Tender loving care
I work in the NHS, and was once called by the hospital manager who knew I spoke French and needed me to translate to a holidaymaker and his wife. The holidaymaker had suffered a mild heart attack and needed a few days in bed. I explained this, added that there was no need to worry, and asked if they wanted to know anything. The wife asked if her husband could have a single room. I translated for the manager, who told me to say that they could, but they would be charged. I announced Certainement, mais on doit vous charger at which the old couple went white. It turned out I had used the wrong verb for 'to charge' and they were expecting to be physically assaulted if they had the single room. I should have used the verb faire payer.
Sent by: Graham
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You would have been understood correctly in Québec where charger means 'to put on the bill' with no connotation of physical abuse (of course it is an anglicisme).
That's hillarious!
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