Mistaken rudeness
While still at school, an ordinary day in the classroom, I was writing the objectives for that lesson, when my teacher sneezed and as a force of polite habit, I said Taisez-vous ! ("Be quiet!"), with a surprised expression and a quick Excusez-moi ? ("Excuse me, I'm sorry") from my teacher, I was left confused, as it seemed I had offended her. Straight away it came to me, what I was meant to say was, à vos souhaits ("bless you"). After turning a slight shade of red I replied with a small, euh... je suis désolé. ("Er... I'm sorry") I knew I was forgiven when my teacher quipped, pas grave ! ("it doesn't matter") and laughed it off.
Sent by: Daniel
Comments
We always say à vos santé, which means about the same thing (to your health).
A vos souhaits, is what you should say. A votre santé, is when you start drinking (cheers).
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