4) Don't touch me there!
December 10, 2007 2:58 PM Subscribe
The Four Essential Travel Phrases in 435 languages + 242 dialects + 49 conlangs!
Including Popculture English and more!
See also: I Can Eat Glass...it does not hurt me.
Including Popculture English and more!
See also: I Can Eat Glass...it does not hurt me.
My hovercraft is full of eels.
posted by ooga_booga at 3:25 PM on December 10, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by ooga_booga at 3:25 PM on December 10, 2007 [3 favorites]
404 means the same in all languages.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:44 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:44 PM on December 10, 2007
The link doesn't work for me, so I am curious as to what these four essential phrases are.
My best guess would be:
"It was like that when I got here"
"No, honestly, I was not checking out your wife / daughter / sister / concubine / possession"
"Is there any kind of special on-the-spot-fine I can pay? My flight is tomorrow"
"Is there a toilet within ten metres of here? Failing that, do you have a mop & bucket handy?"
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:45 PM on December 10, 2007 [3 favorites]
My best guess would be:
"It was like that when I got here"
"No, honestly, I was not checking out your wife / daughter / sister / concubine / possession"
"Is there any kind of special on-the-spot-fine I can pay? My flight is tomorrow"
"Is there a toilet within ten metres of here? Failing that, do you have a mop & bucket handy?"
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:45 PM on December 10, 2007 [3 favorites]
I am fondly reminded of Learning English the Zuiikin Way
"Let's go Dutch!"
posted by not_on_display at 3:48 PM on December 10, 2007
"Let's go Dutch!"
posted by not_on_display at 3:48 PM on December 10, 2007
Note: All phrases assume an indeterminate level of intoxication.
posted by inconsequentialist at 4:10 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by inconsequentialist at 4:10 PM on December 10, 2007
I'm sorry, but "where is the beach" is not particularly essential. Especially say, in a land-locked country. Or winter.
posted by miss lynnster at 6:02 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by miss lynnster at 6:02 PM on December 10, 2007
I just recently found the zuiikin stuff, much to my amusement/horror. This post reminds me that I once saw a list of 100 essential words that would give you a great base in any language. I think they included basic nouns like animals, colors, body parts, etc and a few key action verbs. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
posted by ikahime at 6:15 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by ikahime at 6:15 PM on December 10, 2007
What? I have a bad case of diarrhea not on the list?
posted by madamjujujive at 6:50 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by madamjujujive at 6:50 PM on December 10, 2007
Ah man, and here I am thinking this post would be about The Tubes.
posted by digitalprimate at 7:09 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by digitalprimate at 7:09 PM on December 10, 2007
For those who can't access the link, they suggest these four phrases:
1) Where is my room?
2) Where is the beach?
3) Where is the bar?
4) Don't touch me there!
I find I can get by pretty well in a country where I don't speak the language with:
1) Yes
2) No
3) Thank you
4) Where is the toilet?
5) May I have/I'd like [point at menu/sign/object]
6) Numbers 1-10
posted by cali at 7:15 PM on December 10, 2007
1) Where is my room?
2) Where is the beach?
3) Where is the bar?
4) Don't touch me there!
I find I can get by pretty well in a country where I don't speak the language with:
1) Yes
2) No
3) Thank you
4) Where is the toilet?
5) May I have/I'd like [point at menu/sign/object]
6) Numbers 1-10
posted by cali at 7:15 PM on December 10, 2007
In late, but "Oh my God, there's an ax in my head!" was the first thing that popped into my mind. Your travel phrases may differ.
posted by zengargoyle at 8:12 PM on December 10, 2007
posted by zengargoyle at 8:12 PM on December 10, 2007
cali: good list, although in some languages (e.g. Chinese) there isn't really a general word for "yes" or "no". I'd add:
7) "How much?"
8) "Excuse me" (after bumping into someone) and "Excuse me?" (to get attention)
9) "Water" (because I often need to buy bottled water at a stand where pointing is impossible)
... and of course ...
10) "Tea" (in a strict Islamic country) and "Beer" (everywhere else)
I love Lonely Planet phrasebooks, although I still have yet to meet someone who has managed to use the racier parts of the "Dating and Romance" section.
posted by xthlc at 8:44 PM on December 10, 2007
7) "How much?"
8) "Excuse me" (after bumping into someone) and "Excuse me?" (to get attention)
9) "Water" (because I often need to buy bottled water at a stand where pointing is impossible)
... and of course ...
10) "Tea" (in a strict Islamic country) and "Beer" (everywhere else)
I love Lonely Planet phrasebooks, although I still have yet to meet someone who has managed to use the racier parts of the "Dating and Romance" section.
posted by xthlc at 8:44 PM on December 10, 2007
I am sort of responsible for the original I Can Eat Glass Project.
