan (The sun is behind each boat).
Every dog has its day in many languages
Every dog has its day in other languages:
Every dog has its day in Spanish: cada perro tiene su día (every dog has its day). Every dog has its day in French: À chacun son heure de gloire (To each his glory hour). Every dog has its day in Finnish: paistaa se päivä risukasaankin (literally “the day will shine to a pile of brushwood, too”). Every dog has its day in German: ein blindes Huhn findet auch einmal Korn (even a blind hen sometimes finds a grain of corn). Every dog has its day in Italian: ognuno ha il suo momento di gloria (everyone has his moment of glory). Every dog has its day in Portuguese: um dia é da caça, outro do caçador (one day hunted, the next day hunter)
If my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle in many languages
Alternative forms: if my uncle had tits, he’d be my aunt; if my grandmother had wheels, she’d be a streetcar; if my grandmother had balls, she’d be my granddad; if my sister had balls, she’d be my brother; if I had wheels, I’d be a wagon
If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in other languages:
If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in Spanish: Si mi abuela tuviera ruedas, sería una bicicleta (If my grandmother had wheels, she’d be a bicycle) If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in French: avec des si on mettrait Paris en boutelle (as if we put Paris in a bottle); si ma tante en avait, on l’appellerait mon oncle (if my aunt had any, she would be called my uncle). If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in German: wenn das Wörtchen “wenn” nicht wär, wär mein Vater Millionär (if it weren’t for the little word “if”, my father would be a millionaire); hätte der Hund nicht geschissen, hätte er den Hasen gefangen (if the dog hadn’t shit, he would’ve caught the hare). If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in Italian: con i se e con i ma la storia non si fa (with if(s) and but(s) the story is not made) If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in If my aunt had balls, he’d be my uncle in Esperanto: se la ĉielo falus al tero, birdokapto estus facila afero (If the sky dropped to earth, bird skills would be an easy thing)
If you want something done right, do it yourself in many languages
Alternative forms: if you want a thing done well, do it yourself; if you want a thing done right, do it yourself; if you want it done right, do it yourself
If you want a thing done right, do it yourself in other languages:
if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in Spanish: Si quieres algo bien hecho, hazlo tu mismo (if you want something done right, do it yourself). if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in French: On n’est jamais mieux servi que pas soi-même (One is never better served than by oneself) if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in Finnish: kun itse tekee, tietää mitä saa (when you do it, you know what you get) if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in German: Selbst ist der Mann (himself is the man) if you want a thing done right, do it yourself Italian: se vuoi una cosa fatta bene fattela da solo (if you want something done right, do it alone). if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in Portuguese: O olho do dono é que engorda o gado (The eye of the master fattens the cattle) if you want a thing done right, do it yourself in Catalan: Si vols estar ben servit, fes-te tu mateix el llit (if you want to have a good service, make the bed yourself)
No pain, no gain in many languages
No pain, no gain in other languages:
No pain, no gain in Chinese (Mandarin): 不入虎穴,焉得虎子 (if you don’t enterthe tiger’s den, you don’t get a tiger). No pain, no gain in Czech: bez práce nejsou koláče (cs) (There are no pies without work). No pain, no gain in Danish: hvo intet vover, intet vinder (he who dares nothing wins nothing). No pain, no gain in French: qui ne risque rien n’a rien (who risks nothing, gains nothing), qui ne tente rien n’a rien (who risks nothing, gains nothing), on n’a rien sans rien No pain, no gain in German: von nichts kommt nichts (nothing comes from nothing), wer nicht wagt, der nicht gewinnt (who doesn’t risk, doesn’t win), Schmerz vergeht, die Ehre bleibt (pain goes away, honour stays), Schmerz vergeht, der Stolz bleibt (pain goes away, pride stays). No pain, no gain in Korean: 불입호혈 부득호자 (buriphohyeol budeukhoja) (if you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how will you get the tiger’s cub?). No pain, no gain in Portuguese: sem dor, sem ganho (no pain, no gain), quem não arrisca não petisca (who does not risk does not snack/eat) No pain, no gain in Spanish: El que algo quiere, algo le cuesta (He who wants something, must make some effort). No pain, no gain in
It never rains but it pours in many languages
It never rains but it pours in other languages:
It never rains but it pours in Chinese (Mandarin): 屋漏偏逢連夜雨 (zh), 屋漏偏逢连夜雨 (zh) (wū lòu piān féng liányè yǔ, literally “when the roof is leaking, that’s when you’ll get several continuous nights of rain”), 禍不單行 (zh), 祸不单行 (zh) (huòbùdānxíng, literally “disasters do not come alone”) It never rains but it pours in Dutch: een ongeluk komt zelden alleen (literally “a misfortune seldom comes alone”), een ongeluk komt nooit alleen (literally “a misfortune never comes alone”) It never rains but it pours in German: ein Unglück kommt selten allein (literally “a misfortune seldom comes alone”) It never rains but it pours in Italian: i guai non vengono mai da soli (literally “misfortunes never come alone”) It never rains but it pours in Japanese: 踏んだり蹴ったり (ふんだりけったり, fundari-kettari, literally “we often tread on and we often bump off”), 泣きっ面に蜂 (なきっつらにはち, nakittsura ni hachi, literally “a wasp on a tearful face”), 弱り目に祟り目 (よわりめにたたりめ, yowari me ni tatari me, literally “in times of weakness, evil eyes”), 降れば土砂降り (ふればどしゃぶり, fureba doshaburi, literally “if it rains, it pours”). It never rains but it pours in Portuguese: Portuguese: um mal nunca vem só, uma desgraça nunca vem sozinha, uma desgraça nunca vem só (literally “a misfortune never comes alone”). It never rains but it pours in Russian: Russian: пришла́ беда́ — отворя́й воро́та(prišlá bedá — otvorjáj voróta, literally “when the trouble comes, open the gate”), беда́ одна́ не хо́дит (bedá odná ne xódit, literally “trouble does not come alone”). It never rains but it pours in Scottish Gaelic: nuair a thig air duine, thig air uile (literally “when it befalls one, it befalls all”). It never rains but it pours in Spanish: las desgracias nunca vienen solas (literally “misfortunes never come alone”)
Jack of all trades, master of none in many languages
Jack of all trades master of none in other languages:
Jack of all trades master of none in Czech: devatero řemesel, desátá bída Jack of all trades master of none in Dutch: twaalf stielen, dertien ongelukken Jack of all trades master of none in Finnish: jokapaikanhöylä, jokapaikan höylä Jack of all trades master of none in French: bon à tout, propre à rien (Good at everything, good at nothing) Jack of all trades master of none in Japanese: Japanese: 器用貧乏 (きようびんぼう, kiyōbinbō) Jack of all trades master of none in Spanish: aprendiz de todo, maestro de nada (“apprentice of everything, teacher of nothing”)
Too many cooks spoil the broth in many languages
Too many cooks spoil the broth in other languages:
Too many cooks spoil the broth in Danish: for mange kokke fordærver maden. Too many cooks spoil the broth in Dutch: veel koks bederven de brij, veel koks verzouten de brij Too many cooks spoil the broth in Finnish: mitä useampi kokki, sitä huonompi soppa Too many cooks spoil the broth in French: Trop de cuisiners grâtent la sauce. Too many cooks spoil the broth in German: German: (zu) viele Köche verderben den Brei Too many cooks spoil the broth in Polish: gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść (pl) Too many cooks spoil the broth in Portuguese: quem não ajuda não atrapalha, muita cera queima a igreja, a cera sobeja queima a igreja Too many cooks spoil the broth in Spanish: muchas manos en un plato causan arrebato Too many cooks spoil the broth in Swedish: ju fler kockar, desto sämre soppa
All that glitters is not gold in many languages
All that glitters is not gold in other languages:
All that glitters is not gold in Latin: nōn omne quod nitet aurum est. All that glitters is not gold in Czech: není všechno zlato co se třpytí. All that glitters is not gold in Danish: det er ikke alt guld som glimrer. All that glitters is not gold in French: tout ce qui brille n’est pas or . All that glitters is not gold in German: es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt. All that glitters is not gold in Greek: ό,τι λάμπει δεν είναι χρυσός. All that glitters is not gold in Hungarian: nem mind arany, ami fénylik. All that glitters is not gold in Icelandic: ekki er allt gull sem glóir. All that glitters is not gold in Russian: не всё то зо́лото, что блести́т. All that glitters is not gold in Slovene: ni vse zlato, kar se sveti. All that glitters is not gold in Spanish: no es oro todo lo que reluce.
