16 Bilingual People Share the Things They Heard That They Weren't Supposed To.

Bilingual individuals often find themselves in unique situations where they overhear conversations about them in a language they didn’t expect others to speak. This scenario can evoke a range of emotions, from surprise to amusement or even discomfort. Suddenly becoming aware of being understood or misunderstood in a covert manner can create a sense of vulnerability or intrigue. It’s akin to stumbling upon a hidden realm where one’s identity is laid bare through the lens of an unexpected tongue. These moments serve as a reminder of the intricate interplay between language, culture, and perception, offering bilinguals a glimpse into the complexities of communication and the diverse tapestry of human interaction.

1.

Text - [- liltasman 1145 points 4 years ago My coworker actually. She was cashing this Arabic couple out and this woman said to her husband in Arabic, "She looks fat, she should go exercise more". My coworker could understand what she was saying, but didn't show it. As they were leaving, she said, "Have a nice day" in Arabic. I saw this all go down, and the looks on their faces as it dawned on them... priceless! — solidsnake4545

2.

Text - [- ni higim 2046 points 4 years ago My mother is fluent in Russian. When she was younger, she was at a liquor store and two guys were very obviously checking her out. In Russian, they were saying "I bet |she likes this, I bet she would do this", etc. She turned around and said in Russian, "I bet she speaks Russian!" They were too shocked to speak after that. — solidsnake4545

3.

Text - -1 jugodegoya 1959 points 4 years ago I speak Japanese and English, and one time I had an Italian friend over at my house with some other Japanese company. When we all went in for a toast, my Italian friend said 'chin- chin' which is customary to say before a toast in Italy. However, it means penis in Japanese and even my 87 year old grandfather had a huge laugh. — solidsnake4545

4.

Text - [-1 [deleted] 726 points 4 years ago I was on a cruise last year. I was in the elevator with these grandmas. Then they started to say stuff about me in Russian. Stuff along the lines "I remember the days guys like that wanted to hop into my crotch basket." I smiled and said as I was walking out I the elevator "those days have yet to pass." In Russian. They stared at me and si Was walking away I heard them start EDOM a giggling as the elevate doors were closing. The smoothest I have ever b — solidsnake4545

It can be really surprising and kind of awkward when you find out that someone understood what you were saying about someone else, especially if that person spoke a language you didn’t think they understood. It’s like your secret conversation isn’t so secret anymore! You might feel a bit embarrassed or caught off guard. It makes you realize that even when you think you’re speaking privately, there’s still a chance someone could understand what you’re saying. It’s a reminder to be careful about what you say, even if you think nobody will understand.

5.

Text - IRESISIE ROYAL - subzor22 1994 points 4 years ago Two Hispanic guys came up to order food from me, I work as a cashier at a fast food joint, and the one dude said that he bets the food here tastes worse than his wife's vagina. It took all my willpower not to laugh — solidsnake4545

6.

Property - [-]whynotosaurus 1530 points 4 years ago I overheard a guy and a girl arguing over who had shat on the bathroom floor in their share house.

7.

Dish - [-] CANOODLING_SOCIOPATH 2267 points 4 years ago* At my pool where I lifeguard a chinese family comes in every day. They were planning on either eating a baby or a hamburger. It's a tough language.

8.

Hair - [-] [deleted] 1388 points 4 years ago Next to two people speaking Spanish and with a female friend of mine. Them: (in Spanish) "Why is that girl with that guy? She's way too pretty for him." Me: (also in spanish) "I can understand you." They turned bright red and left. My friend had no idea what happened until I told her, and she thought it was hilarious.

9.

Text - [-] overLord 263 points 4 years ago* I was in Paris last year. I walked into a boulangerie (bakery) and ordered a chicken panini. As I was waiting I overheard this conversation between the lady who served me and her co-worker: "Do you think he is single?" "Who?" The Australian man (me) I'm serving." "Forget it Arielle, he doesn't find you attractive." When Arielle came back with my panini I gave her a 10 euro note with my number on it and walked out the door. Edit: I was in the country fo

Talking about people behind their backs in a language they don’t understand isn’t really polite. It might seem like nobody will find out, but it can still hurt them if they find out later. It’s kind of like being sneaky and not very nice. Imagine how you’d feel if you found out someone was saying mean things about you without you knowing. It’s better to be honest and respectful, even if you have something to say about someone, it’s better to say it to their face or not say it at all. Being kind and considerate to others, no matter what language they speak, is the way to go!