Yes this is the most disorienting thing about using a non native language. You're aware that you aren't able to convey intended connotation or comprehend it. So

Yes this is the most disorienting thing about using a non native language. You're aware that you aren't able to convey intended connotation or comprehend it. So even if you are perfectly capable of all the right denotation, you're still missing an entire layer of communication. It's even more difficult when a language is spoken in different cultures. Eg, British, American and Australians probably have different connotations associated with the same words. Distinguishing between using a synonym out of custom vs intentionally for a different connotation is very difficult. It's not like there's a connotation dictionary you can refer to.