I calculated that it took about the same amount of effort to get running as it did to launch the original Yahoo directory, which started at the same time. The fact that it lives in yet another iteration is a good indication that (1) even the dumbest things on the internet will not die and (2) you will be haunted by your silly college projects for the rest of your life. It followed me here - be warned, kids!
posted by blahblahblah at 9:05 PM on December 10, 2007
I calculated that it took about the same amount of effort to get running as it did to launch the original Yahoo directory, which started at the same time. The fact that it lives in yet another iteration is a good indication that (1) even the dumbest things on the internet will not die and (2) you will be haunted by your silly college projects for the rest of your life. It followed me here - be warned, kids!
posted by blahblahblah at 9:05 PM on December 10, 2007
in some languages (e.g. Chinese) there isn't really a general word for "yes" or "no"
Whoa, seriously? Not to sound like a total moron, but how do they answer questions, then?
posted by naoko at 9:15 PM on December 10, 2007
Whoa, seriously? Not to sound like a total moron, but how do they answer questions, then?
posted by naoko at 9:15 PM on December 10, 2007
Not to sound like a total moron, but how do they answer questions, then?
Generally, by using the verb in question, eg:
A: have you read this book?
B: read.
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:20 PM on December 10, 2007
Generally, by using the verb in question, eg:
A: have you read this book?
B: read.
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:20 PM on December 10, 2007
or, better:
A: do you want this pony?
B: DO NOT WANT!
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:22 PM on December 10, 2007 [1 favorite]
A: do you want this pony?
B: DO NOT WANT!
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:22 PM on December 10, 2007 [1 favorite]
My essential Chinese I teach newbies and think should be applicable everywhere:
i, you
want/don't want
thanks
excuse me
go to
where is
here/there
this/that
WC (everyone, everywhere seems to understand)
posted by trinarian at 9:57 PM on December 10, 2007
i, you
want/don't want
thanks
excuse me
go to
where is
here/there
this/that
WC (everyone, everywhere seems to understand)
posted by trinarian at 9:57 PM on December 10, 2007
or, better:
A: do you want this pony?
B: DO NOT WANT!
This restates what I discovered in Jakarta: Jolly Indonesian-Chinese youth given to archaic graces were the template for this dreaded Lolcat menace.
Grafitti from a wall opposite a warung off Plaza Semanggi, which can be read only if you're a foot high and/or bend down:
O HAI
APA KBR?
as i was typing this, my pet sysadmin lolcat strolled in, ambled about, looked at me through hooded eyes and waved his paws about at me. serious.
posted by sushiwiththejury at 10:54 PM on December 10, 2007
A: do you want this pony?
B: DO NOT WANT!
This restates what I discovered in Jakarta: Jolly Indonesian-Chinese youth given to archaic graces were the template for this dreaded Lolcat menace.
Grafitti from a wall opposite a warung off Plaza Semanggi, which can be read only if you're a foot high and/or bend down:
O HAI
APA KBR?
as i was typing this, my pet sysadmin lolcat strolled in, ambled about, looked at me through hooded eyes and waved his paws about at me. serious.
posted by sushiwiththejury at 10:54 PM on December 10, 2007
I reckon that 3 of the 4 for New Zealand English are wrong, so I don't know how accurate any of the others are likely to be.
posted by The Monkey at 3:17 AM on December 11, 2007
posted by The Monkey at 3:17 AM on December 11, 2007
Love how it's 'bar' (transliterated) in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, but an elegant, refined Sharaab khaana in Urdu.
posted by the cydonian at 6:08 AM on December 11, 2007
posted by the cydonian at 6:08 AM on December 11, 2007
I really expected to see some LOLCats on "I can eat glass" - I think this shows that I CAN HAZ CHEESEBURGER can haz eaten my brain.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:24 AM on December 11, 2007
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:24 AM on December 11, 2007
¿dónde está el cuarto en el cual usted lanza mierda?
Wo ist der Platz Sie Scheiße in werfen Sie?
Où est la salle vous de la merde et le cri perçant dedans ?
posted by Smedleyman at 1:05 PM on December 11, 2007
Wo ist der Platz Sie Scheiße in werfen Sie?
Où est la salle vous de la merde et le cri perçant dedans ?
posted by Smedleyman at 1:05 PM on December 11, 2007
Four most important questions for me have been:
1. Will this cream keep the rash from spreading?
2. Can you get the blood stains out of this clown suit?
3. Are you a cop?
4. Are you sure you're not a cop?
posted by Pollomacho at 1:30 PM on December 11, 2007
1. Will this cream keep the rash from spreading?
2. Can you get the blood stains out of this clown suit?
3. Are you a cop?
4. Are you sure you're not a cop?
posted by Pollomacho at 1:30 PM on December 11, 2007
an elegant, refined Sharaab khaana in Urdu.
Sharaab, from the Arabic for wine.
Khaana, presumably from Hindi / Sanskrit for food / to eat.
That makes the bar some sort of "wine eatery". Hardly elegant at all, in my books.
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:08 PM on December 11, 2007
Sharaab, from the Arabic for wine.
Khaana, presumably from Hindi / Sanskrit for food / to eat.
That makes the bar some sort of "wine eatery". Hardly elegant at all, in my books.
