Animal idioms illustrated and translated to Catalan
Ants in one’s pants
(to) be restless, uneasy. Catalan: un sac de nervis (literally, a bag of nerves).
Red herring
A misleading clue or piece of information. Catalan: pista falsa (literally, false clue).
(the) birds and the bees
Sex education. Catalan: la cigonya (literally, the stork)
White elephant
An unwated or annoying possession. Catalan: Regal enverinat (literally, poisoned gift)
… And while we’re at it, some jokes about elephants:
What did the elephant say to a naked man? Hey that’s cute but can you breath through it? What’s grey, stands in a river when it rains and doesn’t get wet? An elephant with an umbrella! Why does an elephant wear sneakers? So that he can sneak up on mice!
Cat nap
A short sleep. Catalan: fer una becaina (literally, to take a nap)
As happy as a clam
Very happy. Catalan: content com un gínjol (literally, happy as a jujube).
Fishy
Odd, strange, suspicious. Catalan: (hi ha) gat amagat (literally, there’s a hidden cat here).
While we’re at it, a fish joke:
What did the fish say when he posted bail? “I’m off the hook!”
One trick pony
Someone who has only one ability or good quality . Catalan: there is no equivalent, the literal translation is Poni d’un sol truc.
A different kettle of fish
A completely different thing, topic or subject (very similar to a horse of a different colour). Catalan: figues d’un altre paner (literally, figs from another pannier or basket)
A horse of a different color
A completely different thing, topic or subject (very similar to a different kettle of fish). Catalan: figues d’un altre paner (literally, figs from another pannier or basket).
A guinea pig
Someone used as part of an experiment or trial. Catalan: conillet d’indies)
While we are are it, here is a joke about guinea pigs…
Q: When do guinea pigs run away from rain? A: When its raining cats and dogs!
Weasel out
(to) abandon their responsibility or commitment in a way that is sneaky or cowardly. Catalan: escaquejar-se (colloquial, literally, to cop out).
While we are at it, here is a joke about weasels:
A 13 year old weasel walks into a bar and approaches the counter. The bartender immediately notices the underage weasel. “Sir, you look extremely young. I can’t serve you even a single beer.” “Oh c’mon. You can’t just slide me one?” “Can’t and will not serve to anyone under age.” “Fine. Well what other things do you have?” “Well for non-alcoholics I have tap water and bottled water, I have coffee, and I have pop. Which would you like?” “Pop.” Goes the weasel.
Wouldn’t hurt a fly
A very peaceful and non-violent person. Catalan: No li faria mal a una mosca (literally, wouldn’t hurt a fly).
While we’re at it, here is two jokes about flies:
What is the difference between a fly and a bird? A bird can fly but a fly can’t bird!
What do you call a fly that is ill? Answer: The flew
Mad as a hornet
Extremely angry or upset. Catalan: empipat com una mona (angry as a monkey).
I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!
Also Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Used to express complete surprise, amazement or disbelief . Catalan: N’hi ha per a llogar-hi cadires (literally, there is to rent chairs!) or Me’n faig creus (literally, I make myself crosses).
A cock-and-bull story
An exaggerated or falsified story or explanation. Catalan: un sopar de duro (literally, a one coin dinner).
Meaning. Examples. Equivalents in other languages.
Meaning
You can’t get blood out of a stone or You can’t get blood from a stone means that it is pointless to expect positive results from someone or something that doesn’t have the will, the ability or the resources.
Examples
Persuading Mary to come to the party is like getting blood from a stone.
Getting him to come clean is like trying to get blood out of a stone.
You can’t get blood out of a stone in Catalan
You can’t get blood out of a stone in French
C’est comme se heurter à un mur (literally, It’s like hitting your head against a wall).
You can’t get blood out of a stone in Irish Gaelic
Is doiligh olann a bhaint de ghabhar ( literally, it’s hard to get wool off a goat).
Nuts meaning, examples, synonyms. Nuts in other languages.
Meaning
Nuts, in a figurative sense, means to be crazy or foolish. You can go nuts (go crazy) or something can drive you nuts (crazy). It also means to be very enthusiastic about something.
She went nuts when she won the lottery. He lost all the money just one year after.
I sometimes go nuts when people touch my stuff.
I’mnuts about boardgames, specially Settlers of Catan.
Nuts in Catalan
In Catalan you can say tocat del bolet (literally,touched by a mushroom) for Nuts or estar tocat del bolet for (to) be nuts. You can also say et falta un bull (literally, you lack a boil) or estàs com un llum (literally, you are like a light) or even estàs com una cabra (literally, you are like a goat).
