We’re always talking about getting the best translation and good practise, but there’s no doubt that translation fails make a great story! These examples were taken from a teacher’s album of snaps taken in Japan.
In the Accutranslate office Japanese translation fails are agreed to be the funniest in the world – but if you’ve got even better examples, please share!Our first translation fail is a flowing description of the Prefecture of Tottori. “Seafood” is a better translation than “marine products”, and although it sounds pleasant you wonder what “gentle human nature brought up by the special climate and natural features” actually means. The final line “you cannot forget your splendid experiences in Tottori for ever” sounds more like a threat than a promise. Perhaps not the best way to attract visitors to their “treasury of parks and sightseeing resources”.
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This restaurant is called “Resutoran Cooked J
anis”.
Sounds less than tasty. Is the logo supposed to show chunks of “Janis” cooked and rare? Eww – just lost our appetites!
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This third translation is less scary – in fact it’s rather sweet. We wholeheartedly agree with the author and translator’s cheery approach to life and forgive the English. The odd translation rather adds to the fun feeling already created with the funky tractor and cactus illustration!
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The final picture is taken in front of a geyser in the hot spring resort of Beppu. This not a translation fail – more the translator having a bit of fun with a translation and taking a few liberties with accuracy to get a laugh. The Japanese original is more exactly translated as “climbing on the fence is dangerous” – but the English version is a lot more entertaining, and gets the point across powerfully. Which at the end of the day, is what good translation is about.
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