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:08 PM on December 11, 2007
Ubu: "Khana" is an Urdu/Indo-Persian root for 'a place related to' (I think).
Literally, then, 'sharab-khana' would be the 'Place where Sharaab, wine, may be sipped'. There are loads of examples across medieval India, but you have '~-khana's across the board; many forts have Naqqar Khana's, for example. Also, many Brit-colonial cities have their own gymkhanas.
posted by the cydonian at 5:05 AM on December 13, 2007
Literally, then, 'sharab-khana' would be the 'Place where Sharaab, wine, may be sipped'. There are loads of examples across medieval India, but you have '~-khana's across the board; many forts have Naqqar Khana's, for example. Also, many Brit-colonial cities have their own gymkhanas.
posted by the cydonian at 5:05 AM on December 13, 2007
Ubu: "Khana" is an Urdu/Indo-Persian root for 'a place related to' (I think).
yes. from the farsi دادن, khane, 'house'.
i suspect this derives from the proto-indo-european *stā-, which gives us the Sanskrit स्थान.
the indo-aryan examples seem sloppy; i like 'मधुशाला ', madhushaalaa, 'house of wine' better.
the cydonian is your first language marathi? does marathi have a term for 'local liquor den'?
posted by sushiwiththejury at 6:43 AM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite]
yes. from the farsi دادن, khane, 'house'.
i suspect this derives from the proto-indo-european *stā-, which gives us the Sanskrit स्थान.
the indo-aryan examples seem sloppy; i like 'मधुशाला ', madhushaalaa, 'house of wine' better.
the cydonian is your first language marathi? does marathi have a term for 'local liquor den'?
posted by sushiwiththejury at 6:43 AM on December 14, 2007 [1 favorite]
Sushi: You're, of course, right in saying that मधुशाला is an ideal Sanskrit-based translation for 'bar'.
But then, I'm thinking, a random international visitor looking for a watering-hole wouldn't get around too much if she was asking for a madhushaala in, say, Bombay or Delhi; 'kya aap mujhe ek madhushaalE ki pataa bataa sakte hain' sounds, well, too formal even to my non-native-Hindi ears. ;-)
(Which, of course, would be the same problem with 'sharaab khaana'; even in Urdu-speaking cities such as Lucknow or Hyderabad, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on the street responding to 'sharaab khaana' as such. )
Nope, can't speak Marathi, no. I, however, can speak Telugu, and 'liquor den' is surprisingly easier to translate than 'bar'. You could say, 'saaraayi koTTu' (సారాయి కొట్టు), for 'saara (arrack) shop', or a (braaMdii koTTu, బ్రాందీ కొట్టు, 'brandy shop') for a very effective translation, if only to avoid using the word 'bar'. It is, however, not upscale enough for an urban audience.
posted by the cydonian at 7:39 AM on December 14, 2007
But then, I'm thinking, a random international visitor looking for a watering-hole wouldn't get around too much if she was asking for a madhushaala in, say, Bombay or Delhi; 'kya aap mujhe ek madhushaalE ki pataa bataa sakte hain' sounds, well, too formal even to my non-native-Hindi ears. ;-)
(Which, of course, would be the same problem with 'sharaab khaana'; even in Urdu-speaking cities such as Lucknow or Hyderabad, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone on the street responding to 'sharaab khaana' as such. )
Nope, can't speak Marathi, no. I, however, can speak Telugu, and 'liquor den' is surprisingly easier to translate than 'bar'. You could say, 'saaraayi koTTu' (సారాయి కొట్టు), for 'saara (arrack) shop', or a (braaMdii koTTu, బ్రాందీ కొట్టు, 'brandy shop') for a very effective translation, if only to avoid using the word 'bar'. It is, however, not upscale enough for an urban audience.
posted by the cydonian at 7:39 AM on December 14, 2007
does anybody have any theory for why i was thinking that khaana = food? am i just getting the transliteration wrong? - eg should it be khana? i'm dead certain that it was hindi i was thinking of.
(i'd be tempted to think it's related to bahasa : makan)
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:58 PM on December 14, 2007
(i'd be tempted to think it's related to bahasa : makan)
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:58 PM on December 14, 2007
You could say, 'saaraayi koTTu' (సారాయి కొట్టు), for 'saara (arrack) shop', or a (braaMdii koTTu, బ్రాందీ కొట్టు, 'brandy shop') for a very effective translation, if only to avoid using the word 'bar'.
Well, "wine shop" was the standard english sign outside such establishments in Tamil Nadu.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:00 PM on December 14, 2007
Well, "wine shop" was the standard english sign outside such establishments in Tamil Nadu.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:00 PM on December 14, 2007
Ubu: Khana == food in Hindi/Urdu. Khana, in this context, is also 'house'. :-) And yes, those wine-shops flashed past me when I was writing that one out...
posted by the cydonian at 6:27 AM on December 15, 2007
posted by the cydonian at 6:27 AM on December 15, 2007
« Older Earle of the land of Imagination | Jew - Not a Jew. Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by boo_radley at 3:03 PM on December 10, 2007