Once in a blue moon in many languages
Once in a blue moon in other languages:
Once in a blue moon in Spanish: Muy de vez en cuando (literally very occasionally); cada muerte de obispo (literally, every time a bishop dies) Once in a blue moon in French: Tous les trente-six du mois (literally , on every thirty-sixth day of the month) Once in a blue moon in German: alle Jubeljahre (literally, all Jubilee years) Once in a blue moon in Italian: a ogni moerte di Papa (literally, on every death of a Pope) Once in a blue moon in Polish: raz na ruski rok (literally, once in a Russian year) Once in a blue moon in Portuguese: de vez em nunca (hardñy ever) Once in a blue moon in Finnish: todella harvoin (very rarely) Once in a blue moon in Scottish Gaelic: uair san ràith (literally, hour in the season)
Rome wasn’t built in a day in many languages
Rome wasn’t built in a day in other languages:
Rome wasn’t built in a day in Latin: Roma non uno die aedificata est Rome wasn’t built in a day in Spanish: Roma no se contruyó en un día Rome wasn’t built in a day in French: Rome ne s’est pas faite en un jour. Rome wasn’t built in a day in German: Rom ist auch nicht an einem Tag erbaut worden. Also: Gut Ding will Weile haben Rome wasn’t built in a day in Italian: Roma non fu fatta in un giorno Rome wasn’t built in a day in Portuguese: Roma não se fez em um dia
You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in many languages
You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in other languages:
You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in Spanish: Se atrapan más moscas con miel que con hiel (literally, You can catch more flies with honey than with gall) You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in French: on n’attrape pas des mouches avec du vinaigre (literally, One can’t catch flyes with vinegar) You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in German: Mit einem Löffel Honig fängt man mehr Fliegen (literally, With a spoonful of honey you catch more flies). You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar in Italian: si pigliano più mosche in una gocciola di miele che in un barile d’acete (literally, more flies are caught in a drop of honey than in a barrel of vinegar)
Colloquialisms
Colloquialisms are informal words, phrases, or even slang that people use in a conversational style.
(to) sleep it off in many languages
(to) sleep it off in other languages:
(to) sleep it off in Spanish: dormir la mona (literally, to put the monkey to sleep). (to) sleep it off in French : cuver son vin (literally, to boil one’s wine) (to) sleep it off in German: Rausch ausschlafen (literally, to sleep off the noise). (to) sleep it off in Italian: smaltire la sbornia (literally, to get rid of the hangover) (to) sleep it off in Portuguese: curar a bebedeira (literally, to heal the drunkenness)
(to) be as mad as a hornet in many languages
Alternative forms: angry as a bull, angry as a bear, (to) hit the ceiling, (to) see red…
(to) be as mad as a hornet in other languages:
(to) be as mad as a hornet in Spanish: estar muy cabreado (to be pissed off); estar hasta las narices (literally, to be up to the nose). (to) be as mad as a hornet in French: être furieux comme pas deux (to be furious as not two); sortir de ses gonds (literally, to get out of one’s hinges). (to) be as mad as a hornet in German: fuchsteufelswild (literally, hopping mad). (to) be as mad as a hornet in Italian: sconvolto (upset); ne ho le palle piene (literally, my balls are full, vulgar) (to) be as mad as a hornet in Portuguese: estar zangado (literally, to be upset) estar de saco cheio (literally, to have the sack full).
(to) skip school in many languages
(to) skip school in other languages:
(to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Spanish: (see picture) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in French: faire l’école buissonnière (truancy); sécher les cours (to skip classes); faire le mur (to do the wall). (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in German: Schule schwänzen (to skip school); schwänzen (literally, tails), blaumachen (literally, leaflets) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Italian: marinare la scuola(to skip school); bigiare. (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Portuguese: fazer gazeta (literally, to make a gazette); matar aula (to kill classroom), cabular aula, cabular (to chant) (Brazil) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Dutch: spijbelen (truancy) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Catalan: fer campana (literally, to do the bell) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Norwegian: skulke (to avoid) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Thai: โดด (th) (dòot) (to) skip school / ditch school / play hooky / skive off in Turkish: Turkish: asmak (to hang), kaçmak (to escape), kaytarmak (to slack), kırmak (to break)
(to) snog in many languages
Alternative forms: (to) smooch; (to) make out (AmE); (to) pash (Australia)
(to) snog in other languages:
(to) snog in Spanish: morrearse (literally, to snout) (to) snog in French: rouler une pelle (literally, to roll a shovel) (to) snog in Chinese (Mandarin): 舌吻 (pronounciation: shéwěn) (to) snog in German: knutschen (to) snog in Portuguese: beijar-se en la boca
Mixed bag in many languages
Alternative forms: catch-all, ragbag, mixed bad, hodgepodge, hotchpotch (BrE)
Mixed bag in other languages:
Mixed bag in Spanish: cajón de sastre (literally, tailor’s drawer) Mixed bag in French: fourre-tout (literally, catchall), un mélange (literally, mixture, blend), fatras (mess), pot-pourri Mixed bag in German: Durcheinander , Mischmasch (literally, Confusion, mishmash) Mixed bag in Italian: guazzabuglio (literally, jumble), calderone (literally, cauldron), pot-pourri Mixed bag in Portuguese: manta de retalhos (literally, patchwork) Mixed bag in Catalan: poti-poti , pot-pourri Mixed bag in Russian: Russian: вся́кая вся́чина (vsjákaja vsjáčina) (literally, all sorts of things), мешани́на (ru) (mešanína) (literally, jumble) Mixed bag in Scots: pran Mixed bag in Welsh: cybolfa
Can of worms in many languages
Can of worms in Spanish: caja de los truenos · Can of worms in French: sac de nœuds · Can of worms in Finnish: soppa · Can of worms in Japanese: 状態 · (to) open a can of worms in German: in ein Wespennest stechen · (to) open the can of worms in Catalan: Destapar la caixa dels trons.
