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English can be a tricky language to master. Things can get particularly bizarre for translators if they not only lack the required skill set but also if the language they’re translating from has a very different logic underpinning it. It can result in some truly hilarious and nonsensical mess-ups.
Today, Bored Panda is looking at some of the most epic translation fails, as shared on the ‘Engrish’ website that’s been active since 1996, as well as the popular ‘Engrish’ subreddit that’s been running since 2008. Keep scrolling for a good dose of humor and a reminder that even though everyone makes mistakes in life, some of them are much funnier than others.
Just keep in mind that the point here is to enjoy the unintentional humor, not to make fun of non-native English speakers.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Very Wholesome Engrish
Roni Stone 5 months ago
And very sweet. Hope they had a very happy reunion.
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Vivian McBride 5 months ago
This isn't bad translation. It's a great effort by a person for whom English is not their first language. I couldn't even begin to do this in Korean. I applaud his/her effort.
G A 5 months ago
There's a reason he hasn't seen them for 10 years. 2 days will do for another 10 years.
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RELATED:
#2
1-7
JK 6 months ago
When I lived in Austin TX I went to our usual Asian take out. The then hubby asked for it as hot as possible. So I did. "Please make it so hot his AH will burn for a week, he asked for it that way." And then he went on the road for a week.
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#3
Rude And Unreasonable Chicken
Timothy Leung 5 months ago
This term is mostly used to describe feisty woman so maybe 'Sassy Chichen' ?
The word ‘Engrish’ is a slang term that describes poorly translated, inaccurate, ungrammatical, and nonsensical use of the English language by people who aren’t native speakers.
The term is mainly linked to translations done in Asian countries such as Japan and China. Originally, the term ‘Engrish’ appeared in the 1940s, referring to mispronounced English.
#4
When The Engrish Is Actually Truthful
#5
Just Five More Minutes, Mom
#6
I Blame The Roosters…
Broadly speaking, ‘Engrish’ mistakes can most often be found on items of clothing that have random and nonsensical English words or phrases for the sake of fashion, as well as on signs, menus, and advertisements.
There’s a lot of unintentional humor to be found here for anyone who’s either a native or near-native-level English speaker or knows the language even semi-decently. That being said, nobody’s poking fun at the translators themselves, just their funny translations.
#7
Thank Goodness I’m Stuck In The Past…
Abel 6 months ago
"...old man with you". The poor guy living alone forever in a cave...
Load More Replies... Forrest Hobbs 6 months ago
“It is the business of the future to be dangerous; and it is among the merits of science that it equips the future for its duties.” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/762589-it-is-the-business-of-the-future-to-be-dangerous and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_the_Business_of_the_Future_to_Be_Dangerous
#8
Turns Out Us British Can’t Speak English Either
Zoey Bear 5 months ago
Have you not emptied a dog there? Many people did.
Load More Replies... #9
Wait Wha
Sam Lin 6 months ago
Even the Chinese names are wrong. 花芝圈 is actually 花枝圈，which means squid rings, 麥克吉塊 is actually 麥克雞塊, which means chicken nuggets, 兒仔酥 is actually 蚵仔酥, which means crispy fried oysters, 薯條 is French fries. 炒水蓮, 炒 means stir fried, 水蓮is a kind of vegetable which looks like water lily in Taiwan.🤣
Hugo 1 month ago
Thank you! I'd love to have correct translations of all these "Engrish" things.
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David McKendrick 5 months ago
Reminds me of a trip to China where Horse's hoof juice was on the menu.
Region-specific synonyms for ‘Engrish’ include ‘Japanglish’ (‘Japanese English’) and ‘Chinglish’ (‘Chinese English’); however, they can have negative connotations.
One of the reasons why translating text from Asian languages into English is so difficult is because there are linguistic differences in terms of phonology, lexicon, syntax, and discourse.
#10
Taken From R/Memes
Damned_Cat 6 months ago
So don't be comin' in here w' dat GOOD English you learned in yer foreign school. This is America pal, speak United States!
#11
Oh No
#12
When R/Technicallythetruth Meets R/Engrish
StretcherBearer 5 months ago (edited)
Read it as Dosed. Say no to acid! /jk😶🌫️🌌 it sounds like an encouraging command. "My countrymen! Today we dose! For freedom!" 🤣
Meanwhile, other reasons for wildly weird mistranslations include issues with dictionaries, outdated or poor translation software, and incorrect English textbooks.
Other potential factors include poor English language education, misspellings, as well as simply sloppy translation work on the employee’s part.
