Language is the bridge between cultures—but sometimes, I’ve learned, that bridge can feel more like a slippery rope. As I work in the language industry and am someone who loves hearing students' language learning stories and how they have exploring new countries using their new languages, I’ve heard my fair share of awkward, hilarious, and occasionally embarrassing moments of people trying to speak like a local. Here are a few of my favourite language faux pas stories I have heard—and what they taught our students.
A student was in Seville, Spain, excited to put my high school Spanish into action. I confidently ordered what I thought was a simple sandwich with cheese:
“Quiero un bocadillo con embarazada.”
The waiter raised an eyebrow. I smiled, thinking I nailed the accent.
He replied, "¿Perdón?" and then chuckled.
Embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed or cheese.
I had asked for a sandwich with a pregnant woman.
False friends are real enemies. "Embarazada" ≠ embarrassed.
Always double-check nouns—especially when ordering food!
“Quiero un bocadillo con embarazada.”
The waiter raised an eyebrow. I smiled, thinking I nailed the accent.
He replied, "¿Perdón?" and then chuckled.
Embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed or cheese.
I had asked for a sandwich with a pregnant woman.
False friends are real enemies. "Embarazada" ≠ embarrassed.
Always double-check nouns—especially when ordering food!
While introducing themselves at a language meetup in Berlin, a student wanted to say "I was a bit tired and a little lazy that day". She said: “Ich bin eine Kartoffel heute.” Which literally means: I am a potato today.
People laughed (luckily in a friendly way), and one person said, “Well, at least you're not burnt!”
Apparently, calling yourself a potato is a known meme-ish thing now, but it was definitely not what was intended in a semi-professional setting.
Humor in a second language is tricky—and idioms rarely translate well. Also, potatoes are universally funny, I guess.
People laughed (luckily in a friendly way), and one person said, “Well, at least you're not burnt!”
Apparently, calling yourself a potato is a known meme-ish thing now, but it was definitely not what was intended in a semi-professional setting.
Humor in a second language is tricky—and idioms rarely translate well. Also, potatoes are universally funny, I guess.
Another student meant to ask for a kiss on the cheek as a greeting when meeting a new friend’s family in Rome.
She said: “Posso avere un bacio?” The mom looked stunned, the dad raised an eyebrow, and my friend burst out laughing.
Turns out, “un bacio” is often romantic unless you’re super clear. In family settings, they just go in for the cheek kiss—you don’t need to ask.
Watch and imitate, don’t over-verbalize. Some social customs are non-verbal and baked into the culture.
She said: “Posso avere un bacio?” The mom looked stunned, the dad raised an eyebrow, and my friend burst out laughing.
Turns out, “un bacio” is often romantic unless you’re super clear. In family settings, they just go in for the cheek kiss—you don’t need to ask.
Watch and imitate, don’t over-verbalize. Some social customs are non-verbal and baked into the culture.
Language mistakes are part of the journey. They're humbling, yes, but also human. In every situation, people were kind and patient. Some even became friends because we laughed over my mistakes.
Here’s what I now keep in mind when speaking a foreign language abroad:
Here’s what I now keep in mind when speaking a foreign language abroad:
- Smile through the mistakes. A friendly tone softens any error.
- Learn key phrases properly. Focus on the top 20 things you’ll actually say.
- Watch locals. Non-verbal cues and behavior are just as important.
- Ask for help. People appreciate the effort and usually love to teach.
RSS Feed
