Foreign words that require a whole sentence for translation into Russian

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

It is not easy for foreigners to explain what a “subbotnik” is, but the phrase “wow!” generally baffles them. Likewise, in other languages you can find words that require a long explanation for an accurate translation. Many of these concepts are a real national treasure - they can be used to judge the mentality and character of a particular people.

"Chabudo" - Chinese "maybe"

Surprisingly, in Chinese speech there is a very common concept that can be translated into Russian:. Workers from the Middle Kingdom use it so often that they even came up with a separate word to convey this complex feeling. Chabudo - this is a work done for three with a minus, i.e. somehow, just not to fall apart, while they check. People who have lived in this country for a long time meet with such an attitude quite often. Moreover, if the repairs made at the “chabudo” level will simply cause troubles during operation, then the construction of a building, for example, can lead to sad consequences. At the same time, the concept also has a deeper meaning, because it implies that investing more time or effort in work is colossal foolishness. So in this respect, the Chinese are much closer to us than, for example, to the Japanese, for whom such an attitude towards responsibilities in most cases is simply unacceptable.

Cute "Satsiao" and "Egyo"

"Satsziao" - another rather complex Chinese concept, which can be literally translated as follows:. It is interesting that this word most often describes not just a style of behavior, but a loud public hysteria that an adult throws to another adult, imitating a child. Well, for example, a woman, to whom her companion refused to buy a new dress (because she had not yet worn the old one), is obliged to arrange an exemplary Saziao. The over-aged "Little Emperor" can pout at the same time, loudly express indignation and even hit the offender once with a weak fist. The role of the man after that is to, resigned to the feminine charm, buy up the entire store for his beloved. This corresponds to the national Chinese concept of honor of the stronger sex, which should not just pamper, but is obliged to “spoil” his chosen one with excessive care and condescending attitude towards her small weaknesses.

It is interesting that in Korean culture there is a concept close in meaning "Egyo", which also translates as, but with a less turbulent context. It simply means a style of behavior in which the girl behaves like a fragile and spontaneous child. A number of techniques have even been described that make it possible to achieve a similar effect: stretching the vowels at the end of a word, cute distortion of speech and a special style of conversation - mimically and intonationally active. Interestingly, Egyo is widely used in pop culture today and, by the way, is to the liking not only of Koreans, but also of men from other countries, who are probably tired of too active and dominant women. So, for example, an echo of Egyo - folding the fingers in the form of a heart, in general, has recently become a global trend for expressing mood and creating soulful photographs.

Politics in Italian

Italians have proven to be adept at coming up with figurative terms to denote ordinary people in politics. So, for example, the word "Trinariciuto" literally translates as. Don't be surprised if you see a similar image on any poster. This concept does not mean a genetic mutation, but only. Such an idealist follows, first of all, the instructions of the party, and not conscience and common sense, because through the third nostril, as it is believed, his own brain has disappeared. The word appeared in the post-war period, when heated debates about the future fate of Italy and the first elections attracted the attention of ordinary people to politics.

The exact opposite meaning is put into the word Qualunquista … It defines People undergoing a bout of political apathy began to be called so after the same 40s, when the comedian Guglielmo Giannini first founded the newspaper L'Uomo qualunque (“Just some kind of person”), and then the movement with the same name. “Ordinary people” not only do not want to come to the next elections, they are dissatisfied with the existing system, but they do nothing, since it is still useless. At the same time, no one prevents them from discussing problems and criticizing the authorities.

"Utepils" - spring break in Norwegian way

The last concept from this collection, more than ever, is relevant in the first days of May. It is at this time in Norway that the time comes for "Utepils" … Literally, this beautiful word is translated as. There is no exact date for the start of Utepils - it comes, depending on the weather, but it is quite a friendly event. People, united by a common mood, start the "summer street season", and now they are also sharing photos of this happy event on social networks.

The Russian language, in turn, also sometimes throws up real surprises for foreigners. Although, to be honest, it is perfect to cope with it and not all Russians can do it. Especially for our readers, we have collected the most ridiculous and very common mistakes in the Russian language that even educated people make.