Translation Bloopers!

Sometimes in the World of translation translators make mistakes (If they are bad that is!). Sometimes with serious consequences, sometimes just plain right funny to read. This section will be continuously updated as and when new bloopers are found. Everybody, keep your eye out and send them to me at greg (at) setranslations.com when you come across any.

Blooper 1

Whilst on holiday we felt hungry, however, not for long (Thanks for this one Jim!)

beefnotforme1.jpg

Blooper 2

When General Motor’s were marketing their new car“Nova” to Central and South America they should of done some research. In Spanish “No Va” means: “it doesn’t go.” Not sure if they sold many.

Blooper 3

Someone (didn’t mention their name) has sent these in saying they are from a Court Book issued every year of silly misinterpretation bloopers (this time not translation bloopers). I’m amazed by some people!

Question: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact? Reply: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.

Question: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th? Reply: Yes. Question: And what were you doing at that time?

Question: All your responses must be oral, OK? What school did you go to? Reply: Oral.

Question: What is your date of birth? Reply: July fifteenth. Question: What year? Reply: Every year.

Blooper 4

This one is actually from myself. Just remembered whilst I was in Cyprus (Summer 2000) a came across a sign saying “Sandwitches”. I personally did not try or see one. Tell me if they are nice.

Blooper 5

Sally P. from the U.K. says in Pekin as now everything is being translated like mad (and bad!) there are errors everywhere. This is one she spotted outside a dental surgery: “Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists”

Blooper 6

Russian Blooper! So close but so far from the intended meaning.

http://www.setranslations.com/images/USmistranslation.jpg

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton presented to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia a gift to reset the nations past difficulties.  Instead of the intentional word “reset” (”perezagruzka”) the gift was labelled in bold  “peregruzka,” which means “overcharged”.