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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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#2
The Worst Translation Ever!!
#3
No Escape
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.
#4
Saw This At A Truck Stop
#5
"I'll Take The Pure Speculation Meat Please"
#6
This Was On My 3D Printer Box
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.
#7
Paul Is Dead
#8
In A Local Filipino Grocery. I’m Sure It’s Delicious, But I Have Some Notes About The English Word Choices
#9
Racist Park
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.”
#10
"Well, That's What The App Said."
Rumina Io 1 year ago
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."
#11
Did The Devil Make This Sign
#12
Don’t Trust Bing Translate
Chairman Miaow 1 year ago
Reality is more wholesome, 儿时妈妈炒饭the fried rice my mum made me as a kid.
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
#14
Return Of Jim
#15
Infinitely Damn
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
Sandra Monk 1 year ago
And not a single dish is actually French fries. Mostly rice with beef or pork and a few curry / stew type dishes
#17
This Is My Absolute Favorite
#18
I’m Taking The Stairs…
#19
They Just Never Are
#20
Lost In Translation
#21
Afaik, These Are Diary Stickers...not Sure When I Will Need To Be A Pineapple, But Least I Can Mark The Occasion Now
Your Neighborhood Alien 1 year ago
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)
#22
I Have Never Been So Thoroughly Defeated By A Sign
#23
Explosion-Proof Dog💥
StarlightPanda! 1 year ago
I have a decently long leash for my dog, and she hasn't exploded yet, so I'll pass. These translations. Lol
#25
Hey, You Might As Well Be Graceful About It
#26
Pronounciasion Skills Taught In This Kooching (Coaching) Class. Yep, I Better Sign Up
#27
I Heard It's Protected By Unesco
#28
Found This In A Market In 2019
#29
I Bought A New Screen Protector For My Phone. Now I'm Left Wondering What Happened To Him And His Friend
#30
This Would Make An Awesome Cautionary Sign In Any Bar
#31
Got My Phone Gamepad Today
#32
A Sign In A Slovak Bathroom Located In Bratislava Warning You To Not Throw The Toilet
#34
Abandon
#35
Ah, Maybe We Should Wait Til They're Done
#36
English Signs For Tourist
#37
You Are The Best!
#38
Goodbye Dog
#39
Bussy Thoughts
#40
The Box A Mug Came In
KyaKouture 1 year ago
Ai generated an image with this prompt word for word. 3QAdHKYbij...13f8fe.jpg 
#41
Unite To Protect The Countryside Of The Sea
#42
Japanese Dollar Store Finds
#43
Finger Pulp
#44
Almost Had It
#45
Mmm Chinken
#46
The Phone Is Not Hot, Easting Chicken Is Easier, The Phone Is Not Stuck, The King, Easy To Eat Chicken
#47
What A Fun Bag
#48
This Is Beautiful
#49
Who Proofread This? And What Quote Is It Trying To Be?
![This Badly Translated Chinese Manual I Got With My Mini Ac [oc]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/63bd435d4700a_k1grzp6l80y01-png__700.jpg "This Badly Translated Chinese Manual I Got With My Mini Ac [oc]")
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What do you think ?
Cat Chat 1 year ago
Well, they're honest and wish you luck. Nothing wrong here /s
Load More Replies... 
memyselfandI 1 year ago
Here’s one I found in the wild, transcribed here because I can’t post photos: DANVOUY WASH AWAY DIRT THE ELUCIDATION (washing instructions) HAND TO DRY
Janet C 1 year ago
I still want to know how to strid. This was on our cruise ship down the Yangtze River in China. No-Striddi...854c4f.jpg 
Wolf Rankis 1 year ago
There was an aerosol bathroom spray in the U.S. that boasted "Smell The Difference". LOL-Really!!!!
Jackie Lulu 1 year ago
Nothing confusing about this. If you see a sign like this, you know there is a prison nearby, and there's a good reason to not pick up hitchhikers. Sometimes the sign is simply "do not pick up hitchhikers", which is good advice no matter where you are.
Load More Replies...
Cat Chat 1 year ago
Well, they're honest and wish you luck. Nothing wrong here /s
Load More Replies... memyselfandI 1 year ago
Here’s one I found in the wild, transcribed here because I can’t post photos: DANVOUY WASH AWAY DIRT THE ELUCIDATION (washing instructions) HAND TO DRY
Janet C 1 year ago
I still want to know how to strid. This was on our cruise ship down the Yangtze River in China. No-Striddi...854c4f.jpg
Wolf Rankis 1 year ago
There was an aerosol bathroom spray in the U.S. that boasted "Smell The Difference". LOL-Really!!!!
Jackie Lulu 1 year ago
Nothing confusing about this. If you see a sign like this, you know there is a prison nearby, and there's a good reason to not pick up hitchhikers. Sometimes the sign is simply "do not pick up hitchhikers", which is good advice no matter where you are.
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