Nerd in many languages
Nerd is a very international and widespread slang word and it is used in many languages. However, some languages have their own word(s) to label an intellectually outstanding but introverted individual.
Nerd in other languages:
Nerd in Spanish: empollón Nerd in French: boutonneux / boutonneuse Nerd in Danish: nørd Nerd in Esperanto: nerdo Nerd in Estonian: tuupur Nerd in Finnish: nörtti Nerd in Greek: σπασίκλας (el) m (spasíklas), φυτό (el) (fytó) Nerd in Icelandic: nörd Nerd in Italian: secchione Nerd in Malay: nerda Nerd in Portuguese: nerd (pt) (Brazil), CDF (pt) (Brazil), totó (pt) m, f (Portugal, colloquial) Nerd in Russian: зану́да бо́тан , нерд (slang), бота́ник (ru) m (botánik)
Dirty old man in many languages
Dirty old man in other languages:
Dirty old man in Spanish: viejo verde (literally, green old man). Dirty old man in French: Vieux cochon (literally, old pig). Dirty old man in German: alter Lustmolch (literally, old pig) Dirty old man in Portuguese: velho sujo (literally, dirty old man) Dirty old man in Italian: vecchio porco (literally, old pig)
No way in hell in many languages
No way in other languages:
Not a chance / No way in hell in Spanish: ¡Ni de coña! (literally, Not even as a joke) Not a chance / No way in hell in French: Même pas en rêve (literally, not even in dreams!) Not a chance / No way in hell in German: ch besteht nicht die geringste Chance (literally, There is not the slightest chance) Not a chance / No way in hell in Italian: Non esiste al mondo (che…) (literally, There is no such thing in the world…) Not a chance / No way in hell in Portuguese: De jeito nenhum ( no way!)
(to) pig out in many languages
(to) pig out in other languages:
(to) pig out in Spanish: ponerse las botas (literally, to put on one’s shoes), comer hasta rebentar (literally, to eat until one bursts), comer como un cerdo (literally, to eat like a pig) (to) pig out in French: s’empiffrer (literally, to stuff oneself) (to) pig out in Catalan: endrapar, (literally,devour, to soak up) (to) pig out in German: sich vollstopfen (literally, to stuff oneself) (to) pig out in Italian: abbuffarsi (literally, totuck in) (to) pig out in Russian: жрать (literally, to eat)
(to) blow someone off in many languages
(to) blow someone off in other languages:
(to) blow someone off in Spanish: Pasar de alguien (literally, to ignore someone); tomar por el pito del sereno (literally, to treat as the whistle of the watchman). (to) blow someone off in French: Mettre / Foutre un vent à quelqu’un (literally, to throw a wind to someone). (to) blow someone off in German: auslassen (literally, (to) skip). (to) blow someone off in Italian: mettere in disparte (literally, (to) put aside), snobbare (literally, (to) snub) (to) blow someone off in Portuguese: ignorar (literally, (to) ignore)
Wet blanket in many languages
Wet blanket in other languages:
Wet blanket in Spanish: aguafiestas (literally, parties waterer). Wet blanket in French: rabat-joie (literally, joy killer). Wet blanket in Italian: guastafeste (literally, mood breaker). Wet blanket in German: Spielverderber, Spaßbremse (literally, spoil-sports, fun brake). Wet blanket in Basque: hondatzaile (literally, destroyer). Wet blanket in Catalan. Aixafaguitarres (literally, Guitars chrusher); esgarriacries (a person who hampers projects, hinders people from having conversations, games…) > Idioms in Catalan Wet blanket in Czech : suchar (?) Wet blanket in Danish: lyseslukker (spoil-sport).
Cool! in many languages
Cool in Danish: Danish: ok, fint 👍 Cool in Finnish: Finnish: okei, ookoo 👍 Cool in French: Cool 👍 Cool in German: akzeptabel 👍 Cool in Italian: accettabile 👍 Cool in Polish: fajny 👍 Cool in Portuguese: aceitável 👍 Cool in Russian: в поря́дке (v porjádke), норма́льный (normálʹnyj), ничего́ (ničevó) Serbian and Croatian: kul 👍 Cool in Spanish: Guay 👍 (Spain); chévere (Caribbean Islands, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela); choro (Chile); 👍 mostro (Peru) 👍; lindo (Argentina) 👍; padre (Mexico) 👍
Though it hasn’t been plain sailing, I have finally created a list of movies featuring translators and interpreters. From thrillers to sci-fi, rom-coms to comedies, there’s something for every taste. Have you seen these films? If you have any suggestions, queries, or just comments regarding this collection, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Arrival
Original title: Arrival Country: USA Release: 2016 Director: Denis Villeneuve Screenplay by Eric Heisserer. Based on “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma
Denis Villeneuve directs this outstanding sci-fi movie that will delight translators, interpreters, philologists and linguists. The movie revolves around communication with an alien species, that has suddenly arrived, seemingly out of nowhere.
The hypothesis of this sci-fi movie states that language alters the way we think and the way we see the world. This theory, which contradicts Noam Chomsky’s ‘universal grammar’, is known as linguisticrelativity or Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.
The military, in order to work out whether the aliens come in peace or not, hire a linguist (Amy Adams) who, in turn, will experience important changes as she deepens in communicating with the extra-terrestrials.
It is a highly recommendable movie that will appeal to both linguists and good sci-fi lovers.
