Future
10-06-2007, 05:28 PM
... what the English mean and what the Dutch understand.
Some examples why the Dutch misunderstand the English sometimes :wink:
in this order;
Say
Mean
Understand
(Very) interesting
I do not agree at all/I do not believe you
They are impressed
I hear what you say
I disagree and do not want to discuss it any futher
He accepts my point of view
With the greatest respect...
I think you are wrong (or a fool)
He is interested in what I have to say
(That’s) not bad
That’s good or very good
That’s not good enough yet
O, by the way… /Incidentally…
The primary purpose of our discussion is…
This is not very important
Quite good
A bit disappointing
Rather good
Perhaps you would like to think about it
Do it, or be prepared to justify yourself
Think about the idea, but do what you like
I was a bit disappointed that… /It is a pity you…
I am most upset and cross
It doesn’t really matter
Could we consider some other options?
I don’t like your idea
They have not yet decided
I’ll bear it in mind
I will do nothing about it
They will probably do it
I will think about it
It’s a bad idea, I will most definitely not do it
They think it’s good, idea: let’s keep developing it
I’m sure it’s my fault
It is your fault!
It was their fault
That is an original point of view
You must be crazy!
They like my ideas!
You’ll get there eventually
You don’t stand a chance in hell
Keep on trying, for they agree I’m heading in the right direction
I almost agree
I don’t agree at all
We are not far from agreement
We will look into it, we will study the subject
We will do nothing about it
They are interested! They will study the subject
You must come for dinner sometime
I am not inviting you, just being polite
I will get an invitation soon
Some examples why the Dutch misunderstand the English sometimes :wink:
in this order;
Say
Mean
Understand
(Very) interesting
I do not agree at all/I do not believe you
They are impressed
I hear what you say
I disagree and do not want to discuss it any futher
He accepts my point of view
With the greatest respect...
I think you are wrong (or a fool)
He is interested in what I have to say
(That’s) not bad
That’s good or very good
That’s not good enough yet
O, by the way… /Incidentally…
The primary purpose of our discussion is…
This is not very important
Quite good
A bit disappointing
Rather good
Perhaps you would like to think about it
Do it, or be prepared to justify yourself
Think about the idea, but do what you like
I was a bit disappointed that… /It is a pity you…
I am most upset and cross
It doesn’t really matter
Could we consider some other options?
I don’t like your idea
They have not yet decided
I’ll bear it in mind
I will do nothing about it
They will probably do it
I will think about it
It’s a bad idea, I will most definitely not do it
They think it’s good, idea: let’s keep developing it
I’m sure it’s my fault
It is your fault!
It was their fault
That is an original point of view
You must be crazy!
They like my ideas!
You’ll get there eventually
You don’t stand a chance in hell
Keep on trying, for they agree I’m heading in the right direction
I almost agree
I don’t agree at all
We are not far from agreement
We will look into it, we will study the subject
We will do nothing about it
They are interested! They will study the subject
You must come for dinner sometime
I am not inviting you, just being polite
I will get an invitation soon