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When there’s language there’s always a chance of getting lost in translation. And while in some instances this can be truly annoying and make your trip to the Far East somewhat of a bummer, in other cases, it gives us all a perfect source of entertainment.

Like these hilariously mistranslated signs that seem to have no shame or no awareness of whatever is wrong about them. So let’s fasten your seatbelt, we are about to get bamboozled. Psst! More poorly translated signs await in our previous post right here.

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    #2

    The Worst Translation Ever!!

    The Worst Translation Ever!!

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    Astrius
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I speak French, i can translate: FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH FRENCH

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    In today's multicultural world, it's hard to imagine a world without translation services. From online translations to in-person interpreters, it's easier than ever to communicate with people who speak different languages. Unfortunately, not all translations are created equal.

    Recently, there has been a surge in the number of poorly translated signs, billboards, and other written materials. From funny typos to incomprehensible messages, these translations make it almost impossible to understand their intended message.

    #5

    "I'll Take The Pure Speculation Meat Please"

    "I'll Take The Pure Speculation Meat Please"

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    There may be multiple reasons to blame for why a particular sign makes little sense. First, it may have to do with the fact that the translation was copy-pasted from Google Translate (or another AI) which is not the best option for high-visibility signage.

    Another typical problem comes up when the hired translator isn’t given any context about the sign or what’s on it. While the verb above, “gritar,” can be translated as “cry” or “shout,” it’s clear from the visual clues that it’s referring to shouting.

    #8

    In A Local Filipino Grocery. I’m Sure It’s Delicious, But I Have Some Notes About The English Word Choices

    In A Local Filipino Grocery. I’m Sure It’s Delicious, But I Have Some Notes About The English Word Choices

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    What’s more, professional linguists often employ their cultural know-how to ensure a top translation. In general, unprofessional language agencies assign translators work without considering their cultural backgrounds or dialect specializations.

    This may have been the problem behind American Airlines’ slogan “Fly in leather,” which was translated as “Vuela en cuero” in Spanish. For some Latin American countries, this was no problem, but in some regions like Mexico the slogan meant “fly naked.”

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    #10

    "Well, That's What The App Said."

    "Well, That's What The App Said."

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    Rumina Io
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was a sign like this in Wales where by law the signs have to be in English and Welsh. The English portion said something like "health clinic parking can be found around the back of the building" while the Welsh translated to "I am out of office and will not be taking translation jobs until I return on Monday."

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    #11

    Did The Devil Make This Sign

    Did The Devil Make This Sign

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    #12

    Don’t Trust Bing Translate

    Don’t Trust Bing Translate

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    Chairman Miaow
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reality is more wholesome, 儿时妈妈炒饭the fried rice my mum made me as a kid.

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    Meanwhile, one important factor is that not all translators specialize in the same content areas, which is why it’s vital for businesses to choose translators with specialization in their area.

    Culinary translation, for example, is much more difficult than it may appear, so no wonder that menu translation is a specialized field. For example, “Spotted Dick” is a famous English pudding, but you can imagine the trouble translators could get themselves into if they translated it literally.

    #13

    Chinese Translation Gone Wrong

    Chinese Translation Gone Wrong

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    Angela B
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *spits wine* Nevermind the errrm examination room..... what are they doing with Fetal hearts?

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    #14

    Return Of Jim

    Return Of Jim

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    One example of a badly translated sign was seen in a popular tourist destination in Asia. Instead of saying "Do Not Enter," the sign actually said "Do Not Exit." This kind of mistake could have potentially been dangerous for visitors who were not familiar with the language.

    It's important for businesses to take the time to properly translate their signs and other materials. Poorly translated signs can lead to confusion and even danger for visitors who are not familiar with the language. It's also important to use the services of professional translators who not only have the necessary skills to do so, but are also informed with the relevant context and have a cultural understanding that’s relevant to a particular translation.

