|
ANGLO-DUTCH
TRANSLATION GUIDE
|
| What
the British say |
What
the British mean |
What
the Dutch understand |
| I
hear what you say. |
l
disagree and do not want to discuss it any further. |
He
accepts my point of view. |
| With
the greatest respect... |
I
think you are wrong (or a fool). |
He
is listening to me. |
| That's
not bad. |
That's
good or very good. |
That's
poor or mediocre. |
| Quite
good. |
A
bit disappointing. |
Quite
good. |
Perhaps
you would like to think about...
I would suggest... |
This
is an order. Do it or be prepared to justify yourself. |
Think
about the idea, but do what you like. |
| When
appropriate locally... |
Do
what you like |
Do
it if you can. |
|
Oh,
by the way…
Incidentally….
|
The
primary purpose of our discussion is ..... |
This
is not very important. |
|
I
was a bit disappointed that…
It is a pity you…
|
I
am most upset and cross. |
It
doesn't really matter. |
| Very
interesting. |
I
don't agree / don't believe you. |
They
are impressed. |
| 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. |
| Please
think about that some more. |
It's
a bad idea: don't do it. |
It's
a good idea: 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
must come for dinner sometime. |
Not
an invitation, just being polite. |
I
will get an invitation soon. |
| 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. |
He's
not far from agreement. |