Also Known As (AKA)> Albania (complete title): Kontakti i Parë; Argentina: La Llegada; Brazil: A Chegada; Bulgaria (Bulgarian title): Първи контакт; Canada (French title): L’arrivée; Canada (English title): Arrival; Chile: La Llegada; Croatia: Dolazak; Czech Republic: Příchozí; Estonia: Saabumine; France: Premier contact; Germany: Arrival; Greece: Η άφιξη, Greece (transliterated ISO-LATIN-1 title): I Afixi; Hungary: Érkezés; Israel (Hebrew title): Ha’mifgash; Italy: Arrival; Japan (English title): Message; Lithuania: Atvykimas; Mexico: La Llegada; Peru: La Llegada; Poland: Nowy początek; Portugal: O Primeiro Encontro; Romania: Primul contact; Russia: Прибытие; Serbia: Dolazak; Slovenia: Prihod; South Korea (working title): Contact; Spain: La llegada; Turkey (Turkish title): Gelis; Ukraine: Прибуття; USA (working title) Story of Your Life, USA: Arrival; Uruguay:(original subtitled version) La Llegada; Vietnam: Cuoc Do Bo Bi An.
Chuck Norris Vs Communism
Original title: Chuck Norris Vs Communism Director: Ilinca Calugareanu Country: Romania Writer: Ilinca Calugareanu Cast: Irina Margareta Nistor, Ana Maria Moldovan, Dan Chiorean
A great documentary which is worth mentioning is Chuck Norris Vs Communism. In a miserable Romania set in the eighties, a young radio newscaster, Irina Nistor, dubbed thousands of smuggled movies which allowed Romanians to learn about the other side of the Iron Curtain.
The Interpreter
Original title: The Interpreter Country: United Kingdom Release: 2005 Director: Sydney Pollack Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Sydney Pollack, Jesper Christensen,Yvan Attal, Earl Cameron.
An African-born UN interpreter, a widowed Secret Service agent and a plot to kill the genocidal leader of Matobo are the key elements of this engaging movie. Both Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman nail their respective characters in this intelligent thriller. Catherine Keener, the supporting actress and winner of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, deserves a special mention. The Interpreter isn’t a light and fun thriller; the viewer needs to be focused to keep track of the plot by Sydney Pollack. Recommended for any translator or interpreter fond of intrigues and unexpected turns.
Also Known As (AKA)> France: L’intèrprete; Spain, Argentina, Chile: La intérprete; Germany: Die Dolmetscherin; Greece: Η Διερμηνέας; Portugal and Brasil: A Intérprete; Russia: Переводчица; Turkey: Çevirmen;
The Terminal
Original title: The Terminal Country: USA Release: 2004 Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Eddie Jones, Barry Shabaka Henley, Zoe Saldana, Kumar Pallana.
This movie is based on facts. An immigrant from the Balkans is caught up at the New York JFK Airport just after the war breaks out in his country. Soon, he starts experiencing communication difficulties. Despite the leading actor and director’s tendency towards unnecessary corny scenes, it is certainly an entertaining movie.
Also Known As (AKA) > Brazil: O terminal; Germany: Terminal; Greece: The terminal; Argentina, Chile, Spain, Urugay: La terminal; France and Canada (French title): La terminal; Portugal: Terminal de Aeroporto; Russia: Tерминал.
Stargate
Original title: Stargate Country: EEUU Release: 1994 Genre: Sci-fi Director: Roland Emmerich Cast: James Spader, Kurt Russell, Jaye Davidson, Viveca Lindfors, Mili Avital, Alexis Cruz,Djimon Hounsou, Richard Kind, Erick Avari, John Diehl.
A linguist is given a curious assignment to translate some whimsical tables from Ancient Egypt. His translation will become the key that will open a fascinating but threatening world. Strongly recommended for translators and interpreters who enjoy sci-fi and fantasy films.
Also Knwon as (AKA) > Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay: Stargate: la puerta del tiempo; Brazil: Stargate, a Chave para o Futuro da Humanidade; Canada (French title) and France Stargate: La porte des étoiles; Germany: Stargate; Russia: Звёздные вратa; Spain: Stargate: puerta a las estrellas
Windtalkers
Original title: Windtalkers Country: EEUU Release: 2002 Director: John Woo Cast: Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Christian Slater, Peter Stormare, Noah Emmerich, Mark Ruffalo, Brian Van Holt, Martin Henderson, Roger Willie, Frances O’Connor, Jason Isaacs, Kevin Cooney.
A messenger man uses native American languages to send messages during War War II. The army, despite counting on anthropologists to try to decipher communications, can do very little. Although at times it can seem somewhat repetitious and far-fetched, translators and linguists may still enjoy it.
Also Known As (AKA) > Argentina, México: Códigos de guerra; Brazil and Portugal: Códigos de guerra; Canada (French title): La voix des vents; France: Windtalkers – Les messagers du vent; Germany: indtalkers; Russia: Говорящие с ветром; Spain: Windtalkers; Ukraine: Ti, що говорять iз вiтром
***
Charade
Original title: Charade Country: USA Release: 1963 Director: Stanley Donen Cast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn, George Kennedy,Ned Glass, Jacques Marin, Paul Bonifas, Thomas Chelimsky.
Audrey Hepburn is a UN translator and interpreter whose husband is murdered for no apparent reason. This event triggers a plot that reminds us of Hitchcock. The grace that Hepburn boasts when getting in the interpreter’s booth has gone down in cinema history. It is a must-see for all Audrey Hepburn fans.
Also known as (AKA) > Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Spain: Charada; Brazil and Portugal: Charade; Denmark: Charade – tre mand frem for en enke; Finland: Charade – ett farligt spel; France: Charade; Greece: Ραντεβού στο Παρίσι; Hungary: merikai fogócska; Italy: Sciarada; Norway: Hvem svindler hvem?; USSR: Шарада; Turkey: Öldüren süphe; West Germany: Scharade
La Traductrice
Original title: La Traductrice(The translator) Country: Switzerland/Russia Release: 2002 Genre: Drama Director: Elena Hazanov Cast: Alexander Baluev Julia Batinova Sergei Garmash Elena Safonova Bruno Todeschini
Ira, a young Russian woman in her twenties, lives in Geneva with her mother and doesn’t know much about her home country. Tashkov is an alleged member of the Russian mafia in jail waiting for his trial. Ira, who is a translator working for Tashkov’s defence attorney (defence lawyer) quickly succumbs to Tashkov’s charm, who is a powerful and learned man and seems to have the gift of reading her thoughts. But Tashkov will soon manipulate the young lady who wants to find her roots and her own way in life. When it dawns on her that danger can be hidden where least expected, it may be too late.
