ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#2

The Worst Translation Ever!!

The Worst Translation Ever!!

Tenntybooboo Report

Add photo comments
POST
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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"

FollyAdvice Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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

EmpressNorton Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

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

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

dandagent Report

Add photo comments
POST
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."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Did The Devil Make This Sign

Did The Devil Make This Sign

Hurricane_Killer Report

#12

Don’t Trust Bing Translate

Don’t Trust Bing Translate

babababoons Report

Add photo comments
POST
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
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?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Return Of Jim

Return Of Jim

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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

expatronis Report

Add photo comments
POST
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#19

They Just Never Are

They Just Never Are

clapclapslapslap Report

Add photo comments
POST
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"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Quirkygirlfriend Report

Add photo comments
POST
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)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Explosion-Proof Dog💥

Explosion-Proof Dog💥

slothtasticvoyage Report

Add photo comments
POST
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

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

naturalizedcitizen Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

fuzzy_emojic Report

#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

#34

Abandon

Abandon

Lamington_Salad Report

Add photo comments
POST
A P
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least you'll always know which ones are available for adoption

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

HR interviewing new artist: "You can draw animals right?" Artist: "No but I can draw travel neck pillows" HR: Meh, close enough. We can work with that.

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

It's like an eerie message in a horror movie... spelled wrong. Nobody said Michael Myers was a genius

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#35

Ah, Maybe We Should Wait Til They're Done

Ah, Maybe We Should Wait Til They're Done

control.blog.sina Report

#41

Unite To Protect The Countryside Of The Sea

Unite To Protect The Countryside Of The Sea

RedditorXL Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#43

Finger Pulp

Finger Pulp

TheSeacucumber22 Report

Add photo comments
POST
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

elijwynn Report

#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!?

King_Cactus Report

Add photo comments
POST
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'.

View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
ADVERTISEMENT
#53

Hmmm, I'll Just Have The Black Pepper Jerky

Hmmm, I'll Just Have The Black Pepper Jerky

expatronis Report

#57

I Love Badly Translated Chinese Products

I Love Badly Translated Chinese Products

Diver_City Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

havehadhas Report

#61

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

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

Comfortable_Slip4025 Report

Add photo comments
POST
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”

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#65

A Badly Translated Menu I Found In Beijing

A Badly Translated Menu I Found In Beijing

Vito_Dorito Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#67

"Let Your Eyes Have God" :))

"Let Your Eyes Have God" :))

hannaleany Report

Add photo comments
POST
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

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Delta61702 Report

#71

Interesting Park Sign

Interesting Park Sign

bjohn876 Report

Add photo comments
POST
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! 🤣

View more commentsArrow down menu
#74

But Besides That, You're Great!

But Besides That, You're Great!

shenzhenstuff Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

withbellson Report

#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

Add photo comments
POST
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)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#82

The Last Item On The Menu Sounds... Concerning

The Last Item On The Menu Sounds... Concerning

ignis_ignis Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
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.

#88

Freshly Caught, I Hope!

Freshly Caught, I Hope!

offbeatchina Report

#90

Gotta Love That Good Old Taste Of Ethnics

Gotta Love That Good Old Taste Of Ethnics

JTMW Report

Add photo comments
POST
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

#96

Brand New Bacteria? Sign Me Up!

Brand New Bacteria? Sign Me Up!

goldninja9 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#100

This Is A Very Peculiar Way To Put It

This Is A Very Peculiar Way To Put It

BootlegBarBz Report

Add photo comments
POST
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#107

Thomas Edison Was A Wise Man

Thomas Edison Was A Wise Man

pianomancuber Report

Add photo comments
POST
#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

trigs_Keen Report

Add photo comments
POST