40 brilliant idioms that simply can’t be translated literally

It is very simple. I can not put lipstick on pigs. Why do you want to support? An idiom is a phrase that has more than just the sum of words. Volunteers in our open translation project translated TED stories into 105 languages, so they were often asked to translate English idioms into their languages. This will make us want to know: What do they want with their tongue?

Below, we ask translators to share their favorite idioms and how they are translated. It is fun to laugh

What does this mean: "You are not seeing what other people can see - it refers to real objects, but it does not mean an abstract meaning."

Other languages ​​in which this phrase is present: We have heard from the translator that this is the idioms of Swedish, Polish, Latvian, Norwegian. In English, this sentence is "buy piglets", but English speaking people also mean "please take out the cat from the bag", that is to say something to keep secret.

What does this mean? "There is no need to worry, we will use" Detäringenfarapåtachet "or" There is no risk on the roof. " This means the same thing. "

What does this mean: "This is an excuse to use when two people should do this, but no one is doing, saying" ironic "when you want to say develops to a sarcastic phrase Did. "When you say," Yes, I know I should do this, but I have forgotten. "

That means "This means" I will not pay attention. " If that is possible. "

Other languages ​​in which this expression is used: phrases that represent similar content in English: "When pigs fly". In French, the same idea is given by the phrase "quand les poules auront des dents". Communicate. In Russian, this is an interesting phrase "When lobster blows a whistle at the top of a mountain (Когдаракнагоресвистнет)". In Dutch, "When a cow dances on ice (Als de koeien op het ijs dansen)". ""

Other language links: In Croatian, when someone obviously lies to someone, you will say they will "throw a cream in their eyes" (bacatikajmakuoči).

Link to other languages: This is somewhat similar to the phrase "crying with spilled milk" in English.

Other languages ​​in which this idiom is present: Translators have told that there is a German version also in this idiomatic phrase: "Sichzusammenreißen", which means literally "torn into the ball". In Polish, the phrase "we put them in fist (wziąćsięwgarść)" also represented the same idea. "

What does this mean? "Make the most of what you own." Basically, you can do what you need according to your resource.

Other languages ​​in which this expression is used: Our translators are communicating to us that there is an association between elephants and musical ability in Croatian. (Pjevaškaodati je slon pronuo u uho.) "But in the Latvian version it is a bear that steps into your ear.

What it means: "A small space, usually you will use it when speaking humble about the land you own."

Other language links: Spanish translation Camille Martínez points out that if something expensive in English, you need to pay two parts ("one foot and one foot is enough"). Pay only one - kidney ("mecostóunriñón") or eyes ("mecostóunojode la cara")

Idiomatic phrases are usually language-specific expressions ("you roll," "he bought a farm") and it may be a difficult task to translate into other languages. There are about 4,000 idioms in English and the ability to translate them in a culturally accurate way is important to maintain the creative intent of the content. The following is an example of translating English idioms into Norwegian in the HERMES test. Upon completion, Netflix can better understand the candidate's skill level and use this information to match projects with high quality language resources. The true long-term value of the HERMES platform is the release of the HERMES number (H number). This unique identifier will be sent to each applicant after registration test and the remaining carriers will be provided with Netflix's translation service.

An idiom is a phrase understood by a native speaker, but it does not make sense to translate. This Russian idiomatic mini-dictionary covers such topics as richness, attention, emotion, food, problem, prosperity, success, failure, understanding. Tests of random phrases are also included.

Idioms are a very important part of every language. For that reason, the translation of idioms requires essential knowledge of cultural differences. Each idiom has an image and symbolism. When we translate idioms, we should maintain the basic requirement of their figurative meaning. Translators need to master English, Chinese, and culture.