French foibles #9: This is not correct
I’ve had this string of bad luck where the cashier rings an item up twice or charges me $22 for one pear, etc. My midwestern roots tug at me and I, of course, go back to fix the error, which is discovered after I’ve paid.
Normally, I point at the receipt and point at my items in the bag, but today, I’ll try something new. “This is not correct.”
FRENCH: Ce n’est pas exact.
French foibles #8: I have no fricking clue
Today, I’m looking *very* French. I can’t help it. It oozes out of my pores when I’m not throwing off waves of Americanism.
Or I’m looking very helpful.
Or I’m sitting too quietly so they can’t know that I occasionally still take the wrong bus and just last week forgot my stop and ended up by the airport.
Either way, people keep asking me questions today. In French. About directions.
So, appropriately, I now know how to say: I don’t know.
FRENCH: Je ne sais pas.
French foibles #7: Yep, I’m in line
photo credit: RachelH
I’m not sure of queuing protocol yet in Switzerland. I mean this is an efficient country and it seems that they’re fairly orderly with little numbers from machines (ala government buildings in the US). But I run into the odd situation where I’m waiting outside of a restaurant or similar and someone asks me if I’m in line. THUS, I will say…
FRENCH: Oui, je fais la queue.
Which I *think* means, “yes, I’m in line.” But it could also mean “I make the line.” Seriously, French, why do you hate me?
A marmot and a chamoix were walking down the trail…
Posted by Amanda in This-is-Switzerland (TIS), Travels on September 25, 2009
We *just* were in Zermatt for the weekend, hiking and, not too shockingly, taking pictures (i.e. Tony took thousands of pictures while I hopped up and down impatiently).
The oddest moment of the trip happened when I saw a man up ahead, leading two mules and carrying something around his neck. As he came closer, it was clearly a dead animal — namely a chamoix (small goat-type creature).
About 10 minutes later, we saw a younger 20-something carrying a dead animal in a plastic bag. It was his son and he was carrying a marmot. Of course.
French Foibles #6: work plug (warning)
So let’s pretend you work on a global campaign urging people to protect themselves from H1N1. Let’s say it’s called “Your best defence is you.” How do you say it in French?
FRENCH: Votre meilleure défense, c’est vous
Today’s Tidbits September 23, 2009
Posted by Amanda in Web wonkiness on September 23, 2009
Digest powered by RSS Digest
French foibles #5: I’ll have the same thing as her
photo credit: jekert gwapo
Let’s pretend that you’re in a restaurant and you cannot pronounce the menu item. Let’s pretend that your colleague has good taste and you always like what she has. AND she can speak French. Well, then, “I’ll have the same thing as her.” is quite helpful.
Thank GOD you have good taste, Kate.
FRENCH: Je prend la même chose.
Today’s Tidbits
Posted by in Web wonkiness on September 22, 2009
- Online Communities and Forums for Customers and Employees: Zoho Discussions
I love Zoho.
- What’s your Twitter ROI? How to measure social media payoff
Nerd-tastic article, but looking into how for-profits measure social media success.
- Crusher website ~ Send invites for free
New tool from Particle start-up. *Justin Timberlake is a big investor*
Digest powered by RSS Digest.
French Foibles #4: Let’s see…
As I was away on holidays for a few days, I’m a little bit lax on deadlines and due dates. So appropriately, “Let’s see.”
FRENCH: voyons voir
Today’s Tidbits
Posted by in Web wonkiness on September 17, 2009
- ‘Wanted To Let Her Know It Was OK,’ Says Dad About Baseball-Tossing Daughter
- Qui.tw(eet)
A little something to share tweet locations
- INDONESIAN RED CROSS AND PARTNERS HELP BUILD HUNDREDS OF FAMILY LATRINES IN MENGKUDU VILLAGE, EAST KALIMANTAN
I like to hear these stories of extremely practical solutions that Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provide around the world.
Digest powered by RSS Digest.