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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.
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#2
The Worst Translation Ever!!
#3
No Escape
a fruity dream of delusion 3 years ago
i wanna put this in my room and see people’s reactions.
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 3 years 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 3 years 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 3 years 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 3 years 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)
Your Neighborhood Alien 3 years ago
This is already going from chestnut tree to dark (Esto ya pasa de castaño oscuro) Means something is going too far, as in surpassing the limits of something being acceptable You are the milk (Eres la leche) Means you are really cool I don't have a turkey (No tengo ni in Pavo) Means I don't have money This brings me by the street of bitterness (Me traes por la calle de la amargura) Has to be old, I don't hear it often, used when something gives us a lot of problems, like scolding a child Today is going to be the milk ( Hoy va a ser la leche) Means today is gonna be an amazing day I am at two candles (Estoy a dos velas) Means having no resources, mostly money I am going to put you looking at Cuenca (Te voy a poner mirando a Cuenca) Means I'm gonna f**k you, as in literally, let's f**k, (references doggy style) Go to fry asparagus (Vete a freir esparragos) Means "F**k off" (2/many)
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A P 3 years ago
Look, I don't have the pussy to deal with your pastry based depression.
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LadyKing 3 years ago
Not me sat here trying to figure out what dairy stickers are. I came to the comments for clarity. I have now re read lol. Thank you!
Load More Replies... Your Neighborhood Alien 3 years ago (edited)
Hahaha got some new favorite phrases in there, like, "This is already going from chestnut tree to dark," "I have discovered the cake," "Less wolves, Little Red Riding Hood," and, "You are the milk!" I honestly like most of these. I've gotta find out where to get it!!
A P 3 years ago
I'm glad you covered the less wolves one, I was very curious about it, and now that I know, I really like that one
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Your Neighborhood Alien 3 years ago
Discovered from the Reddit thread that there's a phrase "Where Christ lost his flip flop" that means a remote place in the middle of nowhere!
Moisés 3 years ago
That's it, like 'en el quinto pino', which means 'out in the sticks'
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casually a goat (she/her) 3 years ago
Omfg "s**t yourself little parrot" got me so hard I am crying rn 🤣🤣
Fried Mermaid 3 years ago
These are all translated from Spanish (I think specifically from Spain) and... honestly never thought of them to be this weird hahaha Also, the majority actually rhymes in Spanish in case you wondered
Xavier Sans 3 years ago
Indeed, all of them are idiomatic expressions from Spanish, at least from Spain. Greetings from Barcelona.
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Robert Trebor 3 years ago
Oysters, little Peter, I love you an egg. I sign up for a bombing. It's falling the octopus one! What a big dust.
Sharon Vaughn 2 years ago
I like "Here peace and after glory." I would think most people agree to that.
Klondike Penguin 3 years ago
If life gives you lemons, ask for tequila and salt. Nothing truer than that.
Printerman 3 years ago
The one in the 2nd column over, second one down. Every morning I wake up for work, I feel that on a spiritual level, lol.
Fernando Álvarez 3 years ago (edited)
I have the impression that at least some of those were translated - word for word, of course - from European Spanish. To the bad weather, good face = Al mal tiempo, buena cara (Make the best of a bad situation); The oven is not for buns = El horno no está para bollos (This is not the best moment for something); I cry like a muffin = Lloré como una Magdalena (I cried a lot/like María Magdalena); You are the milk = Eres la leche (You're the best, You rock). But others I can't understand.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
I could definitely picture myself using at least one of these for I very often have discovered the cake...
#22
I Have Never Been So Thoroughly Defeated By A Sign
#23
Explosion-Proof Dog💥
StarlightPanda! 3 years 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 3 years 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?
#50
What Could Have Made It Feel That Way!?
Chris Bridge 3 years ago
Obviously it's a fire escape door, there's lots of places in England that just say 'door is alarmed'.
#51
Thanks For Offering
#53
Hmmm, I'll Just Have The Black Pepper Jerky
#54
Who U Calling Crazy (Found In A Dog Jacket)
#55
Mmmm, Everything Sounds Good!
