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The Way Ariana Grande ‘Fixed’ Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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There is nothing pop stars love more than dabbling in cultural appropriation, but this week Ariana Grande found out that if you’re going to appropriate you should at least do it correctly. The singer posted a photo of a brand new Japanese tattoo in Japanese, inspired by her new hit “7 Rings,” – the only problem was instead of using all the symbols in the video she did some editing that gave the tattoo an entirely new meaning.

Ariana’s recent tattoo translation mishap has been the subject of endless jokes as well as cultural criticism

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: arianagrande

The artist intended for the design to read “7 Rings” using Japanese Kanji symbols, which appear in the song’s music video

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: arianagrande

In the music video’s title card, you see the symbols — “七つの指輪” – which translates to “7 Rings.” However, Grande cut out three of the characters, causing the phrase to change completely. The use of “seven” (七) and “ring” (輪) depicted together on her hand, instead translates to”shichirin” — a small charcoal grill or BBQ.

Although the mistranslation was bizarrely funny, many people voiced their frustrations with people getting tattoos in a language they don’t understand just to be ‘trendy’

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: NAMGlRL

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: orbithopes

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: iIyrei

In an attempt to fix her mistake and Grande posted this conversation with her Japanese tutor

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: arianagrande

But still failed…

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

Image credits: arianagrande

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Instead of adding the (指) symbol (or finger) above the tattoo, as her tutor had suggested, she added it directly under the (七) character. Well following the rules of reading Japanese, her “BBQ Grill” correction turned into (七輪指♡) – “Japanese BBQ finger.”

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As you can imagine people in the comments showed no mercy over her “correction”

The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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The Way Ariana Grande 'Fixed' Her Japanese BBQ Tattoo Fail Is Making All Japanese People Cringe

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Ilona Baliūnaitė

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

What do you think ?

diane a 5 years ago

Cultural Appropriation police again. Look at the earlier post of Chinese people wearing clothing bearing English wording which they don't understand but like the look of.. Are WE insulted ? No - just mildly amused. Why are people offended if someone has a foreign symbol tattoo - as long as it isnt intentionally disrespectful to that culture.

43points

Cesi Baca 5 years ago

Yes that’s true. There are whole websites dedicated to the crazy (sometimes vulgar) English phrases you will see East Asian proudly wearing on t shirts.

16points

Load More Replies...

Amina Hays 5 years ago

Thank you!

4points

Rafaella Bueno 5 years ago

People just think foreign words are "cool". Look at all the korean and japanese songs full of gratuitous english that often doesn't even make sense. Play any JRPG or watch some anime and will no doubt find a bunch of terms written in random foreign languages (sometimes properly, sometimes not). It's just a thing people do.

3points

Toe beans 5 years ago

Totally true... Ive always liked the idea of tattoos in other languages, if I got a chinese tattoo it would feel more personal because basically only I would know what it means, because all my friends speak english

2points

Pinky Pop 5 years ago

Could be worse, could read donut licker.....

18points

libby D 5 years ago

Haha so true.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rage Racer 5 years ago

This is karma for that time she licked a donut in a shop with no intention to pay for it, got caught and threw a celebrity fit, and said "I hate America". The place that gave her the opportunity to be a celebrity in the first place. Proof you cannot buy class.

10points

Daria B 5 years ago

Not a fan of her music, but the fact she has a Japanese language tutor implies she actually cares and is trying to learn. She went for the tatoo a bit too soon, though. Should have waited to reach a more advanced level. But I do understand the eagerness. (Remembering the days I was beginner level in Korean)

8points

Being Mean Is Your Own Issue. 5 years ago

The opposite of this also exists, it's non English speaking cultures (especially Asian languages with totally different characters) getting t-shirts and jumpers with English words, sayings or slightly miss spelled brand names printed on them... which is equally hilarious. Goes both ways!

7points

Jill 5 years ago

I lol even more when you realize that in Japan, tatoos are taboo. Even if you have a really small one you will not be allowed into their onsens (hot baths).

