Random Wednesday
2008 April 2
When my children were young and we would be out shopping, like most children they would want me to buy them stuff. Sometimes I would cave and get them a little something. But, soon they came to expect a new toy or book, anything, every time we went out. I got tired of saying ‘no.’
To change things up a bit, and keep me from going nuts repeating the same word over and over, I started saying ‘no’ in as many different languages as I could. I would get through maybe four or five translations, and they would finally get the point.
At one time I think I knew as many as 15 different ‘nos.’
For your reading pleasure, and just in case you want to try this little trick… I give you what translations I remember. (Feel free to add a few of your own.)
-
French – non
-
German – nein
-
Italian – no
-
Russian – nyet
-
Hawaiian – ‘a’ ole
-
Spanish – no
-
Japanese – iie
-
Korean (phonetic) – oon-dway -
Chinese (Taiwan) – msi
-
Chinese (Mandarian) – bu/bu xing/bu ke (thanks sevenses)
-
American Sign Language – Bring the right thumb, index and middle fingers together while shaking the head side to side. (It is possible to yell in Sign Language.)
- Dutch – nee (pronounced ‘nay’) thanks Xbox
- Polish – nie (thanks OHMommy)
- Voch-Armenian (Greek) – ochi/okhi (pronounced ‘okay’) thanks LaskiGal
Awesome. I need some help with pronunciation on a few of those. We need a key. lol
[Tara R.] Ashley – most of the words are pronounced like they are spelled… except for iie = eye, and msi = m’see (all one syllable)
Some Dutch for ya… Nee (pronounced Nay).
This is brilliant. I am going to teach them all to Son, so that we can run through them together next time we’re in Target. Thank you for the genius tip!!
I’m still grasping English here! But here are my other phrases that I use, “we’ll see” (my cop-out), “not in a million years,” “never,” “are you kidding me?!?” and “never gonna happen, my friend.”
Oh, we’ve done the sign language one in public! I do those because it’s a LOT easier than causing a scene. That and they get ‘the look’. We also know please, thank you, and yes.
I just say, “Are you crazy or something?” LOL!
Oh, that’s good information to have! I never take my kids shopping anymore. I save a lot of money that way, on not just groceries, but aspirin.
I want to learn to speak Hawaiian so badly!!!
No in Chinese (mandarin) can be – bu, bu xing, or bu ke yi. It’s a very specific language, and I’m sure there are more variants out there, lol.
No in Korean would be aniyo.
I mostly go for the raised eyebrow of someone contemplating your (in)sanity.
One more–Monty Python and the Knights that say “Ni!” Great list!
GREAT idea.
Polish – nie
My nine month old daughter screams Nein! Nein! When she is angry. Seriously. I don’t know how she knows it or why she does it. My hubby is convinced I did it with a German guy.
I’m finally catching up on your blog after computer meltdown. Top 10 in the world? Wow! (Picture Wayne’s World: “I’m not worthy!” to even comment on your blog!) The “no’s” are great. I think there’s a window: AFTER the two-year-old-no-screaming-stage.
Voch–Armenian . . .
Ochi/okhi (sounds like okay)–Greek . . .
I grew up hearing voch ALL THE TIME. Ugh . . .
adorable post TARa. i didn’t “nie” all of these. he he.
if you “sign” really fast and violent like with rapid wicked movement … is that like you are yelling?? hmmm??
night, beany
I’m gonna look so cool in front of my hubby now…….
He’ll think I finally grew a brain when I am able to speak in other languages.
Thanks!
What a great idea!! I never thought about that considering how many times a day I say no. Does it work with cats too?? lol!
I TOTALLY think we are sharing a brain!! I do this in my class!!
And…every now and then…when I’m totally and completely tired of repeating myself…I write it on the chalkboard. Then, all I have to do is point.
Grocery-store Modification: Grab a Sharpie and any paper-packaged item from your cart.
(YOUR cart…not someone else’s cart. You don’t wanna start a brawl.)
Presto! Instant VisualAid!
Haha. Wow, that’s awesome!
This is very useful. And a great idea. As a fall back in case none of these work, can your next list be all the ways to say “Daddy needs a drink”?
[Tara R.] Did you see that phrase from Ms.H, Busy Dad? In place of ‘cerveza,’ you could probably insert ‘Newcastle.’
Tu padre necesitas una cerveza.
this was a fun post!!
hope you’re having a terrific, awesome, stupendous day!!
xoxo
What useful information!! Thanks!
Oh i love this.
i think i shall save it for when i’m a mother
Thanks – this is going to come in very handy indeed!
LOL! What a great idea
A great way to decline AND teach new languages! I do the “No” in sign language all the time to hubby. Yes….it is possible to yell in sign language 
Do it repeatedly and give a nasty look….well, that’s me yelling 
Wish I had thought of this! Maybe I’d have a few less gray hairs now! LOL!
A wonderful idea indeed…you are verra verra smart for thinking of that!
Wow. A world champion martial artist AND multi-language translator. And to think I barely passed Spanish…;) Please don’t tell me you do crafts, too.
Yea! You mentioned Polish. I puffy heart you.
[Tara R.] Thank you for sharing your language, I was secretly hoping you would. Mwah!
Adopting This!!!
I use ASL to say “NO” to the wonder boy who lives in the house. :last night while driving past a local family diner the sign boasted “Kid’s eat free”. “Dad look”
“Dan you always eat for free, I have never seen you pick up a cheque in your 13 years on this planet.NO ”
Great post
David
hay-uhl no (Southern)