    #16

    Uh... I'll Have The French Fries

    Uh... I'll Have The French Fries

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    Sandra Monk
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And not a single dish is actually French fries. Mostly rice with beef or pork and a few curry / stew type dishes

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    #19

    They Just Never Are

    They Just Never Are

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    Umar Abid
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahahahaha, its written in Urdu and the meaning makes it even more hilarious. Transation: "This place is only for women, men are not allowed to enter"

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    #21

    Afaik, These Are Diary Stickers...not Sure When I Will Need To Be A Pineapple, But Least I Can Mark The Occasion Now

    Afaik, These Are Diary Stickers...not Sure When I Will Need To Be A Pineapple, But Least I Can Mark The Occasion Now

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    Your Neighborhood Alien
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone translated them all on Reddit (this is a long comment, get ready): Today I don't have the pussy for little lanterns (Hoy no tengo el chichi pa farolillos) Means that today I'm not in the mood for dumb s**t To the bad weather, good face (Al mal tiempo, Buena Cara) Means that we should keep our cool against hardship. I sing up for a bombing (me apunto a un bombardeo) Means I'm down for anything you wanna do I have got the ruler (Tengo la regla) this isn't really an idiom, it just means "I'm in my period" What a big brown (Qué marronazo) Means "What a big problem" If life gives you lemon, ask for tequila and salt (Si la vida te da limones, pide sal y tequila) Means the same as the "make lemonade" one just a bit spicier I guess What a big pussy (Qué coñazo) Means annoying as f**k, might be a person, an event... I want the fat one to touch me (Quiero qué me toque el Gordo) Again, not an idiom, El Gordo is the lottery, we are just praying we win it (1/many)

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    #23

    Explosion-Proof Dog💥

    Explosion-Proof Dog💥

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    StarlightPanda!
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a decently long leash for my dog, and she hasn't exploded yet, so I'll pass. These translations. Lol

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    #26

    Pronounciasion Skills Taught In This Kooching (Coaching) Class. Yep, I Better Sign Up

    Pronounciasion Skills Taught In This Kooching (Coaching) Class. Yep, I Better Sign Up

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    #27

    I Heard It's Protected By Unesco

    I Heard It's Protected By Unesco

    shenzhenstuff Report

    #29

    I Bought A New Screen Protector For My Phone. Now I'm Left Wondering What Happened To Him And His Friend

    I Bought A New Screen Protector For My Phone. Now I'm Left Wondering What Happened To Him And His Friend

    chdc666 Report

    #30

    This Would Make An Awesome Cautionary Sign In Any Bar

    This Would Make An Awesome Cautionary Sign In Any Bar

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    #32

    A Sign In A Slovak Bathroom Located In Bratislava Warning You To Not Throw The Toilet

    A Sign In A Slovak Bathroom Located In Bratislava Warning You To Not Throw The Toilet

    ItsNowShakeYourName Report

    #35

    Ah, Maybe We Should Wait Til They're Done

    Ah, Maybe We Should Wait Til They're Done

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    #41

    Unite To Protect The Countryside Of The Sea

    Unite To Protect The Countryside Of The Sea

    RedditorXL Report

    #43

    Finger Pulp

    Finger Pulp

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weird wording but I think they are trying to say touch sensitive screen does not work with fingernails.

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    #46

    The Phone Is Not Hot, Easting Chicken Is Easier, The Phone Is Not Stuck, The King, Easy To Eat Chicken

    The Phone Is Not Hot, Easting Chicken Is Easier, The Phone Is Not Stuck, The King, Easy To Eat Chicken

    ShadowTheDutchie Report

    #48

    This Is Beautiful

    This Is Beautiful

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    #49

    Who Proofread This? And What Quote Is It Trying To Be?

    Who Proofread This? And What Quote Is It Trying To Be?

    Fletchworthy Report

    #50

    What Could Have Made It Feel That Way!?

    What Could Have Made It Feel That Way!?

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    Chris Bridge
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously it's a fire escape door, there's lots of places in England that just say 'door is alarmed'.

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    #53

    Hmmm, I'll Just Have The Black Pepper Jerky

    Hmmm, I'll Just Have The Black Pepper Jerky

    expatronis Report

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    #57

    I Love Badly Translated Chinese Products

    I Love Badly Translated Chinese Products

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    #60

    Sign On The Hotel Window When I Was Working In China A Few Years Ago

    Sign On The Hotel Window When I Was Working In China A Few Years Ago

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    #61

    "Put Up Some Nice Tourist Signs, Would You?"

    "Put Up Some Nice Tourist Signs, Would You?"