6points

Beans 5 years ago

There are tattoo-friendly onsen tho, and most are ok with small ones now. If you check out Simon and Martina on youtube they have a lot of tattoos and talk about visiting onsen in a couple of their vids.

1point

Load More Replies...

Jacey Brenda King 5 years ago (edited)

(I know I'm not supposed to give my opinion, but....) I am not a fan of Grande by any means, and I do think it's dumb to get a tattoo in a language you don't understand, but I have seen countless examples of people from all sorts of different cultural backgrounds who have worn clothing/gotten tattoos in a language they don't know, and had it come out horribly in mis-translations, East Asians included. I think if we are going to call out people for "cultural appropriation," then people from all cultures should be included who are appropriating.

5points

Amina Hays 5 years ago

That's a really painful area to keep getting corrected incorrectly.

3points

Alexandra 5 years ago

wowwww that reminds me of this guy who got a chinese tattoo that said "i dont know what it means" in chinese

3points

Daria B 5 years ago

There's this site "Babo shirts" (translates as "stupid shirts", or "shirts of stupidity", "shirts for the stupid") that sell intentionally bizzare Korea related shirts aimed at internationals who are not really ignorant about Korean culture (I mean, you wouldn't find those funny otherwise). And long ago, one of the designs had a writing in Korean which translated as "Do you know what's written on your shirt?" It was cute.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rafaella Bueno 5 years ago

I think that comment about the order of reading is both right and wrong... You can write it top to bottom in Japanese (like in books, or comic bubbles, it's usually top to bottom), but when you do that it's also right to left... So taking it that way, what is actually seems to say is "Ring♥ Seven Fingers" (輪♡七指)

3points

FatBaby 5 years ago

Being a celebrity makes every little thing a big deal.

2points

Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago

I'm really wondering how many people have a tatoo "Do not iron" or something similar in Chinese or Japanese characters.

2points

Patti 5 years ago

What do expect from a arrogant stupid girl who licks donuts, puts them back on the shelf and other people buys them. She is a little pig

1point

Broken Bay 5 years ago

Even if getting a tattoo in a language you don't know is a crime, the crime is its own punishment.

1point

Jilltdcatlady 5 years ago

I call Shenanigans!! BUT what hack artist did she get to tattoo her PALM??? If she wanted it to last, YOU DON'T waste ink on your palm. The skin renews so frequently it will literally disappear! I know this from trusted experts!

1point

Broken Bay 5 years ago

Is that a bad thing?

1point

Load More Replies...

Aldhissla VargTimmen 5 years ago

Paula is wrong though, Japanese can indeed be read downwards, but then they read from right to left... so that would still be wrong and read: ring <3 seven fingers

1point

Official_Blink 2 years ago (edited)

I don't understand. Hmmm, A japanese person doesn't know english and spells something wrong !! * Dum dum * They are disrespecting the people who know english !! What A crappy logic ! And , People should check their eyes before commenting . Its 7 rings written on her arm but kind of upside down for japanese people. And I dont understand how Japanese bbq grill is so insulting for japanese people . Like , Dont they use bbq grills ?

0points

ゾーイドレーガー 5 years ago

as a person from Japan I say, she is so frickin' stupid

0points

Noo bitax 5 years ago

Amazing! by the way i got mine here Just copy the link http://bit.ly/2IV0XWT i got the same :) tattoo

0points

Shiko Ishii 5 years ago

I tattooed myself with "pig farts" cuz random English words are all the rage

0points

Shiko Ishii 5 years ago

I tattooed" pig farts" in English in my arm it's cool cuz random English words are cool

0points

Ultimate Music Fan 5 years ago

That's too funny

0points

Michelle Pitsiokos 5 years ago

I read the last as "Japanese finger fart." I have a 9 year-old boy. We're all about farts right now. This mama rocks!

0points

SlightlyBurntWaffle 5 years ago

笑！これはとてもおもしろい... 日本では通常バーベキューグリルのようにそれを書く.

0points

Adam Francis 5 years ago

Many of these comments are about approval or disapproval of the tattoo. You're it the boss if anyone. You don't make the rules for anyone.

