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Pe jos

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 2:29 pm
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'?

Re: Pe jos

Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 6:24 am
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.

Re: Pe jos

Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 7:24 am
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.