Lost in Translation: Unusual Signs From Around the World

With so many languages spoken in the world it is no wonder that occasionally grammatical errors are made when translating from one to another. This by no means makes it any less amusing when it does happen though!

This week we’ve compiled a few of our favourite signs from the wonderful world of the internet for your viewing pleasure. Not all of them are the victim of poor translation, but all of them are quite funny.

These two are perfect examples of the real meaning of a sign becoming lost in translation. The warnings behind them are still vaguely apparent; one is warning you to never rub against a wall and the other to steer clear of large men with red crosses across their lower body. Obvious really…

It is always important to remember to throw your rubbish in the bin, but it is doubly important when that rubbish is poisonous and evil. As someone who works in marketing, I would also be interested to see how successful that shampoo advert is as well. 

Some signs have no problem with grammar, that’s the least of their concerns with such questionable priorities. There is surely nothing more illogical in the entire cosmos of time and space than a sign designed primarily to warn you about the danger of that very same sign, not to mention the threat of a $200 fine after you have been electrocuted to death!

Some places do not have sports halls, so it is important to warn people where there might be gymnasts practicing in the road. It’s also comforting to know that God cares so much, but also unusual to assume that God would not own a fridge.

Whilst some signs are funny unintentionally, there are plenty of have-a-go comedians out there who also do their part to increase the rich pool of humour to be found in signs around the world. I’m not sure if it is the most reasonable use of tax payer’s money to make the sign on the left though!