How Do You Translate These Idioms into Your Mother Tongue?
Idioms are phrases whose meaning can’t be understood from the original meanings of words in it. Understanding an idiom is challenging but translating them is way more difficult. In many cases, some idioms are even untranslatable. That’s why they are such a challenge and pain in the neck for most translators.
Below are some brilliant yet easy to get lost in translation idioms you don’t want to miss.
1. Chinese idiom
The idiom: 画蛇添足
Literal translation: Drawing a snake with feet
What it means: Telling a story with longwinded and unnecessary information
2. Thai idiom
The idiom: เอาหูไปนา เอาตาไปไร่
Literal translation: The hen sees the snake’s feet and the snake sees the hen’s boobs
What it means: Two people know each other’s secrets
3. Japan idiom
The idiom: 猫の手も借りたい
Literal translation: Willing to borrow a cat’s paw
What it means: You’re so busy that you’re willing to take help from anyone
4. Korean idiom
The idiom: 똥 묻은 개가 겨 묻은 개 나무란다
Literal translation: A dog with feces scolds a dog with husks of grain
What it means: People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
5. German idiom
The idiom: Tomaten auf den Augen haben
Literal translation: You have tomatoes on your eyes
What it means: You are not seeing what everyone else can see
6. Portuguese idiom
The idiom: Quem não tem cão caca com gato
Literal translation: Who does not have dog, hunts with cat
What it means: You make the most of what you’ve got
7. Spanish idiom
The idiom: Gato con guantes no caza ratones
Literal translation: Cat with gloves does not hunt mice
What it means: Nice guys finish last
8. French idioms
The idiom: Donner sa langue au chat
Literal translation: Give your tongue to the cat
What it means: I can’t guess – tell me the answer
Now you know how challenging idioms translation is. Next time you translate any idioms, make sure to check them carefully and get help from a native speaker if needed.
