Not a word, but there’s a specific phrase uttered when you casually pass by someone working, stop for a chat, and then genuinely wish them well with their work as you leave.
This phrase does not exist in English:
“Break a leg” is close, but more reserved for some grand performance
Nor does it exist in German:
“Viel Spass/Glück” (Have fun, Good Luck) is also close, but has an element of sarcasm and/or success through chance.
In Turkish, you just say “Kolay Gelsin”, meaning “May the work come easy so that you finish sooner”.
Its such a useful unjudgemental phrase, easily uttered, that I’ve seen nowhere else. Maybe other languages have it too.
Very true! At the same time, I feel like you would only say that to something that will happen and not something that is currently happening. Is that right?
Not a word, but there’s a specific phrase uttered when you casually pass by someone working, stop for a chat, and then genuinely wish them well with their work as you leave.
This phrase does not exist in English:
Nor does it exist in German:
In Turkish, you just say “Kolay Gelsin”, meaning “May the work come easy so that you finish sooner”.
Its such a useful unjudgemental phrase, easily uttered, that I’ve seen nowhere else. Maybe other languages have it too.
“Good luck with/have fun with that!” In a pleasant tone while gesturing towards the act being done is enough, I’ve found
Unless it’s clearly like, WORK, work, then something like “don’t work too hard, there!” Is common
The tone of it is the same, but there’s also a sarcastic interpretation of it though, and it can be applied liberally to lots of non-work situations
Dutch: ‘Werk ze’
I say “good luck” in a non-sarcastic tone to people whenever they head off on some banal errand. It gets some confused looks sometimes, laughs others.
Reminds me of a much abbreviated version of this Irish prayer:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Exactly this kind of sentiment. Beautiful poem.
I will steal that one!
“May the odds be ever in your favor” works in almost any situation!
Would “Have a good one” maybe serve that purpose? It’s not exactly the same, but similar sentiment.
Very true! At the same time, I feel like you would only say that to something that will happen and not something that is currently happening. Is that right?
Yeah, I’d say so. Maybe something like “Take it easy” would fit better.
“… and if that don’t work, take it sleazy.”