While we were visiting China, we saw a lot of signage in English – a sign, itself, that China is open to visitors. Not all of the translation worked out, of course. And I hope no offense is taken – none is intended. Heck, I can’t imagine how we must butcher some of our English translations into other languages. So this is just for fun. Here are a few of my favorites.
How do you nicely tell folks to behave? Try this!
"Your health rests with your civilized behavior"
Put a little more positively:
"Civilized behavior of tourists is another bright scenery"
Don’t litter!
"As a beautiful environment is on all of us, please omnivorously put the waste in garbage can."
Omnivorously? But perfect punctuation!
Since we’re on a food kick (eating both plant and animal matter BEFORE you throw it away, maybe), how about this translation from a menu? Sorry for the lousy photo, but believe me that’s what it says – and there were even better ones I couldn’t capture!
"Carbon reddish yellow cowboy"
No idea what the dish was.
Here are some warning signs:
and no LOUD SPEAKING, either!
"No Climbing and No Scribbling" at the Ming Tombs
. . . and that means YOU, tagger!
"Speaking cellphone is strictly prohibited when thunderstorm"
But g’head – try it. Just let me get my vidcam ready before you do!
OK, back to a little more peaceful and serene setting . . . and sign.
"Take care of the environment, and the environment will take care of your mood"
in the beautiful Lingering Garden in Suzhou.
And who wouldn’t want to go to this place?
"Clouds Melted in Tea Fragrance"
and of course you get there, by going . . . up!
Best for last:
"Welcome the American Chambers Delegation."
Nothing funny or wrong about this sign – unless it’s the guy standing next to it. We certainly did feel welcome. And now just planning how to go back.
April 14, 2010 at 8:49 pm |
I loved the signs when we were there too. In today’s age of translating they just don’t care HA. My fave on a menu was “juicy fresh donkey meat” as opposed to dried out and old I guess HA!