108 Times Signs Were So Hilariously Translated, People Just Had To Share Them Online

Posted by admin on January 15, 2023

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.

#1 Saw This At A Truck Stop

Image credits: kawaiiforest

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

Image credits: EmpressNorton

#3 Paul Is Dead

Image credits: DiabeticPeppaPig

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 Racist Park

Image credits: joeisnotasquirrel

#5 No Escape

Image credits: Gucci1827

#6 Uh... I'll Have The French Fries

Image credits: expatronis

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 Infinitely Damn

Image credits: droidslayr92

#8 They Just Never Are

Image credits: clapclapslapslap

#9 Explosion-Proof Dog?

Image credits: slothtasticvoyage

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 "I'll Take The Pure Speculation Meat Please"

Image credits: FollyAdvice

#11 The Worst Translation Ever!!

Image credits: Tenntybooboo

#12 Return Of Jim

Image credits: reddit.com

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 Abandon

Image credits: Lamington_Salad

#14 Did The Devil Make This Sign

Image credits: Hurricane_Killer

#15 Mmm Chinken

Image credits: mikedareswins

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.