Nuts in Basque language
In Basque language we have a number of choices: burutik eginda egon, (burutik) jota egon, (burutik) eraginda egon, (burutik) ondo egon ez, (burutik) sano egon ez, harrikadea euki/harrikada eduki (hum.), ganbaratik ondo egon ez (hum.), burua pitzatuta eduki, zoratuta egon.
Nuts in French
In French you can say complètement cinglé(e) o complètement à la masse. For example: Mon Dieu, il est complètement cinglé! (OMG, he’s gone completely nuts!)
Nuts in Italian
In Italian, there is the expression Passo. For instance, No, allora sì che crederanno davvero che sono pazzo (Now they will think that I’ve really gone nuts).
Nuts in Irish Gaelic
Depending on the context, in Irish Gaelic nuts can be:
as do mheabhair
craiceáilte
ar mire
bailithe
He’s completely nuts: tá sé glan as a mheabhair, tá sé iomlán craiceáilte, tá sé ar mire glan She went nuts: chaill sí an bloc, spréach sí, chuaigh sí ar mire It’s driving me nuts: tá sé do mo chur soir, tá sé do mo chur as mo mheabhair
Nuts in German
(to) be nuts in German is Spinnen (informal): (to) go nuts is durchdrehen or anfangen zu spinnen.
Nuts in Scottish Gaelic
In Scots Gaelic, Nuts is Cnóthan(as in nuts/bolts; walnuts etc.) As in crazy/nuts, craicte.
Nuts in Spanish
In Spanish you can say estar como un cencerro (literally, to be like a cowbell). You can also say chiflado (loony, whacky) or estar como unacabra (literally, to be like a goat).
(to) sleep like a log: meaning, synonyms, example and translations to other languages
Meaning
(to) sleep like a log means to sleep like a baby, like a rock, like a top… that is to say, to sleep heavily, long and without disturbance.
Example
You slept like a log. You didn’t even hear the storm.
(to) sleep like a log in Catalan
In Catalan you can say either Dormir com un tronc (literally, to sleep like a log) or Dormir com un soc (literally, to sleep like a stump). You can also say Dormir com un bebè (to sleep like a baby).
(to) sleep like a log in French
In French it is Dormir comme un loir (literally, to sleep like a dormouse). A dormouse is a rodent of the family Gliridae that likes sleeping very much.
Dormouse
(to) sleep like a log in Portuguese
In Portuguese, like in English, there is the idiom Dormir como uma pedra (literally, to sleep like a rock).
Dormir como uma pedra (Portuguese)
(to) sleep like a log in Spanish
In Spanish it is Dormir como un lirón (literally, to sleep like a dormouse) or Dormir como un ceporro (literally, to sleep like a fool). They also say Dormir como un bebé (to sleep like a baby)
Dormir como un lirón (Spanish)
(to) sleep like a log in Welsh
In Welsh it is Cysgu fel clawdd (literally, cover sleeping).
Thank you for visiting! We look forward to seeing you again.
Scottish proverbs translated to English and Catalan
Previously on Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet we posted the most important Catalan Sayings and Proverbs translated to English. A saying is a short, pithy, commonly known expression which generally offers advice or wisdom, and contains truth or value. As everybody knows, Scotland is a beautiful country full of history and folk wisdom. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some delightful Scottish proverbs:
Glasgow from Queens Park.
Like father, like son
Scottish Gaelic: Am mac mar an t-athair. Catalan: De tal pare, tal fill.
Nobody can serve two masters
Scottish Gaelic: Chan urrainn do dhuine ‘sambith seirbhis a dhéanamh do dhà mhaighstir. Catalan: Ningú pot servir a dos senyors. (literally, Nobody can serve two lords).
A leopard can’t change its spots
Scottish Gaelic: an car a bha san t-seana mhaide ‘s duilich a thoirt às (literally, the twist which is in the old stick is difficult to take out). Catalan: Cabra avesada a saltar, fa de mal desvesar (literally, A goat used to jump is difficult to unveil).
Every cloud has a silver lining
Scottish Gaelic: tha a’ ghrian air cùlaibh gach sgothan (literally, The sun is behind each boat). Catalan: Es tanca una porta i s’obre una finestra (literally, a door closes and a window opens) or No hi ha mal que per bé no vingui (literally, there is no evil that does not come for a good purpose).
He who loses his language loses his world
Scottish Gaelic: Am fear a chailleas a chanain caillidh e a shaoghal. Translation into Catalan: Qui perd el seu idioma, perd el seu món.