#13
It’s Stranger Than Fiction
Michael Largey 5 months ago
"Truth is the most precious thing we possess. So let us economize on it!" - Mark Twain
#14
The Fish Suck Anyway…
Zena 6 months ago
Is it a clean dog, or one that's been rolling in mystery substances? This is important information.
Lyone Fein 6 months ago
Perhaps they unknowingly hired the son of their rival to do the translation?
Gracie Mae 5 months ago
I might try the shrimp crab, but "the fragrance of dog" is a definite no-go...not sure what my housemate's feeding his dog, but I've dealt with that fragrance all morning!
Marlene Ricker 5 months ago
I have to be honest, there is nothing on this menu that I would want to eat!!
#15
From My Brother In China
David Elliott 6 months ago
In actual usage guōkuī 锅盔 is a Shanxi topolectal expression for a type of large, round baked wheat cake: Guokui is a kind of pancake made from flour from Shaanxi cuisine. It is round in shape, about a foot long in diameter, an inch in thickness, and weighs about 2.5 kg. It is traditionally presented as a gift by a grandmother to her grandson when he turns one month old. (Source) The name is sometimes translated as "crusty pancake", though I might suggest "helmet pancake" as an alternative.
Dusty's mom 5 months ago
The "white fungus with sugar candy" sounds interesting. It's at the very bottom of photo.
You’re going to run into a lot of issues if you’re translating a text without any input from professional translators or editors with a native English background.
You’ll also have a hard time if you translate text word-for-word without considering things like context, connotation, culture, idioms, metaphors, humor, etc.
#16
I’m Running Out Of Places Where I Can Dumb
#17
I Love This Image
Spacey Stacey 6 months ago
It's better than I could ever do trying to count or use numbers in their language
Tony V 6 months ago
I kinda feel like this when seeing these Engrish stories. I'm like, well, when I'm as good at Chinese or Japanese as they are trying to speak English, then I can joke. *blush*
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#18
To Punish And Enslave
SCP 4666 5 months ago
Yes, the Decepticon Barricade who would change into a police car 😁
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To put it simply, quality translations don’t happen in a bubble. They require intimate knowledge of another country’s culture, media, people, and society. There’s also the question of the type of education frameworks, tools, and support offered in countries to help people learn other languages.
Having access to awesome textbooks and being given the opportunity not only to consume foreign media but also to travel abroad and immerse yourself in the culture firsthand can be game-changers.
#19
I Love All The Neaputs Gang…
Marlene Ricker 5 months ago
This is quite wonderful! I will forever call him Spoony from now on!
#20
It’s Like A Fireman Came In Your Mouth!
#21
Why
Panda McPandaface 6 months ago
I got as far as 'pulled pork' and decided I'd got as funny as I was going to.
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76nrgssmwq 6 months ago
Its german pork knuckles. It got translated this way due to cantonese slang
Marc Dennler 6 months ago
It looks like cut up Eisbein. German - Leg = some kind of sexual thing ?
The ‘Engrish’ website—which calls itself “The Original Engrish Site”—has been running for nearly three decades (!!!), having been founded in 1996. The curators continue posting funny translation fails on their site and social media pages to this very day.
You can send in photos of any weird translations that you’ve come across, too. Just make sure to surf the site a bit to make sure you’re not sending in pics that have been featured before.
#22
I Knew They Were In Cahoots…
Do-nut touch da donut 6 months ago
Is there a buy one get one free? I have 2 brothers who need a good wipe
Verena 6 months ago (edited)
(old) Vileda logo, founded 1948 in Germany. The name means "wie Leder" = "almost like leather", their first invention was a synthetical cloth for cleaning windows, to be a cheaper alternative to the leather traditionally used.
Ace 6 months ago
I never knew that - makes sense. But is there a German connection for this mistranslation? I can't find one, any polyglots make a guess at this one?
Load More Replies... #23
One Day A Year He’s Not So Bad…
Regina Holt 6 months ago
One year an acquaintance gave me a chocolate candy in the shape of his church. He did it because he knew i was not religious. When he later asked if I liked it, I told him that I melted it down into the shape of s.a.t.a.n. He gasped. The following Xmas, I gave him a chocolate Satan that I made by hand. He shrieked when he opened the package. Best. Gift. Ever.
Abby Rexroth 5 months ago (edited)
You win the internet! You're live (read backwards)...
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#24
An Exit Is Not Recommended…
Roni Stone 5 months ago
For pragmatists, it may not be at all wrong, either.