Fresh Suicide
Original title: Fresh SuicideCountry: India Release: Director: Anupam Barve
Short film shot in a very realistic style. A young Indian translator works for an American journalist who is creating a photo feature on farmers’ suicides in rural India. Strongly recommended.
Full movie:
Lost in Translation
Original title: Lost in TranslationCountry: USA Release: 2003 Director: Sofia Coppola Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris.
An actor in hard times and a photographer’s wife meet in Tokyo. The language and cultural barriers work as a metaphor for the character’s isolation… something more than just a friendship will develop in this crossroads. Although it is not directly related to translation, it strikes me as an inescapable reference.
Also known as (AKA): Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay: Perdidos en Tokio; Brazil: Encontros e desencontros; Germany: ost in Translation – Zwischen den Welten; Greece: Xαμένοι στη μετάφραση; Italy: ost in Translation – L’amore tradotto; Portugal: O Amor É um Lugar Estranho; Turkey: Bir konusabilse…
Everything is illuminated
Original title: Everything Is illuminated Country: USA Release: 2005 Director: Liev Schreiber Cast: Elijah Wood, Eugene Hutz, Boris Leskin
Rare and interesting movie telling the story of a young Jewish man who endeavours to find the woman who appeared in the picture his grandfather was holding in his deathbed. It also features the character of a translator/interpreter. The soundtrack by Paul Cantelon is also a great asset to this movie.
Also known as (AKA): Argentina; Mexico, : Una vida iluminada; Germany, Austria: Alles ist erleuchtet; Brazil: Uma Vida Iluminada; France: Tout est illuminé; Italy: Ogni cosa è illuminata; Poland: Wszystko jest iluminacja; Portugal: Está Tudo Iluminado; Russia: Cвет вокруг; Spain: Todo está iluminado; Sweden: Allt är upplyst
Spanglish
Original title: Spanglish Country: EEUU Release: 2004 Director: James L. Brooks Cast: Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman, Shelbie Bruce, Sarah Steele, Ian Hyland, Victoria Luna, Cecilia Suárez.
A Mexican woman with a low level of English migrates to the US to work in a wealthy family’s house. The language barrier is soon evident. The best part is during the end credits, though some people will dislike this movie, and others may even find it fun.
Also known as (AKA) > Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela : Espanglish; Brazil, Portugal: Espanglês; Canada (French title): Spanglish – J’en perds mon latin!; Croatia: Španjolski engleski; Denmark: Næsten helt perfekt – Spanglish; Greece: Iσπαγγλικά; Hungary: Spangol – Magamat sem értem; Poland: Trudne słówka; Romania: Cum sa nu devii american; Russia: Испанский-английский; Spain: Spanglish
La niña de tus ojos
Original title: La niña de tus ojos(The Girl of Your Dreams) Country: Spain Release: 1998 Director: Fernando Trueba Genre: Tragicomedy Cast: Penélope Cruz, Antonio Resines, Jesús Bonilla, Jorge Sanz, Loles León, Rosa María Sardà, Neus Asensi, Santiago Segura.
A group of Spanish filmmakers are invited to Nazi Germany to shoot the German-Spanish production ‘La niña de Tus Ojos’ (The Apple of Your Eye) at the UFA studios in Berlin.
As Carmina points out, the character of the interpreter shows up, playing a rather humorous role due to the embarrassing situations in which he gets involved in the making of the musical drama.
ALso Known As (AKA) > Brazil: Garota dos Seus Sonhos; France: La fille de tes rêves; Germany: Das Mädchen deiner Träume; Italy: La Niña dei tuoi sogni; Russia: Девушка твоей мечты; Turkey: Rüyalarin kizi; USA: The Girl of Your Dreams
Desert Flower
Original title: Desert Flower Country: United Kingdom Release: 2009 Genre: Drama / Biopic Director: Sherry Horman Cast: Liya Kebede (Waris Dirie), Sally Hawkins (Marylin), Timothy Spall (Terry Donaldson), Soraya Omar-Scego (Waris as the kid)
Waris Dirie (Liya Kebede) is in the hospital and needs an interpreter. Much to her dismay, she comes across a Somali translator who is giving personal opinions instead of accurately translating what she says.
Also Known As (AKA) > Austria: Mädchen aus dem Goldland; Brazil: Flor do Deserto; Denmark: Tøsen fra Texas
Zero Dark Thirty
Original title: Zero Dark Thirty (2012 ) Genre: Thriller Director: Kathryn Bigelow Cast:Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Taylor Kinney, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Chris Pratt, Mark Duplass, Harold Perrineau, Jason Clarke, Édgar Ramírez,Scott Adkins, Frank Grillo, Lee Asquith-Coe, Fredric Lehne, James Gandolfini, Reda Kateb, Fares Fares, Stephen Dillane, Homayoun Ershadi
Instead of featuring only one interpreter, there is a collection of interpreters, who help trace Osama Bin Laden.
Also known as (AKA): Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Spain : La noche más oscura; Brazil: A Hora Mais Escura; Canada (French title): Opération avant l’aube; Hungary: Zero Dark Thirty – A bin Láden-hajsza; Iraq: Si daghighey-e bamdad; Italy: Operazione Zero Dark Thirty; Japan: Zero Dâku Sâti; Lithuania: Taikinys #1; Poland: Wróg numer 1; Portugal 00:30 A Hora Negra; Romania: Misiunea: 00.30 A.M.; Russia: Цель номер один; Ukraine: Tридцять хвилин по пiвночi
Babel
Original title: Babel Release: 2006 Genre: Drama Director: Alejandro González Iñárruti Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Kōji Yakusho, Adriana Barraza, Rinko Kikuchi
Directed by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, with a script by writer Guillermo Arriaga, Babel premiered at Cannes on May 23, 2006 and completes Iñárritu’s “Trilogy of Death”, which started with Amores Perros.
This film was the Golden Globe winner for the best drama in 2007 and candidate for seven Oscars, among them best film and best director (though it only got the best soundtrack award).
The film narrates three intertwined stories which take place in different parts of the world: Japan, the United States and Morocco. It features four different languages with some hindrances related to language barriers (such as the American couple that suffers an accident in Morocco) or the communication skills (the story that takes place in Tokyo focuses on a deaf teenager).
Also Known As (AKA) > Sweden: Jakten på den magiska stenen; Bulgaria: Бабел
Blood Diamond
Original title: Blood diamond (2006) Director: Edward Zwick Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, Djimon Hounsou, Arnold Vosloo, David Harewood, Caruso Kuypers, Michael Sheen, Basil Wallace, Ntare Mwine, Stephen Collins, Chris Petoyan (AKA Chris Astoyan), Jimi Mistry
Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of a white Rhodesian arms dealer in Sierra Leone. He sports an amazing accent and he also speaks krio and many times acts as an interpreter.