#56
I Don't Know
#57
I Love Badly Translated Chinese Products
You Should Do Nothing with the Fence 3 years ago
No thank you to evil spirits near my computer, it has enough problems on its own.
#58
So... Am I Good?
#59
Restaurant Menu In Shanghai
#60
Sign On The Hotel Window When I Was Working In China A Few Years Ago
#61
"Put Up Some Nice Tourist Signs, Would You?"
Stardust she/her 3 years ago
The translation of the chinese text says “Excellent tour guide logo Guangzhou Municipal Forestry Bureau”
#62
Ok, But What Did They Mean?
#63
Danger: Be Careful To Hit People
#64
Fingering Area
#65
A Badly Translated Menu I Found In Beijing
#66
Bought A Knife, It Came With Instructions
#67
"Let Your Eyes Have God" :))
StarlightPanda! 3 years ago
Typo translation actually sounds like an overly embellished take on marketing. Lol
#68
This Has To Belong Here, Packaging From My Daughters Crafting Stuff. Just Read It All Lol
#69
A Horrifying Image
#70
New Game Just Dropped
#71
Interesting Park Sign
StarlightPanda! 3 years ago
Disaster prevention toilet! I don't see anything wrong with this translation! 🤣
#72
You Know, One Of Those Time Sex Things
#74
But Besides That, You're Great!
#76
The Goods For Sale Are Not For Sale
#77
I Laughed When I Saw This At A BBQ Restaurant In Brazil
#78
This Toy Sign Says To Be Carefully Of Landslides
#79
Found This At Ranch 99 Six Months Back. I Did Not Partake
#80
Ahh, Yes, My Favourite Animal
#81
A Delicious Meal At A Cafeteria - Try To Guess What You're Getting
3 Trash Pandas in a Trenchcoat 3 years ago
Ah yes, Creamy jail with zucchini, chickpeas, spinach to the first power and soy half five to the sixth power (15625)
#82
The Last Item On The Menu Sounds... Concerning
#84
Yay, Exploiter!
#85
I’m Not Sure What They’re Trying To Say, But I Feel Vaguely Threatened
Shyla Bouche 3 years ago
I'll let my heart get to the next pure world on its calendar, not mine.
#86
A Sign On A Tour Boat In Mexico
#87
These Signs Of The New Public Swimming Pool
#88
Freshly Caught, I Hope!
#89
Maybe It's Reverse Psychology?
#90
Gotta Love That Good Old Taste Of Ethnics
Melissa Hill 3 years ago
My partner and I actually purchased these because the packaging was so insane. Gave them a try, they were really delicious.
#92
Ordered A Dress For My Daughter
#93
Zoo Sign
#94
Infinite Pleasure
#95
This Sign Gave Me A Stroke
#96
Brand New Bacteria? Sign Me Up!
#97
All I Wanted Was A Curry
#98
So Much Volume!
#99
Just A Normal Sign At Work
#100
This Is A Very Peculiar Way To Put It
#101
Endless Fun Trying To Read This Sign
#102
Sign In My Hotel Elevator
#103
My Manager Put This Sign Up Last Year And Was Mad That No One Knew What The Hell It Was Saying
#104
Finally A Place Where You Can Climb Without Being Reported To The Police! (+ Bonus Sign)
#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]](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]")
#106
Oh Yeah, My Favorite Flavor . .
#107
Thomas Edison Was A Wise Man
#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
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Cat Chat 3 years ago
Well, they're honest and wish you luck. Nothing wrong here /s
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memyselfandI 3 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago
There was an aerosol bathroom spray in the U.S. that boasted "Smell The Difference". LOL-Really!!!!
Jackie Lulu 3 years 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 3 years ago
Well, they're honest and wish you luck. Nothing wrong here /s
Load More Replies... memyselfandI 3 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago
There was an aerosol bathroom spray in the U.S. that boasted "Smell The Difference". LOL-Really!!!!
Jackie Lulu 3 years 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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