It is the milk of the goat foaming and warm, that gave the strength to the past generations of people
Scottish Gaelic: Bainne nan gobhar fo chobhar ’s e blàth, ’s e chuireadh an spionnadh sna daoine a bha Catalan: És la llet escumosa i calenta de la cabra, la que va donar força a les anteriors generacions.
Do you know any other Scottish proverbs? Tell us! We look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Big fish eat little fish
Scottish Gaelic: A’ bhiast as mutha ag ithe na beiste as lugha.
Catalan: el peix gran es menja el petit.
Although…
What’s meant to happen will happen
Scottish: Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye!
Catalan: El que hagi de passar, passarà.
Many a little makes a mickle
Scottish: Mony a mickle maks a muckle! (Saving a small amount soon builds up to a large amount)
Catalan: De mica en mica s’omple la pica.
Edinburgh
Don’t try to teach someone something they already know
Scottish: Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs!
Catalan: No vulguis ensenyar res a algú que ja en sap.
Thank you for your visit. Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet is a blog that aims to promote and share Catalan language and culture throughout its most typical expressions, in a fun and informative way.
Idioms ~That’s a different kettle of fish in other languages
Meaning
(to) be a different kettle of fish refers to a topic or situation which is enterily different from the one that was just being discussed. Synonym: It’s a horse of a different color.
Examples
… I suppose we could organize a party, but that’s an entirely different kettle of fish, we were discussing about the impact of the economic crisis on the labour market.
However, MPs are something of a different kettle of fish to the MEPs in my view.
That’s a different kettle of fish in Catalan
In Catalan there is the idiom Sónfigues d’un altre paner (literally, These are figs from another basket).
That’s a different kettle of fish in French
In French, the closest equivalent is Une autre paire de manches (literally, another pair of sleeves).
That’s a different kettle of fish in French: c’est une autre paire de manches.
That’s a different kettle of fish in German
In German it is ein ganz anderes Para Schuhe (literally, These are another pair of shoes).
That’s a different kettle of fish in Italian
Depending on the context, there are 3 versions in Italian, namely, la cosa cambia aspetto (literally, the thing changes of aspect) , è un altro paio di maniche (literally, that’s another pair of sleeves) o questo è ben altro affare (literally, That’s a completey different matter).
That’s a different kettle of fish in Spanish
In Spanish there is the idiom Eso es harina de otro costal (literally, this is flour from another sack/bag).
Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet is a blog that aims to promote and share Catalan language and culture throughout its most typical expressions, in a fun and informative way.
Here is a list of the main greetings in Scots Gaelic translated to Catalan language. Scottish Gaelic is a Goidelic language of the Celtic and Indo-European language family, native to the Gaels of Scotland. Most of modern Scotland was once Gaelic. One curious fact about Scots Gaelic Gaelic is that it has no words for “yes” (in Catalan, Sí) and “no” (in Catalan, No), and replies are made with the relevant verbs. For questions beginning with “a bheil?”, the appropriate word for “yes” is “tha”. An alternative is “seadh”, pronounced shugh, which means “yeah” or “uh-huh”. At the end of this post there is a comprehensive list of resources to learn Scottish Gaelic or Catalan.
English > Scots Gaelic (pronunciation) ⇆ Catalan (audio)
Bruidhinn ar Cànan – Colourful lessons for beginners, based on the first few lessons of “Speaking Our Language”, with sound samples and interactive tests
Clilstore – Videos of authentic and natural (while also clear and relatively simple) conversations with fluent Gaelic speakers, including a transcript with all words linked to online dictionaries
You can normally find Catalan dubs of popular anime on YouTube if you search “title + catala”, but they’re frequently removed due to Copyright restriction, so the below links may not work forever.
Top Catalan Sayings and Proverbs translated to English
Here is a list of the most important and widespread Catalan Sayings and proverbs, which are sentences that convey the collective wisdom of our forefathers and have been passed down to successive generations over the years. While a saying is a familiar expression that is often repeated, a proverb is a type of saying that contains a piece of advice or simply contains truth or a value. We will provide a literal, word-by-word, translation as well as the closest equivalent saying and proverb in English and French. There is an audio recording of every expression too, so that you can learn how to pronounce them.
✪ Qui no s’arrisca, no pisca ✪
Nothing ventured, nothing lost pronunciation in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: He who doesn’t take risks, doesn’t grab (anything).
English closest equivalent: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
✪ Com més serem, més riurem ✪
The more the merrier in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: The more we will be, the more we will laugh.
English equivalent: The more, the merrier.
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏿🧑🤝🧑🧑🏻🤝🧑🏽 🧑🏿🤝🧑🏿🧑🤝🧑🧑🏻🤝🧑🏽
✪ A poc a poc i bona lletra ✪
The more haste, the less speed in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: slowly and neat handwriting.
