Pe jos

Discussion of natural languages, or language in general.
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Vijay
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Pe jos

Post by Vijay »

AFAIK, in Romanian, the equivalent for 'on foot' is pe jos. This always confuses me because pe means 'on', but jos does NOT mean 'foot' but rather 'down' or 'low'! Apparently, pe jos can also mean something like 'on the floor' at least in some contexts.

Are there any other languages that use an expression meaning literally 'on down' or 'on low' but actually mean 'on foot'?

hwhatting
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Re: Pe jos

Post by hwhatting »

I don't know any other such examples. But I'd think that the usage comes from comparing walking with other means of transport (on horseback, by litter, cart, or carriage) where the transported person is elevated from the ground.

Vijay
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Re: Pe jos

Post by Vijay »

Never thought about it that way, thanks! I was thinking it would make sense because, well, feet are the lowest part of your body.

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