0points

Sandy 5 years ago

The Superdry brand in the UK... I have a Japanese Relative, and the stuff written on their products makes her laugh because it's gibberish

0points

Anna Bookelaar 5 years ago

There is an article elsewhere on this site of clothing being worn by Asian people with slogans on them that make absolutely no sense or are so inappropriate for children to be wearing because of what is written on them. The confusion goes both ways.

0points

Kaisu Rei 5 years ago

Yeah I really don't understand why people take tattoos in languages they don't speak or understand, you just end up looking really really stupid and ignorant

0points

ivan bolitekurac 5 years ago

Just write that bs on a post it and put it on your night shelf if you cant remember 2 words.And what's the obsession with languages where you dont understand s**t?I swear,95% of people with tattoos are just edgy people trying to be sooo different and unique.Be unique like everyone else :D

0points

TJler 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

diane a 5 years ago

Cultural Appropriation police again. Look at the earlier post of Chinese people wearing clothing bearing English wording which they don't understand but like the look of.. Are WE insulted ? No - just mildly amused. Why are people offended if someone has a foreign symbol tattoo - as long as it isnt intentionally disrespectful to that culture.

43points

Cesi Baca 5 years ago

Yes that’s true. There are whole websites dedicated to the crazy (sometimes vulgar) English phrases you will see East Asian proudly wearing on t shirts.

16points

Load More Replies...

Amina Hays 5 years ago

Thank you!

4points

Rafaella Bueno 5 years ago

People just think foreign words are "cool". Look at all the korean and japanese songs full of gratuitous english that often doesn't even make sense. Play any JRPG or watch some anime and will no doubt find a bunch of terms written in random foreign languages (sometimes properly, sometimes not). It's just a thing people do.

3points

Toe beans 5 years ago

Totally true... Ive always liked the idea of tattoos in other languages, if I got a chinese tattoo it would feel more personal because basically only I would know what it means, because all my friends speak english

2points

Pinky Pop 5 years ago

Could be worse, could read donut licker.....

18points

libby D 5 years ago

Haha so true.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rage Racer 5 years ago

This is karma for that time she licked a donut in a shop with no intention to pay for it, got caught and threw a celebrity fit, and said "I hate America". The place that gave her the opportunity to be a celebrity in the first place. Proof you cannot buy class.

10points

Daria B 5 years ago

Not a fan of her music, but the fact she has a Japanese language tutor implies she actually cares and is trying to learn. She went for the tatoo a bit too soon, though. Should have waited to reach a more advanced level. But I do understand the eagerness. (Remembering the days I was beginner level in Korean)

8points

Being Mean Is Your Own Issue. 5 years ago

The opposite of this also exists, it's non English speaking cultures (especially Asian languages with totally different characters) getting t-shirts and jumpers with English words, sayings or slightly miss spelled brand names printed on them... which is equally hilarious. Goes both ways!

7points

Jill 5 years ago

I lol even more when you realize that in Japan, tatoos are taboo. Even if you have a really small one you will not be allowed into their onsens (hot baths).

6points

Beans 5 years ago

There are tattoo-friendly onsen tho, and most are ok with small ones now. If you check out Simon and Martina on youtube they have a lot of tattoos and talk about visiting onsen in a couple of their vids.

1point

Load More Replies...

Jacey Brenda King 5 years ago (edited)

(I know I'm not supposed to give my opinion, but....) I am not a fan of Grande by any means, and I do think it's dumb to get a tattoo in a language you don't understand, but I have seen countless examples of people from all sorts of different cultural backgrounds who have worn clothing/gotten tattoos in a language they don't know, and had it come out horribly in mis-translations, East Asians included. I think if we are going to call out people for "cultural appropriation," then people from all cultures should be included who are appropriating.

5points

Amina Hays 5 years ago

That's a really painful area to keep getting corrected incorrectly.