English equivalent: The more haste, the worse speed / More haste, less speed.
✍✍✍✍✍ ✍
✪ De mica en mica, s’omple la pica ✪
Many a little, makes a little in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: Bit by bit, one fills the sink.
English equivalents (depending on the context): Many a little makes a mickle, Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves or Constant dripping wears away the stone. In French: Petit à petit, loiseau fait son nid (literally, little by little the bird makes its nest).
🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰
✪ Si vols estar ben servit, fes-te tu mateix el llit ✪
If you want something done right, do it yourself pronunciation in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: If you want to be well served, make the bed yourself.
English equivalent: If you want something done right, do it yourself.
🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️
✪ Els catalans, de les pedres en fem pans ✪
Catalans make bread out of stones pronunciation
Literal translation: Catalans make bread out of stones.
Meaning: Catalan people get ahead in spite of difficulties because they are productive and can make a virtue out of necessity.
🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞
✪ Hi ha més dies que llonganisses ✪
There’s plenty of time in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: there are more days than sausages. (llonganisa is a speciality cold sausage with spiced pork filling and intestine skins).
English equivalent: There’s plenty of time.
🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖
✪ Al pot petit hi ha la bona confitura ✪
Good things come in small packages in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: In the small jar there is the good jam.
English equivalent: Good things come in small packages.
🏺🏺🏺🏺🏺🏺
✪ Tal faràs, tal trobaràs ✪
What goes around comes around in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: Such you will do, such you will find.
English equivalent: What goes around, comes around.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
✪ No diguis blat fins que no el tinguis al sac i ben lligat ✪
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched in Catalan, English and French
Literal meaning: Don’t say wheat until you have it in the bag and well tied up.
English equivalent: Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾
Honorific mentions
✪ Qui de jove no treballa, de vell dorm a la palla ✪
If you lie upon roses when young, you will lie upon thorns when old in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: He who doesn’t work when young, will sleep on the straw when old.
English equivalent: If you lie upon roses when young, you will lie upon thorns when old.
👷👩💼🧑🏿🏭 👷👩💼🧑🏿🏭
✪ Cel rogent, pluja o vent ✪
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning closest equivalents in Catalan, English and French
English closest equivalent: Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.
Literal meaning: Reddish sky, rain or wind.
French closest equivalent: Ciel rouge le soir laisse bon espoir. Ciel rouge le matin, pluie en chemin.
🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
✪ A l’estiu, tota cuca viu ✪
Sayings about summer in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: In summertime, every bug comes alive.
We haven’t found any equivalent for this saying, but here is this one: Friends, sun, sand, and sea, that sounds like a summer to me. It also conveys the liveliness inherent in summertime.
🐛🐞🦗🦟 🐛🐞🦗🦟
✪ Qui no vulgui pols, que no vagi a l’era ✪
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen in Catalan, English and French
Literal meaning: If you don’t want dust, don’t go to the threshing floor.
English closest equivalent: If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. French closest equivalent: Qui craint le danger ne doit pas aller en mer (literally, He who is afraid of danger, shouldn’t go to the sea)
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
✪ Per Nadal, cada ovella al seu corral ✪
All hearts come home for Christmas in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: At Christmas, every sheep to its yard.
English closest equivalent: All hearts come home for Christmas
French closest equivalent: Tout le monde devrait être à la maison pour Noël (Everybody should be at home for Christmas)
🐑🐏 🐑🐏 🐑🐏
✪ Qui dia passa, any empeny ✪
Tomorrow is another day in Catalan, English and French
Literal translation: He who a day passes by, pushes a year. Closest equivalent in English: Tomorrow is another day . Closest equivalent in French: Demain est un autre jour.
🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️
✪ Qui no té memòria, ha de tenir cames ✪
One would forget one’s head if it weren’t screwed on in Catalan
Literal meaning: He who doesn’t have (a good) memory, needs legs. Closest equivalent in English: One would forget one’s head if it weren’t screwed on.
🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
✪ Pagant Sant Pere canta ✪
Maney talks in Catalan, English and French
Literal meaning: If you pay, Saint Peter sings. English closest equivalent: Money talks. French closest equivalent: L’argent a le dernier mot (literally, money has the last word).
💰💰💰💰💰💰
✪ De més verdes en maduren ✪
Stranger things have happened in Catalan, English and French
Literally: Even greener ones have ripened Closest equivalent in English: Stranger things have happened. Closest equivalent in French: De drôles de choses se sont passées (literally, stranger things have happened)
👽👽👽👽👽👽
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