Even A Millennial Can Translate These Common Non-English Phrases
- by Lynne Marie
- – on
- in Mind Twisters
Bonjour!! Voulez-vous danser avec moi? It's very enlightening to learn a new language. It's even more thrilling to actually put some of the vocabulary or common phrases into use! And as most of us know and have experienced, a second language is usually a requirement for graduating from High School! So good for those who happened to have paid attention in class! Others have just picked up on phrases and words here and there in their normal everyday life. There are many opportunities to pick up on some good stuff, such as simple conversations and meeting new people, as well as watching movies and TV shows where different languages are being used or incorporated into the scripts. So, most people could genuinely boast to their friends and relatives that they know some pretty common foreign phrases. Here are a 40 very common non-English phrases that everyone must have heard at some point and at least know the gist of. At this point some might be thinking, "I don't know any words or phrases in a different language!" Take this quiz! Many people will be surprised by how many of these 40 phrases they actually DO know! Come on! Every millennial should be able to translate these common phrases.
Bon Voyage!
Let's start off with an extremely popular one that everyone must have used at some time or another. As we talk about taking off and traveling and coming and leaving, this French phrase is a common way to add a little fun jazz to the whole topic. We can hear it in many movies and T.V shows and the chance of one hearing it in their everyday life is also pretty high. So what's it gonna be? Can you translate the popular French phrase?!
Mi Casa Es Su Casa
Here is a very nice phrase to make your friends, family or guests feel happy. Making someone else feel like you value them and trust them enough to let them be relax, honest and comfortable is a great value to have. This Spanish phrase is widely used for that purpose. It is meant to give a sense of tranquility, kick back, and to show people that you trust them and value them enough to want them to feel that way. So what this famous Spanish phrase mean?
RSVP (Respondez S'il Vous Plait)
Check it out!!! I'm sure most of us have came across these four letters, RSVP. Most likely you have received it or seen it on a card, envelope or letter. Of course, these letters are always accompanied with some thrill and anticipation for the receiver. Well it's no wonder! I mean, who doesn't want to get an invitation to some interesting, "invitees only" event?! So hopefully everyone can actually translate what RSVP actually means.
Mazel Tov!
Here is a very common and well-known expression that most people should know the meaning of. It comes from the Jewish language and it is said on many occasions. A very usual occasion for this phrase to be used is at a wedding, such as the one pictured here. You may have also heard it in many films, cards or perhaps even when around some Jewish friends. So let's see if you can translate the meaning of this common Yiddish phrase!
Mano A Mano
Here is a Spanish expression used usually to suggest something between two people, usually a fair fight. If you paid any attention in Spanish class during high school or college then this should be way too easy. In a lot our media and socializing, one can often hear this expression being used. So by now, many people, even those who spaced out in Spanish class, have came to know this phrase very well. Translate this popular phrase into English for us.
Déjà Vu
Usually you will hear this phrase accompanied by certain sentences, such as: "Oh wow, I just had Deja Vu." or "Wait, what? I'm having Deja Vu." This very simple French phrase is so simple and is so commonly used by many people. For the most part, everyone knows the meaning of the phrase. For those who know the literal translation, kudos to you! So let's see how well you know this one. Can you translate this massively used French phrase?
Alma Mater
Although this literally translates as one thing, it is not used particularly for that reason. for those who have attended schools of higher learning, this phrase should come as no surprise. The Latin phrase is used to describe the school, college or university that a person attended. It can refer to the song associated to the school one attended. so many people know this phrase all too well, but do you know the real meaning of the famous phrase? Translate this Latin phrase.
Que Pasa?
This is a very popular phrase used by so many people to ask the question it intends to direct at someone or to just simply start a friendly social chat with a rhetorical question. If you have any Latino or Spanish speaking friends around you, you definitely already know this phrase all too well. It's used when encountering another person and in most languages there is a translation for this common phrase. So enough said, translate this very useful Spanish phrase.