Also Known As (AKA) > Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Spain: Diamante de sangre; Brasil, Portugal: Diamante de Sangue; Canada (French title): Le diamant de sang; Greece: Ματωμένο διαμάντι; Italy: Blood Diamond – Diamanti di sangue; Romania: Diamant insangerat; Russia: Кровавый алмаз
The Interpreter (TV Series)
Original title: 亲爱的翻译官 (The Interpreter) Genre: Workplace rommance Country: China Director: Wang Ying Cast: Yang Mi, Huang Xuan
This list wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of this Chinese series starring Qiao Fei (Yang Mi), who studies French and dreams of becoming a professional interpreter. His mentor whilst studying in Paris is Cheng Jia Yang (Huang Xuan), the son of a foreign minister and an outstanding interpreter of French to Chinese. This series is based on the novel “Les Interprètes” by Miao Xuan. It was a commercial hit in China.
Blockchain Glossaries (English, Spanish, French, German and Italian)
Here is a selection of some of the best online glossaries on blockchain and cryptocurrencies I have found so far. For the time being, you can find them in English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese. This post will be updated regularly and new languages will be added.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Glossaries in English
Quotes about translation · Citas sobre la traducción · Citations sur la traduction
“Translation is a two-edged instrument: it has the special purpose of demonstrating the learner’s knowledge of the foreign language, either as a form of control or to exercise his intelligence in order to develop his competence.” ― Peter Newmark, Manual De Traduccion / A Textbook of Translation
“The word ‘translation’ comes, etymologically, from the Latin for ‘bearing across’. Having been borne across the world, we are translated men. It is normally supposed that something always gets lost in translation; I cling, obstinately to the notion that something can also be gained.” ― Salman Rushdie, Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism 1981-1991
“Traduire, c’est produire avec des moyens différents des effets analogues.” ― Paul Valéry
“Una lengua es toda una visión del mundo, y hasta cuando una lengua adopta una palabra ajena suele teñirla de otro modo, con cierta traición imperceptible. Una lengua, además, vale tanto por lo que dice como por lo que calla, y es dable interpretar sus silencios”. ― Alfonso Reyes
“Translation is the art of failure.” ― Umberto Eco
“Translation is entirely mysterious. Increasingly I have felt that the art of writing is itself translating, or more like translating than it is like anything else. What is the other text, the original? I have no answer. I suppose it is the source, the deep sea where ideas swim, and one catches them in nets of words and swings them shining into the boat … where in this metaphor they die and get canned and eaten in sandwiches.”― Ursula K. Le Guin
“All meanings, we know, depend on the key of interpretation” ― George Eliot
“Abba is not Hebrew, the language of liturgy, but Aramaic, the language of home and everyday life … We need to be wary of the suggestion … that the correct translation of Abba is ‘Daddy.’ Abba is the intimate word of a family circle where that obedient reverence was at the heart of the relationship, whereas Daddy is the familiar word of a family circle from which all thoughts of reverence and obedience have largely disappeared … The best English translation of Abba is simply ‘Dear Father.” ― Thomas Allan Smail, The Forgotten Father
“El traductor es un escritor privilegiado que tiene la oportunidad de reescribir obras maestras en su propia lengua”. ― Javier Marías.
“It is the task of the translator to release in his own language that pure language that is under the spell of another, to liberate the language imprisoned in a work in his re-creation of that work.” ― Walter Benjamin, Illuminations: Essays and Reflections
“En premier lieu, un traducteur est un homme qui n’a aucun droit; il n’a que des devoirs. Il doit témoigner à son auteur une fidélité de caniche, mais un caniche étrange, qui se conduirait comme un singe. C’est Mauriac, si je ne m’abuse, qui a écrit: “Le romancier est le singe de Dieu.” Eh bien, le traducteur est le singe du romancier. Il doit faire les mêmes grimaces, que ça lui plaise ou non.”―Maurice E. Coindreau
“Reading a poem in translation,” wrote Bialek, “is like kissing a woman through a veil”; and reading Greek poems, with a mixture of katharevousa and the demotic, is like kissing two women. Translation is a kind of transubstantiation; one poem becomes another. You choose your philosophy of translation just as you choose how to live: the free adaptation that sacrifices detail to meaning, the strict crib that sacrifices meaning to exactitude. The poet moves from life to language, the translator moves from language to life; both like the immigrant, try to identify the invisible, what’s between the lines, the mysterious implications.” ― Anne Michaels, Fugitive Pieces
Translation is one of the few human activities in which the impossible occurs by principle.” ― Mariano Antolín Rato
“Ser traductor significa ejercer el noble oficio de comunicar entre sí a hombres separados por barreras lingüísitcas, total o parcialmente, infranqueables para ellos.” ― Valentín García Yebra
“If you want to produce a vital translation, at some point in the translation process you have to forget the original. Some would say you have to kill it. Ideally by eating it alive.” ― Peter Cole
Encouraging people in English and Spanish · Animando a la gente en inglés y español
“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.” Benjamin Mays
Hi there! I think this post may come in handy for managers, English and Spanish teachers, coaches, and anyone who needs to encourage someone. Here are some phrases in English and Spanish that you can use to encourage someone. This post is written in English and Spanish, so you can find the translation after each paragraph and expression. In most cases, you won’t find the literal translation, because it wouldn’t sound natural or idiomatic in English or Spanish, so I’ve chosen the closest equivalent. If you know more phrases or expressions to encourage people, please don’t hesitate to add them in comments.
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“La tragedia en la vida no radica en no alcanzar tus metas. La tragedia es no tener metas que alcanzar.” Benjamin Mays
¡Buenas! Creo que esta publicación puede resultar útil para directores, profesores de inglés y español, entrenadores, y cualquiera que necesite animar a alguien. He aquí algunas frases en inglés y español que puedes usar para animar a alguien. Esta publicación está escrita en inglés y español, así que tras cada párrafo o expresión podrás encontrar la traducción. En la mayoría de los casos, no verás la traducción literal, ya que no sonaría natural o idiomática en inglés o español, así que he escogido el equivalente más cercano. Si conoces más frases o expresiones para dar ánimos, por favor no dudes en añadirlas en los comentarios.
Encouraging expressions and interjections · Expresiones e interjecciones de ánimos
Cheer Up! or Chin Up! ¡Ánimos!
Come on! C’mon! ¡Vamos! ¡Venga!
