Phrase a Day

Foreign Phrase: Jetzt ist Matratzen horch alarm! In English...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:53:00 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Jetzt ist Matratzen horch alarm!

In English we’re prone to taunting someone playfully before going to bed by warning them: “Don’t let the bedbugs bite!”. This German phrase is used similarly. Literally, it means “The mattress is on high alert!”, and you can use it as a way to say Good Night in German.

So sleep tight laddies, and remember: “Jetzt ist Matratzen horch alarm!”

Foreign Phrase: ¡Estás más loco/a que una cabra! This Spanish...

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:44:17 -0500

Foreign Phrase: ¡Estás más loco/a que una cabra!

This Spanish phrase from Mexico literally means “You are crazier than a goat!”. Its a friendly and colloquial phrase that should be said with a sense of humor. Just don’t tell the goats we told you about it, they may take offense.

Foreign Phrase: Je ibi jeulgeowoseoyo. This figure of speech is...

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:54:59 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Je ibi jeulgeowoseoyo.

This figure of speech is sure to bring a smile. Literally it means “My mouth was happy.” Its a way to say that something was delicious. In Korean culture, its polite to first thank the host before saying this phrase, as this phrase draws attention towards you.

In Korean, the phrase appears as: 제 입이 즐거웠어요. We hope you enjoy the fine Korean cuisine and have cause to say “Je ibi jeulgeowoseoyo.”!

Foreign Phrase: In culo alla balena. This Italian phrase is a...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:25:00 -0500

Foreign Phrase: In culo alla balena.

This Italian phrase is a way to say “Good luck!”. Literally, it means “In the ass of a whale!” Its a tad vulgar.

Of course, the proper response is “Spero che non caghi!”, which means “I hope it doesn’t crap!”

Phonetically, “In culo alla balena” can be pronounced “Inn koo-low allah bah-leh-nah.” Just don’t say it to complete strangers, they mistake you for one of those rude Americans, which of course you are not.

Foreign Phrase: Me lo pasé como un enano This Castilian phrase...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:09:21 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Me lo pasé como un enano

This Castilian phrase is a way of saying “I had a wonderful time.” Literally, it means “I spent it like a dwarf.” It means you had a wonderful time, as if you were a child. Its polie, but a bit crazy.

Phonetically, it can be said as “Meh loh pah-sEh kOh-moh Oon eh-nAh-noh”. We hope after you read this, you say “Me lo pase como en enano!”.

Foreign Phrase: Jiàn dào nǐ, yóu rú mù yù chūn fēng This...

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:28:27 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Jiàn dào nǐ, yóu rú mù yù chūn fēng

This Chinese phrase is a charming way to say that “It’s nice to meet you.” Literally, it means “It is just like a spring bath to see you.” Fellas, use this one on a female to score some big points- she’ll be flattered.

In simplified Chinese, this phrase is written: 见到你，犹如沐浴春风。

So, visitor: Jiàn dào nǐ, yóu rú mù yù chūn fēng ! Thanks for stopping by.

You can find other colloquial Chinese phrases in our Mandarin apps and learn more about us at TripLingo.com .

Foreign Phrase: Dhanya ho bhaagya mere! This Hindi phrase is a...

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:35:12 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Dhanya ho bhaagya mere!

This Hindi phrase is a way to say welcome. Literally, it means “Blessed are my fortunes”.

This is casual and can be used with anyone close to you, your peers, or someone around the same age group whom you do not need to be too formal with.

Check out our Hindi app to learn other fun and colloquial sayings. Find out more at TripLingo.com.

Foreign Phrase: Estoy más tieso que la mojama This Castilian...

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:08:00 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Estoy más tieso que la mojama

This Castilian Spanish phrase is an idiomatic way to say that you don’t have any money. Literally, it means “I’m tighter than the mojama”.

“Mojama” is salt-cured tuna and is a delicacy in Spain (often found in Madrid) that can be found in local supermarkets. When served, its very dry and “tight”- hence the phrase. When money is tight, you’re tighter than the mojama!

Check out our Castilian Spanish app to learn other fun and colloquial sayings. Its just $10- and don’t you dare say “Estoy más tieso que la mojama”! :) Find out more at TripLingo.com.

Foreign Phrase: Je parle le français comme une vache...

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:02:00 -0500

Foreign Phrase: Je parle le français comme une vache espagnole.

This French phrase tells someone how badly you speak French in a funnily colloquial way. Literally, it means that you speak French like a Spanish cow.

Phonetically, the phrase is pronounced: Ga pah-rl la frahn-sai kom uu-n vash ais-pah-nee-ol

Check out our French app to learn more colloquial French phrases at TripLingo.com.