Femme Fatale
Okay ladies! For sure this is an "Of course! Duh!" phrase. I mean who wouldn't know this one or at the very least there is no person out there who hasn't experience getting to know the reference of this French expression. It has been the theme for many films both classic and modern. The theme can also be found in music, entertainment, stories, and just real life! So, You got this one right?! What does this very trendy French expression mean?
Gesundheit
A lot of people might be thinking, "Come on! Who even says this anymore!" Well, the good news is, if you are thinking this then you obviously know how this phrase is used and what it means. I mean, even millennial can translate this phrase, so it should be a cinch for everyone! This German phrase is usually said after someone sneezes. And yes! It is still commonly used today, believe it or not! What does this common phrase mean?
Carpe Diem
Everyone should think like this in my opinion! I'm sure many people would agree with me! For those of you who don't, well i'm sure you could at least agree that life is short. Here is where the phrase comes into good use either way! This phrase is considered a Latin aphorism. Meaning a "general truth". So you don't have to agree with my point but the Latins sure did!! So you can take their word for it! Can you translate this famous Latin phrase?
Loco En La Cabeza
This phrase here is hopefully one that you have never had directed at you and never will! It's is without a doubt one of the most widely know Spanish phrases around the world. It's been used for all kinds of life instances as well as used often in dialogue for many films... especially Hollywood films. Anyway, It's a very simple meaning for such a widely used expression! Most of us have used it. Can you translate this very common Spanish phrase?
Bon Appétit
This very cute sounding French phrase is such well-known and well-liked saying. When it comes to preparing and serving edibles, this is the perfect expression to use for that very enjoyable moment coming around! So it's no wonder most people say this... We eat all day so this phrase can literally be used all day. So even if you never learned any French, you can still get your French on with this phrase any day! What is the translation of this common phrase?
In Vino Veritas
Yes, alcohol is involved in this timeless phrase! Wine, to be precise! So just like an old bottle of wine gives us a wonderful taste to enjoy so does an old language like Latin give us a wonderful phrase to enjoy. So in you happen to speak any of the romantic languages i'm sure you got this one figured out! If not, you should have this figured out as it is a very fun and well-known expression when drinking such a classy drink! Can you translate it?
Au Contraire
Here is a fun one to say. And yes, by now you must have gotten use to the sounds and styles of the French language. This famously French expression can be used in many situations where opinions and ideas are being tossed about and debated over. That's not all! This expression can also be used for presentations of information or historical facts... A bit diverse for such a short expression but hey! That's why it's such a well-known and used French phrase.
As-salāmu ʿalaykum
This phrase has a very deep rooted cultural meaning in the Arabic language and speaking countries. For many who actually paid attention in high school, the world history class of religious topics would have brought you to this very famous and widely known expression. As you can see in the picture, there is an encounter between two people, one would say the phrase and the other will respond with a different phrase. Can you translate this Arabic expression?
Que Será, Será
Here is one that is well known across the globe! It is so well known in fact that many people who have learned the meaning of it actually get it tattooed on their bodies for life! So it most certainly has a very life-inspiring feeling. Well Spanish is the language that has popularized this phrase and many use it in every day life because of its simplicity and relevance. Not to mention it is ridiculously easy to remember. Translate this famous Spanish phrase.
C'est La Vie
Here we have a phrase that we can actually use in every place, every country, every language, every moment of existence. So because of that, there is no telling when someone will say this phrase but it will be heard often throughout your life. That's guaranteed! You can even say it randomly at any time in any place and everyone around you would agree or understand. Pretty convenient phrase to use right? What does this very popular French phrase mean?
Vice Versa
That picture may be a bit too confusing but it's pretty difficult to actually picture an image of this expression. To be honest, this phrase is such a masterpiece! If we didn't have this phrase, we would be needlessly speaking in very long predictable sentences often. So thank you Latin for giving us this extremely useful phrase that is used around the world everyday to save time and make a point! Well, that being said, there is no need to keep repeating. Translate this common Latin phrase.