Hurrah! (also hoorah, hooray, and hurray, and even huzzah) is an exclamation of triumph or happiness · ¡Viva! ¡Hurra!
Go all out! ¡Dalo todo! ¡A muerte!
For those who need a little push · Para los que necesitan un empujoncito:
Give it a try! ¡Inténtalo!
Go for it! ¡Venga!
Go for them! ¡A por ellos!
Just do it! Hazlo y punto / Simplemente hazlo
C-mon, you can make it! ¡Venga, tu puedes!
It’s worth a shot Vale la pena intentarlo
What do you have to lose? No hay nada que perder
Why not? ¿ Por qué no?
What are you waiting for? ¿A qué esperas? ¿A qué estás esperando?
You might as well… Por intentarlo… que no quede.
In for a penny, in for a pound! (UK) In for a dime, in for a dollar (US) ¡De perdidos al río!
To encourage people that are already doing well, you can say… Para animar a la gente que ya lo está haciendo bien, puedes decir…
Keep up the good work ¡Sigue así!
Keep it up! ¡Sigue así!
Good job! ¡Buen Trabajo!
Well done! ¡Bien hecho!
I’m so proud of you! ¡Estoy orgulloso de ti!
For people who are going through a rough time or facing a dificult or stressful situation… · Para gente que está pasando por un mal momento o se enfrenta a una situación difícil o estresante…
Hang in there (slang) ¡Aguanta!
Keep fighting / Keep pushing ¡Sigue luchando!
Every cloud has a silver lining No hay mal que por bien no venga
Please accept my condolences (in a funeral) Mis condolencias
Everything will be ok · Todo saldrá bien
Specially suitable for speeches, lectures or in writing Especialmente indicados para discursos, clases o textos.
I’m behing you 100% Te apoyo al 100%
Never say die No darse nunca por vencido
Keep strong Mantenerse fuerte*
Phrases to inspire people. · Frases para inspirar a la gente.
The sky is the limit El cielo es el línmite
Follow your dreams Sigue tus sueños
Believe in yourself Cree en ti mismo
It’s never late to start over Nunca es tarde para empezar de nuevo
Messages of support · Mensajes de apoyo
I’m with you · Estoy contigo
I’ll be there for you · Siempre me tendrás a mi
You can count on me · Puedes contar conmigo
A friend in need is a friend indeed · Un amigo es un amigo (cuando prestas ayuda o apoyas a un amigo)
Encouraging students · Para dar ánimos a los estudiantes
Nice work! / Great stuff ! ¡Buen trabajo!
(You did a) good/ great job Has hecho un buen / gran trabajo
You (all) did very well Lo habéis hecho muy bien
Perfect/ (A) perfect score/ No mistakes!/ You didn’t make any mistakes (at all)/ You didn’t make a single mistake Perfecto / Una excelente puntuación / ¡Ningún error! / No cometiste ni un error
Ten out of ten Diez sobre diez
Let me shake your hand!/ Give me five! ¡Déjame darte la mano! ¡Choca esos cinco!
Apologies for the rude subject matter, but I was just curious about the way of saying “What the fuck!?!” in other languages. This post is not aimed at equipping people with more ways of being rude. It is for linguistic and cultural purposes only. If you don’t like reading swears, just don’t read this post. Needless to say, It’s your decision what ends up coming out of your mouth 🙂 So here is a list of the closest equivalents of WTF in other languages. In some cases a literal translation is provided:
(to) Swear means touseprofaneoathsorlanguage, and whether we like it or not, swears are an intrinsic part of almost any language.
What the Fuck! is an expression of extreme surprise or annoyment said to state that one is in total disbelief or confusion as to what has happened, or what is happening.
So let’s take a look at this world-famous swear in other languages:
What the Fuck in Spanish
In Argentina: ¡¿Qué mierda/carajo…?!(e.g. ¡¿Qué mierda o carajo es eso?!) [Literally: what shit / prick is it] In Bolivia: ¡¿Qué carajos…?! In Chile and Panama: ¡¿Qué chuncha…?! (e.g. ¡¿Qué chuncha quieres?!) In Colombia: ¡¿Qué putas…?! [Literally: what whor*s… ] In Mexico: ¡¿Qué carajo…?! ¡¿Qué chingados…?!” (e.g. ¡¿Qué chingados es eso?!, ¡¿Pero qué chingados dices?!) In Peru: ¡¿Qué mierda…?! (e.g. ¡¿Qué mierda es eso?!) [Literally: What shit?!] In Spain: ¡¿Qué cojones/leches/pollas/coño…?! (e.g. ¡¿Pero qué coño es esto?!) [Literally: what bull*cks / milks / d*cks / pus*y?!]
What the Fuck in Belarusian
Гамон! Якога чорта?! (Hamon! Jakoha čorta?!)
[Literally: F*cked up! What the hell?!]
What the fuck in Chinese (Mandarin)
怎么鬼事?(Zěnme guǐ shì?) 怎么回事 (Zěnme huí shì)
[Literally: How is it: What happened? ]
In Taiwan: 幹三小
What the Fuck in Croatian
WTF: Koji kurac?
[Literally: What the di*k!]
What the Fuck in Danish
WTD: Fuck dig!
[Literally: Fuc* you!]
What the fuck in Dutch
WTF: Krijg de pleuris; wat de fok
[Literally: catch the tuberculosis]
What the Fuck in Esperanto
kio(n) diable; kio(n) kace (the Esperanto C is pronounced like the unvoiced version of the Italian “zz”).
Thanks, Ferdinand!
[Literally: How diabolic]
What the fuck in French
French people will mostly say “houlà”, “putain” or “merde” [Literally: sh*t], also C’est quoi ce bordel?!”[Literally: What is this mess?!] and “De quoi ?!” [Literally: whereof]. In Quebec, some like to use “ouate de phoque” instead.
What the fuck in German
WTF: Was zum Teufel? also Was zu Hölle?
Was zum Teufel [Literally: What the devil!]
What the fuck in Guaraní
Nderakore!
What the Fuck in Hungarian
WTF: Mi a fasz (van)
What the Fuck in Italian
WTF: che cavolo [Literally: what cabbage!] ; che cazzo!?; Ma che cazzo! [Literally: But what dic*]
What the fuck in Irish Gaelic
WTF: cad é an fuck; céard sa fuc [Literally:What in the fu*k]
Welcome to the third part of “Most Important English Sayings translated to —or into!, both are correct— Spanish”.
English and Spanish cultures share a number of wise sayings called “proverbs” (or proverbios, in Spanish) that offer advice about how to live your life. Some of them translate almost literally while others change the words but not the meaning.