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Meanwhile, the ‘Engrish’ subreddit, which was founded in late September 2008, currently boasts a whopping 811k members (wittily referred to as ‘Grammar Police’).
According to the moderators keeping the community running smoothly, their goal is to showcase funny and baffling misuses of English, including translation errors, cultural misunderstandings, and “just plain bad grammar.”
#25
Employee Complaints Are Down
#26
What About The Vampires
Bill Swallow 5 months ago (edited)
'Buffy', of 'Buffy and Jodie', from the old show 'Family Affair', with Brian Keith and Sebastian Cabot. (Try the veal.)
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#27
So It Would Seem
Bill Swallow 5 months ago
The Portal to the Elemental Plain of Sweet and Sour!
Load More Replies... Geoffrey Scott 6 months ago
Took my daughter to a buffet once when she was 12 +/-. Got the nuggets with no S&S sauce, she was good, took a bite of the egg roll..."That's the WORST burrito I've ever tasted!" She didn't read the plaques on the steam table.
Which of the poor translations that we’ve featured here today made you laugh and cringe the hardest, dear Pandas?
Do we have any contract or freelance translators reading this today? If so, have you ever made any bizarre and unintentionally ridiculous translation fails before that you’re still embarrassed about? What do you think lies at the core of truly great translation work? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!
#28
Grow Hands In Designated Areas Only
AverageCommenter (she/they) 6 months ago
Don’t stick your hand in a fence hole because there’s a dolphin. Something like that
Load More Replies... #29
Hi, I’m The Shelf For Hand Warmer N04…
Khavrinen 6 months ago
"Today's sermon is a reading from the Gospel of Dysmenorrhea, chapter one, verses 6 through 10..."
Rachel Reynolds 5 months ago
And Lo, Mary did eat of the chocolate and did partake of the Advil...
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Jennifer MW 6 months ago
I love that it's suitable for elderly, children, AND office staff! Truly universal
Margaret H 5 months ago
Thank heavens I have outgrown the cult based on the Gospel of dysmenorrhea.
#30
Nice Try, China
Der Kommissar 6 months ago (edited)
I thought asss-embery is what happens when you fall into a bonfire
#31
Tey Stolle Our Stuf!
#32
Ah Yes The Infamous Internet Hole
#33
Better Than Zoloft!
#34
Now I’m Hungry
Mook The Mediocre 6 months ago
They really are. - Forget dícks - Breasts really ARE the cucumbers.
#35
Whatever Bro…
#36
It Comes Out The Way It Went In…
person (i think) 6 months ago
🥰. This reminded me of the “I love corn” kid. He brought everyone so much joy! I hope he is doing well!
Lotekguy 5 months ago
No doubt a happier memory than Children of the Corn.
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#37
And Yet We Keep Selling Them…
Skara Brae 6 months ago
Looks like a cuticle trimmer. https://www.revlon.com/products/revlon-cuticle-trimmer-with-cap
#38
We’re Dog People…
#39
Don’t Drank And Drive…
Do-nut touch da donut 6 months ago
No that the sound a drank makes when they hit the floor :3 ...
Load More Replies... #40
404 Barber Not Found
Do-nut touch da donut 6 months ago
Sorry my vpn switched to merca in the middle of your hair cut... enjoy the mullet thatll be 1million freedom units...
#41
Choose Your Fighter
#42
This Message On My Monitor
#43
If The Flames Don’t Get Ya, The Explosions Will…
Brain-In-A-Vat 5 months ago
Fre extuingishing hand grenades used to be a thing . . . https://www.amusingplanet.com/2021/07/fire-grenades-victorian-fire.html
#44
Peepi
#45
Your Safety Is My Danger…
Abel 6 months ago
The safety feeling can be deceptive. It is better to live in an endless state of fear and paranoia. Much better for your sanity!
Science Nerd 5 months ago
Is this why I have to watch scary safety training courses every year at work?
#46
University Of Potato Ice
Lynchamigsakta 5 months ago
It actually says b**b ice in the japanese so don't think this is a translation problem. And the special offer at the bottom makes it look like it's from a hostess bar or love hotel
Elwood Schwartz (it/that) 5 months ago
Interesting bit of knowledge you have there...
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danacarroll006 5 months ago
LOL. I grew up in Japan a long time ago and it's still hilarious to me.
#47
Bobson Dugnutt
Uncle Schmickle 6 months ago
I like Todd Bonzalez. In Aussie slang, "bonza" means great. So this could translate as : Todd Great Les. Goodonya Les, mate !
#48
No Is Not An Option
Samantha H 6 months ago
Rather sad scene, I hope that the lady didn't go ahead with it if she didn't want to.
