Phrases From Different Languages
Four different phrases explained
Language is a unique element of culture and history that is the buildup of the words and phrases. Words being one of the most meaningful aspects allows the concepts of quotes to be born. Some are comparable to what idioms are in English and others are meaningful ideas. Famous quotes are usually well known across a nation’s society, such as the English phrases, “A taste of your own medicine” and “Curiosity killed the cat.” Those sayings are called idioms, a phrase that utilizes figurative language to deliver an important message. There are many important quotes involved in many cultures, such as Latin, Japanese, and French.
A renowned quote in Latin famed after being recited in a popular movie is the quote carpe diem, or seize the day. This is a reference to the movie Dead Poets Society, where John Keating told his students to enjoy life during the moments and take the present opportunities instead of waiting for your future. The origins of this saying goes back to 23 BCE by the Roman poet Horace. Although carpe diem is the known idea, it is not the full saying. Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero (seize the day trusting the next one as little as possible), is the full citation, which gives more context. It gives a more depth perspective of relishing the current moments of your life, almost saying live today as if you don’t have a tomorrow. This commonly known quote has inspired and motivated people to pursue and take notice of the present moments of their life.
猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) is a saying in Japanese that translates to, even monkeys fall from the tree. Even professionals make mistakes, is the definition of the quote and what the speaker wants the listener to take from their words.It’’s a reminder to those that one mistake doesn’t define who you are. If you are a student who’s only gotten good grades, or succeeded, one failure doesn’t make you stupid; just as if you failed your whole life and only have one achievement, no one will see you for that achievement. There are many other Japanese proverbs that have similar ideologies to idioms in English, such as 蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru), the literal translation being a frog’s child is a frog, that is an equivalent to the english saying, like father like son.
Je pense, donc je suis, the French and first published version of the well known quote, cogito, ergo sum, which translates to I think, therefore I am. This proverb is widely seen as a philosophical idea, as it implies in order for you to think, you must exist first. This topic has been widely debated though, as other interpretations such as the concepts formulated in your head must exist, or a more modernized theory, which states, fake it until you make it. These different analyses and debates on the quote as different generations pass reveals the majority of a society’s perception towards different topics.
Phrases are a core concept in every language as it enriches one’s mind when contemplating and pondering. Understanding proverbs in different languages is the key to becoming fluent in a language. The sayings come off as slang, but it’s truly a meaningful expression that can give insight to one’s culture and language.