Most sources of foreign phrases for travelers are helpful, if somewhat predictable. They will teach you common greetings, how to ask for directions to the restrooms, how to request a single or double bed at the hotel, how to inquire about transportation along with some helpful phrases for shopping or dining.
The Zompist Phrasebook has something a little different. You can learn to say, "It's better in the States.", "How much is that in real money?", "Yessir, you folks certainly have made a mess of this country.", "Can I have fries with that?", and other things that are probably better left unsaid. Phrases are translated into French, Spanish, and German. Other pages in the site have translations into Italian, Russian, Danish, Dutch, and Chinese.
Most are literal translations but one of my favorites was one that condensed the thought a bit.
Impressed as I am with the New Wave in cinematography, I must say that this particular film seemed both pretentious and unsatisfying, and that the director's imagery, though compelling, is no substitute for a true cinematic message.Posted by marybeth at April 26, 2004 02:06 AM Words
Mais c'est de la merde, ce navet.
A esto le llamo yo estiércol cinematográfico.
Der Film ist Scheiße.