    Comfortable_Slip4025 Report

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    Stardust she/her
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The translation of the chinese text says “Excellent tour guide logo Guangzhou Municipal Forestry Bureau”

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    #65

    A Badly Translated Menu I Found In Beijing

    A Badly Translated Menu I Found In Beijing

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    #67

    "Let Your Eyes Have God" :))

    "Let Your Eyes Have God" :))

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    StarlightPanda!
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Typo translation actually sounds like an overly embellished take on marketing. Lol

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    #68

    This Has To Belong Here, Packaging From My Daughters Crafting Stuff. Just Read It All Lol

    This Has To Belong Here, Packaging From My Daughters Crafting Stuff. Just Read It All Lol

    2WheelMotoHead Report

    #70

    New Game Just Dropped

    New Game Just Dropped

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    #71

    Interesting Park Sign

    Interesting Park Sign

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    StarlightPanda!
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disaster prevention toilet! I don't see anything wrong with this translation! 🤣

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    #74

    But Besides That, You're Great!

    But Besides That, You're Great!

    shenzhenstuff Report

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    #79

    Found This At Ranch 99 Six Months Back. I Did Not Partake

    Found This At Ranch 99 Six Months Back. I Did Not Partake

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    #80

    Ahh, Yes, My Favourite Animal

    Ahh, Yes, My Favourite Animal

    GloomyBlueKnight Report

    #81

    A Delicious Meal At A Cafeteria - Try To Guess What You're Getting

    A Delicious Meal At A Cafeteria - Try To Guess What You're Getting

    Albatroeg Report

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    3 Trash Pandas in a Trenchcoat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes, Creamy jail with zucchini, chickpeas, spinach to the first power and soy half five to the sixth power (15625)

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    #82

    The Last Item On The Menu Sounds... Concerning

    The Last Item On The Menu Sounds... Concerning

    ignis_ignis Report

    #84

    Yay, Exploiter!

    Yay, Exploiter!

    expatronis Report

    #85

    I’m Not Sure What They’re Trying To Say, But I Feel Vaguely Threatened

    I’m Not Sure What They’re Trying To Say, But I Feel Vaguely Threatened

    RyeMarie Report

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    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll let my heart get to the next pure world on its calendar, not mine.

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    #88

    Freshly Caught, I Hope!

    Freshly Caught, I Hope!

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    #90

    Gotta Love That Good Old Taste Of Ethnics

    Gotta Love That Good Old Taste Of Ethnics

    JTMW Report

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    Melissa Hill
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My partner and I actually purchased these because the packaging was so insane. Gave them a try, they were really delicious.

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    #91

    Small A Wooden Man

    Small A Wooden Man

    x_Martha_x Report

    #92

    Ordered A Dress For My Daughter

    Ordered A Dress For My Daughter

    benjistone Report

    #94

    Infinite Pleasure

    Infinite Pleasure

    takenegg Report

    #95

    This Sign Gave Me A Stroke

    This Sign Gave Me A Stroke

    WillyWumpLump Report

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    #96

    Brand New Bacteria? Sign Me Up!

    Brand New Bacteria? Sign Me Up!

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    #100

    This Is A Very Peculiar Way To Put It

    This Is A Very Peculiar Way To Put It

    BootlegBarBz Report

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    Sabs
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Impregnated, while it’s an odd term can be correct in this instance.

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    #103

    My Manager Put This Sign Up Last Year And Was Mad That No One Knew What The Hell It Was Saying

    My Manager Put This Sign Up Last Year And Was Mad That No One Knew What The Hell It Was Saying

    freeashavacado Report

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    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the therapy door is okay with snow, but this one has hangups?

    #104

    Finally A Place Where You Can Climb Without Being Reported To The Police! (+ Bonus Sign)

    Finally A Place Where You Can Climb Without Being Reported To The Police! (+ Bonus Sign)

    blaskkaffe Report

    #105

    This Badly Translated Chinese Manual I Got With My Mini Ac [oc]

    This Badly Translated Chinese Manual I Got With My Mini Ac [oc]

    Selling_illegal_pepe Report

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    #107

    Thomas Edison Was A Wise Man

    Thomas Edison Was A Wise Man

    pianomancuber Report

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    #108

    This Restaurants Signs At My Small Town In Finland. Also Note That I Do Not Solely Mean That Typo So Please Don't Remove This, Mods

    This Restaurants Signs At My Small Town In Finland. Also Note That I Do Not Solely Mean That Typo So Please Don't Remove This, Mods

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