Here you have the third list of some of the most popular proverbs in English and their Spanish equivalent, when it exists (otherwise I provide an explanation). You are welcome to contribute with new translations in the comment box below. I hope you enjoy this!
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Explanation> Los verdaderos amigos se conocen en la necesidad.
A constant guest is never welcome. SE (Spanish Equivalent)> A donde te quieren mucho, no vayas a menudo.
All mouth and no trousers. All talk and no action. Spanish Equivalent (SE)> Mucho ruido y pocas nueces.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Explanation> A diario una manzana es cosa sana.
Any port in a storm. SE> A Buen hambre, no hay pan duro.
Better late / later than never. SE> Más vale tarde que nunca or Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena.
Dead men have no friends. SE> El muerto al hoyo y le vivo al bollo.
Evildoers always think the worst of others. SE> Piensa el ladrón que todos son de condicion.
Give a dog a bad name (and hang it). SE> Cría fama y échate a dormir or Por un perro que maté, mataperros me llamaron.
His bark is worse than his bite. SE> Perro ladrador, poco mordedor.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. SE>Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
Half the truth is often a whole lie. SE> La verdad a medias es mentira verdadera.
The shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot. SE>En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo.
There’s no smoke without fire. SE> Donde hay humo, hay fuego.
What can’t be cured must be endured. SE>Hacer de tripas corazon.
What the boss says goes. SE>Donde hay patrón, no manda marinero.
What you see is what you get. SE>Es lo que hay.
A penny saved is a penny earned. SE>Dinero ahorrado, dos veces ganado.
No bees, no honey; no work, no money. ES> No hay miel sin hiel.
Most important English Sayings translated to Spanish II
Proverbios ingleses más importantes traducidos al español II
English and Spanish cultures share a collection of wise sayings called “proverbs” (or proverbios, in Spanish) that offer advice about how to live your life. Some of them translate almost literally while others change the words but not the meaning.
Here is the second list of some of the most popular proverbs in English and their Spanish equivalent. You are welcome to contribute with new translations in the comment box below. I hope you enjoy this!
-People who live in glass houses should’t throw stones (Spanish: Ves la paja en el ojo ajeno y no la viga en el propio).
-Don’t bite off more than you can chew (Spanish: Quién mucho abarca poco aprieta).
-To cost an arm and a leg (Spanish: Costar un riñón).
-Easy come, easy go (Spanish: Lo que fácil viene, fácil se va).
-Practice makes perfect (Spanish: La práctica hace al maestro).
-To each his own (Spanish: Cada loco con su tema).
-A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (Spanish: Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando).
-Too many cooks spoil the broth (Spanish: Más ayuda el que no estorba).
-Do as I say, not as I do (Spanish: En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo).
-Out of sight, out of mind (Spanish: Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente).
-The early bird catches the worm (Spanish: A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda).
-It’s in the lap of the Gods (Spanish: Que sea lo que Dios quiera).
-Like water off duck’s back (Spanish: A palabras necias, oídos sordos).
-Kiss and make up (Spanish: Borrón y cuenta nueva).
-By hook or by crook (Spanish: Por las buenas o por las malas).
-All’s well that ends well (Spanish: Bien está lo que bien acaba).
-Between the devil and the deep blue sea (Spanish: Entre la espada y la pared).
-You’re on thin ice (Spanish: Te la estás jugando).
-That’s the straw that broke the camel’s back (Spanish: Ésta es la gota que colma el vaso).
* It is raining cats and dogs (Spanish: llover a cántaros)
* It never rains but it pours (las desgracias nunca vienen solas. Llover sobre mojado)
Most important English Sayings translated to Spanish and French I
Proverbios ingleses más importantes traducidos al español y al francés I
Principaux proverbes anglais traduits en espagnol et en fraçais I
English and Spanish cultures share a collection of wise sayings called “proverbs” (or proverbios, in Spanish) that offer advice about how to live your life. Some of them translate almost literally while others change the words but not the meaning.
Here is a list of some of the most popular proverbs in English and their Spanish equivalent. You are welcome to contribute with new translations in the comment box below. I hope you enjoy this!
1. The pen is mightier than the sword (En) La pluma es más poderosa que la espada (Sp) La plume est plus forte que l’épée (FR)
2. When in Rome, do as the Romans (En) Donde fueres, haz lo que vieres (Sp) À Rome, fais comme les Romains (FR).
3. Better late than never (En) Más vale tarde que nunca (Sp) mieux vaut tard que jamais (FR)
4. Birds of a feather flock together (En) Dios los cría y ellos se juntan (Sp) Qui se ressemble s’assemble (FR)
5. A picture is worth a thousand words (En) Una imagen vale más que mil palabras (Sp) Une image vaut mieux que mille mots (FR)
6. Never look a gift horse in the mouth (En) A caballo regalado, no le mires el dentado (Sp) A cheval donné, on ne regarde pas la bouche (FR)
7. It’s water under the bridge (En) Es agua pasada (Sp) De l’eau a coulé sous les ponts, also, C’est du passé (FR)
8. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you (En) No muerdas la mano que te da de comer (Sp) Ne mords pas la main qui te nourrit (FR)
9. All good things must come to an end (En) Todo lo bueno se acaba (Sp)
10. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (En) La belleza está en los ojos que miran (Sp) La beauté est affaire de goût (FR)
11. Good things come to those who wait (En) A quién espera, todo le llega (Sp) Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre (FR)
12. Don’t put all eggs in one basket (En) No pongas todos los huevos en la misma cesta (Sp) Ne mets pas tous tes œufs dans le même panier (FR)
13. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch (En) No vender la piel del osos antes de matarlo (Sp) Il ne faut jamais vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué (FR)
14. All is fair in love and war (En) En el amor y en la guerra todo se vale (Sp) En amour comme à la guerre, tous les coups sont permis (FR)
15. Better the devil you know than the one you don’t (En) Más vale malo conocido que bueno por conocer (Sp) Mieux vaut un mal connu qu’un bien qui reste à connaître (FR)
16. Don’t put the cart before the horse (En) No empezar la casa por el tejado (Sp) Ne mets pas la charrue avant les bœufs (FR).
17. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again (En) El que la sigue, la consigue (Sp) Cent fois sut le métier, remettez votre ouvrage (FR)
18. A word to the wise is enough (En) A buen entendedor pocas palabras bastan (Sp) À bon entendeur, salut (FR).
19. Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance. (En) Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo (Sp) · This is the closest equivalence I’ve been able to find.
20. Time is money (En) El tiempo es oro (Sp) Le temps, c’est de l’argent (FR)