<!>Translational Faux Pas (2014-06-20 10:16:30)
Translational Faux Pas
Anthologica Universe Atlas / Forums / Terra Firma / Translational Faux Pas / <!>Translational Faux Pas (2014-06-20 10:16:30)

? clawgrip posts: 6
, Foreigner message
In Japanese, if you want to compliment someone with a seemingly innocuous phrase such as "You look pretty today," it's important not to use the most literal translation:

Kyōtoday waTOP kireipretty desuCOP.POL ne.PTCL

This actually means, "You look pretty today (in contrast to all other days)," because of the topic marker on the word for "today". To avoid unintended insult, you can instead say "Kyō mo" ("today also") or add "itsumo yori" ("more than usual").