Dudley2348 5 months ago
Marry Jaffar... or die within the hour. All the Princess's hopes now rest on the brave youth she loves...
#49
I Think I Speak For All Gows When I Say Snooze It
#50
Found On Amazon
#51
Please Random At Home…
Highfalutin Heron 6 months ago
Did anyone know what virescence even *might* mean without looking it up. It is a apparently word, but a little too specific to be the right one: ”the abnormal development of green pigmentation in plant parts that are not normally green," (Wikipedia)
Ace 6 months ago
I guessed correctly, from context, a shared root (haha) with French Vert, from latin, meaning green. in this case to become green. So no, not a word I've come across before, but I can see how it might have got mixed up here.
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Der Kommissar 6 months ago
Getting the Chinese populace to " not expectorate " is a monumental task.
Mother of Giants 5 months ago
"Don't random through street" But I like to random. Especially through the street.
Kathy Brooke 6 months ago
Ah, my lost teenage years, when the girls and I used to random through the streets looking for fun.
#52
Then Say Someone Made You Do It…
#54
We Share Everything…
#55
This Is Gonna Hurt Me, Fido, More That It Hurts You…
#57
Please, Don’t Anger The Pillow…
#59
I Am Trash Man
#60
Because A Whole Child Would Be Insane…
person (i think) 6 months ago
I assume it is a left/right split, not a top/bottom split, so it shouldn’t
Load More Replies... #61
They Wrote This Too Tast…
Tucker Cahooter 6 months ago
All the care the signwriter put in just to write this incoherent babbling
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Rose the Cook 6 months ago
Sign in a Chinese bank, "Please control your money before leaving the counter". Can't have money running around wild.
Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
I asked the cashier to check my balance. She pushed me over.
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Forrest Grump 6 months ago
When I was in Japan, I saw a sign for a translation business that read "Best Transration Service".
Bec 6 months ago
Had a colleague who was a native Spanish speaker and noticed a sign at a US hospital that was supposed to be No Smoking but was a literal translation that didn't make sense. She let someone know and offered to assist with ensuring other translations were correct but of course they refused because they paid someone to take care of all that 🙄.
Rick Murray 5 months ago
I offered to help correct some of the odd translations (like "white of egg" and "yellow of egg") at the place where I work. It was declined because clearly a college leaver with a silly piece of paper is more capable than somebody who has spoken the language their entire lives. 🤷🏻♀️
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The Doom Song 5 months ago
Oh my lord these were hilarious! It's like 5am right now I'm surprised I didn't wake the rest of the household I was laughing so hard.
Blue Flower 5 months ago
I have been laughing so hard, I am crying, these are just so hilarious 🤣
Load More Replies... Margaret H 5 months ago
Unfortunately, it works when you translate things from English into other languages, too. When learning Italian, I once finished a story by meaning to say "It was only a dream." Unfortunately, I said, "I was only a dream." My lecturer, without missing a beat, answered, "Yes. A bloody nightmare," as the class erupted. I've never been able to speak Italian since.
Rose the Cook 6 months ago
Sign in a Chinese bank, "Please control your money before leaving the counter". Can't have money running around wild.
Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
I asked the cashier to check my balance. She pushed me over.
Load More Replies... Forrest Grump 6 months ago
When I was in Japan, I saw a sign for a translation business that read "Best Transration Service".
Bec 6 months ago
Had a colleague who was a native Spanish speaker and noticed a sign at a US hospital that was supposed to be No Smoking but was a literal translation that didn't make sense. She let someone know and offered to assist with ensuring other translations were correct but of course they refused because they paid someone to take care of all that 🙄.
Rick Murray 5 months ago
I offered to help correct some of the odd translations (like "white of egg" and "yellow of egg") at the place where I work. It was declined because clearly a college leaver with a silly piece of paper is more capable than somebody who has spoken the language their entire lives. 🤷🏻♀️
Load More Replies... The Doom Song 5 months ago
Oh my lord these were hilarious! It's like 5am right now I'm surprised I didn't wake the rest of the household I was laughing so hard.
Blue Flower 5 months ago
I have been laughing so hard, I am crying, these are just so hilarious 🤣
Load More Replies... Margaret H 5 months ago
Unfortunately, it works when you translate things from English into other languages, too. When learning Italian, I once finished a story by meaning to say "It was only a dream." Unfortunately, I said, "I was only a dream." My lecturer, without missing a beat, answered, "Yes. A bloody nightmare," as the class erupted. I've never been able to speak Italian since.
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