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China Elevator Stories
Chinese language faux pas: A really awesome ear surgery and losing my mind in Thailand
One of the more memorable occurrences where I used a Chinese phrase in a completely wrong way happened when I studied in Kunming.
24/08/2015
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
Being afraid of practicing a new language to avoid language faux pas’
For many language learners, speaking with native speakers can be nerve-wracking. Unlike small children who practice words until they get them right, shy adults often worry about mispronouncing words or using phrases incorrectly. These fears can create a barrier that prevents us from improving our skills.
I’ve certainly had my share of language faux pas while learning Chinese. Here are two of the more memorable ones:
My personal Chinese language faux pas #1: An awesome ear surgery
About five years ago, during my year abroad in Kunming, a Chinese friend underwent ear surgery and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. When he messaged me about it, I wanted to express my concern and tell him the surgery sounded very serious (很严重).
Unfortunately, I had learned the phrase incorrectly and instead told him that his ear surgery sounded really awesome (真厉害).
Oops! I’m sure my blunder gave everyone in the hospital a good laugh and, hopefully, distracted him from the pain for a moment.
My personal Chinese language faux pas #2: Losing my mind in Thailand
In 2013, my husband and I traveled to Thailand with my cousin-in-law and his wife during Spring Festival. One day, my Chinese husband and I went diving. Later that evening, when they asked us about it, I wanted to say that the experience was fun but that I now had water in my ears.
Instead, I said that water had entered my brain (脑子进水了).
In Chinese, this phrase is a metaphor meaning “to lose one’s mind.” It’s usually used to describe someone else, so my mistake made everyone burst into laughter. Once I realized what I had said, I couldn’t help but laugh along with them.
What are your personal language faux pas?