Can you give some examples of expressions in your native language that would seem odd if translated literally?

[Tarifa]

In Spanish, we say 'eres mi media naranja', meaning that the person is the ideal partner, soul mate, or person with whom one has a deep and special connection. Literally, the other half of the orange. I'd translate it into 'you are my perfect match'.

'Es un trozo de pan', meaning that he or she is a very kind and good-natured person. It's used to describe someone with a friendly, helpful personality who prioritizes helping others. Literally, he's a piece of bread.

'Está para mojar pan' is used to describe someone who is physically attractive, someone you find particularly beautiful. Literally, he or she is good enough to dip bread in.

What other examples can you think of that would make weird literal translations? Or English expressions a non-native speaker would have a hard time to understand?

[Genie23]

To be honest, I went blank for a while when you asked for some examples of expressions. There are many but I was having a hard time recollecting them 😬 but then I remembered one.

"Kuch baatein kehne se zyada mehsoos ki jaati hain"

It means there are some things that are felt more than said.

[Genie23]

Actually this is Hindi and it's the language I speak fluently but my native language is something else. Couldn't practice that language much growing up so I'm not fluent. That's why I chose to give an expression in Hindi

[Genie23]

Thank you for MHO. Kind of you!

[purplepoppy]

Probably the most well-known is "man a man a mwnci" You'll see it on lots of web pages that list expressions but I've never actually heard anyone use it in real life. It mixes both English and Welsh into one sentence and the literal translation is "man and man and monkey." Meaning "might as well"

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

In french then: "J'ai la banane" or "j'ai la pêche" literally translate as: I have the banana, and I have the peach. They both mean "I'm feeling great". 🍌 and 🍑 can be misleading I guess?

[DryGermanGuy]

Most colorful expressions are like that, I'd say. German has "Steig mir doch in die Tasch'", literally translated "climb in my pocket", meaning buzz off or kiss my ass.

[NathanDavis]

" rolitranco de mamaguevo "

can barely translate it to Spanish itself