3points

Alexandra 5 years ago

wowwww that reminds me of this guy who got a chinese tattoo that said "i dont know what it means" in chinese

3points

Daria B 5 years ago

There's this site "Babo shirts" (translates as "stupid shirts", or "shirts of stupidity", "shirts for the stupid") that sell intentionally bizzare Korea related shirts aimed at internationals who are not really ignorant about Korean culture (I mean, you wouldn't find those funny otherwise). And long ago, one of the designs had a writing in Korean which translated as "Do you know what's written on your shirt?" It was cute.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rafaella Bueno 5 years ago

I think that comment about the order of reading is both right and wrong... You can write it top to bottom in Japanese (like in books, or comic bubbles, it's usually top to bottom), but when you do that it's also right to left... So taking it that way, what is actually seems to say is "Ring♥ Seven Fingers" (輪♡七指)

3points

FatBaby 5 years ago

Being a celebrity makes every little thing a big deal.

2points

Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago

I'm really wondering how many people have a tatoo "Do not iron" or something similar in Chinese or Japanese characters.

2points

Patti 5 years ago

What do expect from a arrogant stupid girl who licks donuts, puts them back on the shelf and other people buys them. She is a little pig

1point

Broken Bay 5 years ago

Even if getting a tattoo in a language you don't know is a crime, the crime is its own punishment.

1point

Jilltdcatlady 5 years ago

I call Shenanigans!! BUT what hack artist did she get to tattoo her PALM??? If she wanted it to last, YOU DON'T waste ink on your palm. The skin renews so frequently it will literally disappear! I know this from trusted experts!

1point

Broken Bay 5 years ago

Is that a bad thing?

1point

Load More Replies...

Aldhissla VargTimmen 5 years ago

Paula is wrong though, Japanese can indeed be read downwards, but then they read from right to left... so that would still be wrong and read: ring <3 seven fingers

1point

Official_Blink 2 years ago (edited)

I don't understand. Hmmm, A japanese person doesn't know english and spells something wrong !! * Dum dum * They are disrespecting the people who know english !! What A crappy logic ! And , People should check their eyes before commenting . Its 7 rings written on her arm but kind of upside down for japanese people. And I dont understand how Japanese bbq grill is so insulting for japanese people . Like , Dont they use bbq grills ?

0points

ゾーイドレーガー 5 years ago

as a person from Japan I say, she is so frickin' stupid

0points

Noo bitax 5 years ago

Amazing! by the way i got mine here Just copy the link http://bit.ly/2IV0XWT i got the same :) tattoo

0points

Shiko Ishii 5 years ago

I tattooed myself with "pig farts" cuz random English words are all the rage

0points

Shiko Ishii 5 years ago

I tattooed" pig farts" in English in my arm it's cool cuz random English words are cool

0points

Ultimate Music Fan 5 years ago

That's too funny

0points

Michelle Pitsiokos 5 years ago

I read the last as "Japanese finger fart." I have a 9 year-old boy. We're all about farts right now. This mama rocks!

0points

SlightlyBurntWaffle 5 years ago

笑！これはとてもおもしろい... 日本では通常バーベキューグリルのようにそれを書く.

0points

Adam Francis 5 years ago

Many of these comments are about approval or disapproval of the tattoo. You're it the boss if anyone. You don't make the rules for anyone.

0points

Sandy 5 years ago

The Superdry brand in the UK... I have a Japanese Relative, and the stuff written on their products makes her laugh because it's gibberish

0points

Anna Bookelaar 5 years ago

There is an article elsewhere on this site of clothing being worn by Asian people with slogans on them that make absolutely no sense or are so inappropriate for children to be wearing because of what is written on them. The confusion goes both ways.

0points

Kaisu Rei 5 years ago

Yeah I really don't understand why people take tattoos in languages they don't speak or understand, you just end up looking really really stupid and ignorant

0points

ivan bolitekurac 5 years ago

Just write that bs on a post it and put it on your night shelf if you cant remember 2 words.And what's the obsession with languages where you dont understand s**t?I swear,95% of people with tattoos are just edgy people trying to be sooo different and unique.Be unique like everyone else :D

0points

TJler 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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