Hasta La Vista
So... you know this! i'm completely confident that everyone will get this one correct! Unless you are an anti-The Terminator person! I mean he was only the person who made this phrase one of the most widely spoken foreign phrases of our time! Babies are even saying this for goodness sake! So of course even millennials got this one down. Meaning if babies and millennials know this, then EVERYBODY knows this! So don't mess up, all eyes are on you!
Veni, Vidi, Vici
This phrase is so cute! Especially if you hear it spoken out loud! It's the triple V and the phrase is so easy to say and remember. this has all contributed to it's popularity. And of course the meaning is extremely inspirational and self-empowering! This Latin expression dates way back! It is said that Julius Caesar himself popularized this phrase in a letter that he wrote! Just a little trivia for you. And hopefully you are all familiar with the name Julius Caesar. Can you translate this phrase!
Persona Non Grata
Hmm.... so obviously this phrase is about a person... now we just have two other words to figure out. Hopefully the majority of people know this phrase already and make sure not to fit into the category of this kind of person. If you are not familiar with this phrase, it would be in your best interest to get familiar quick! I mean you want to know what people are saying about you in Latin right!? Great! Translate this common Latin phrase.
Je Ne Sais Pas
For those who have ever taken French lessons, this is probably one of the very early on phrases that you would learn. It is a very important phrase all over the world. Coincidentally people hate to have to hear this phrase spoken to them. Yet the expression is so commonly used every day that we just can't do anything about it! So French comes in again with another widely used phrase. Can you translate this common French phrase? A millennial can!
A Toda Madre
If you speak Spanish culturally, you will ace this translation! If you speak Spanish academically, you might not get what this really means! In some very entertaining events, you might hear this phrase being spoken among the crowd. There is always after the whole affair that one might be telling the story of the time there and use this common expression to describe it! This Spanish phrase is easily spoken and very exciting to use... So, can you translate it?
Terra Incognita
Remember the Dreamworks movie, "The Road to El Dorado" ? Well, if you do, this expression was used in one of the theme songs and for a very good reason! So that is your big hint! And for those who haven't seen the movie, don't worry, look at the picture and figure it out! This Latin phrase is so famously known that we still use parts of the phrase... just look at your google chrome... any hidden tabs lurking about?... Translate this Latin phrase?
In Medias Res
I'm sure everyone can remember this moment of shock and confusion... Well it's no wonder this phrase fits this situation perfectly. This very useful Latin phrase can be used daily at the right moment. And for those who know a thing or two about expressions, this is definitely a well known and used one. Anyway i'm sure you already know this one. If not, take a few context hints and image clues to figure it out! Can you translate this Latin phrase?
Doppelgänger
This word is actually a phrase. In Germany it is used to refer to a certain type of situation between people. Now this phrase is widely used in English and in many languages as the meaning of it can be seen across the globe. And yes, it is always entertaining to experience this type of situation! So, forget about the "scary" vibe that Hollywood tried to attach to this common phrase! It's meaning is actually quite basic. Translate this popular German phrase.
Dolce Vita
Haha... First you might have thought "Oh, Dolce and Gabanna!" but, no! I assure you that brand has nothing to do with this phrase. This is a very famous Italian phrase used to describe something. In actuality the usage of the phrase goes another step further by adding a bit of it's own interpretation of the phrase! But, Hey! It is now extremely popular to say and to be honest, most people in the world want this! Can you translate this common Italian phrase?
Plata O Plomo?
Here is a common Spanish phrase. It is not exactly a nice thing to hear when one thinks of the actual hidden connotation of this phrase, but it is a very well-known one so I had to throw it in as one of the non-English phrases. A hint as to the meaning of the phrase is there in the picture. Yet the literal translation is the one used and the one that many know very well as an infamous threat in the Spanish language. Especially in the cartel culture! Can you translate this phrase?
Cirque Du Soleil
This is one that everyone has heard! This can be said with confidence because it is the name of a famous circus! Many have probably actually watched this show and been a part of the whole thrilling and wonderful experience! Well this international circus does have a very massive following and a very high reputation. And as most of you have figured long before, the name of the traveling circus if a French phrase. So, can you translate this common phrase?
Dasvidaniya
This is a very common phrase! For those Disney fans out there, who watch ALL the Disney movies, you have heard this very famous and common phrase! Disney's "Anastasia" is based on a historical story and therefore uses this famous phrase throughout the movie. If you haven't seen this movie, no worries! Think of some of the foreign words that you know. That's right! This one has featured in plenty of movies and is usually used to sound pretty darn tough.
Bona Fide
This famous Latin phrase is as common as they come! Many people use this on a random basis. Interestingly, usually artists, musicians, experts and salesmen among other people, use this phrase quite often! So if you have heard it, great! You must have some pretty interesting people around you. If you don't remember the meaning of this expression, well, think about the words here and you can know the meaning based on your basic knowledge of romantic languages. Can you translate this Latin phrase?
Gung-Ho
Yes, you are right! This expression originates in Asia. Although the literal translation is not the way it is used anymore, the developed meaning has a very interesting usage. In direct translation it means, "work together". But in it's common form, there is a completely different meaning. One hint is pictures here in the image! But, there is no need for hints because this phrase is so commonly used that everyone already knows the meaning. You've most likely used it yourself multiple times. Translate the Phrase.
Hors d’oeuvre
Well many people hear this all too often. For some people even on a daily basis. And for those who might not have heard this one, for sure they have read it in many places, most especially on menus at almost every sit-down restaurant. So everyone definitely knows the gist of what this French phrase implicates. Now it's time to see if anyone really knows the translation of this all- too- common phrase. Can you translate this common French phrase?
Avant-garde
This word is quite the classy phrase. Especially when it comes to talking about art. So for those real artsy fanatics and even those art gallery promoters and presenters, here is a very familiar French expression with comes to great use! And it comes as no surprise being that France is the pioneer culture for a lot or popularization of many art forms and styles. so, I'm sure you know this one! Can you translate this very popular French phrase?
Vaya Con Dios
So this cute fluffy guy wins the prize for being the "most adorable"! What could this bear possibly be trying to tell us? "Vaya con Dios." If you come from a Spanish background, you probably hear this phrase very often from friends and family members. For sure, your grandma will say this! And for those Spanish speaking friends who love to teach their non-Spanish speaking friends, this is usually at the top of the list for language learning. Translate this very commonly used Spanish phrase.
Bonne Chance!
Here we have a French phrase that many people would love to hear and love to have! From the image you can see all the little charms and trinkets that represent the meaning of this phrase. And it's not only a French thing. all around the world people use this expression in their own language on a very common and daily basis. fortunately for France, the French term has really stuck and become very popular to use! Fun and endearing, saying this can put a smile on many peoples faces. can you translate the French phrase?
Tora Dust Midaram
Here is an enchanting and oh so sweet phrase! you might have caught an ear full of this phrase in a soap opera or movie. This phrase is in Farsi, which is the Persian language. You may or may not be surprised to hear that over 110 million people speak this language. It's spoken in many Middle Eastern countries as well as Russia. Good trivia right! Well this sweet saying is a must-know. Can you translate this common Farsi phrase?
Mon Chéri
So, for sure, the first thought to cross everyone's' mind must have been " Oh it's the Stevie wonder song!" Yes, you are all absolutely right! Stevie Wonder made famous his very popular song "My Cherie Amour" so most of us have the gist of this phrase down! This is such a sweet and endearing French phrase that has become so common and popular to use for it's simplicity and sentiment. Even Millennials know this phrase and use it! Do you know the meaning of this French phrase?
Très Chic
Oh yes baby! Oh yes! Here is one that no one can get wrong! Even little fashionista toddlers are walking around using this easy and common phrase! The French have contributed so many catchy and fun phrase, here is another to add to the collection! This expression is so common around the world that it can be used as often as one likes especially to give compliments. So are you brushed up on enough French by now? Translate this very common French phrase.