Travelling Around the World: Finding Comfort in Mistranslated Signs

As a bilingual traveler, I have come across countless mistranslated signs and instructions during my journeys. While these mistranslations can be frustrating and confusing for many people, I have found them to be a source of comfort and familiarity in unfamiliar lands. In this article, I will take you on a journey through some of the most amusing and heartwarming mistranslated signs that I have encountered around the world.

Job Searching is Frustrating Sometimes

Nok Air airline in Thailand has a job recruitment advert that reads, “If you are energetic, living, friendly…” While the intended meaning may have been “If you are energetic, lively, and friendly,” the mistranslation provides an amusing take on what qualities the company is seeking in their employees.

The World Confuses Me Every Day

A sign in Seoul provides contradictory instructions, stating “If you wish, you may open the window” and “Do not open the Window.” This mistranslation may leave travelers feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do.

I am Sick of the Technology

In Ethiopia, a sign instructs guests to “call room service, please to open door and call Room Service.” The second part of the sentence, “Please call quiet, people may sleep,” is a polite reminder to be mindful of noise levels, but the mistranslation adds a touch of humor to this otherwise mundane instruction.

Sometimes I Just Can’t Pull Myself to Face This Crazy World…

A sign in Brunei warns guests to “keep shutters close or monkey make you crazy.” While the intended meaning may have been to protect guests from mischievous monkeys, the humorous mistranslation offers a lighthearted perspective on dealing with unexpected challenges while traveling.

I am Disoriented

A lobby shop in Kuantan, Malaysia has a sign that simply reads “Found in the lobby.” While this may be a mistranslation or a simple oversight, it highlights the importance of clear communication in unfamiliar environments.

And I Don’t Even Know How I Feel Every Day

A sign in Bangkok instructs guests to maintain the temperature “at 1 degree from 25, any higher or lower will only make the room hotter or colder.” While the intended meaning may have been to keep the temperature within a specific range, the mistranslation adds a humorous twist to this routine instruction.

Even Toilets Appear to be Extremely Dangerous

Two signs in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Japan instruct guests not to bathe outside of the bathtub, while a sign in Gaspe Peninsula, Canada prohibits dancing in the bathrooms. These warnings may seem unnecessary, but they offer a glimpse into the cultural norms and customs of the places we visit.

I Just Don’t Know What I Should Do to Save Myself in This Crazy World

A sign in London, UK instructs guests to ensure that “All fire extinguishers must be examined at least five days before any fire.” While this may seem like an odd instruction, it highlights the importance of preparedness and safety in unfamiliar environments.

Finding Comfort in Mistranslation

While these mistranslated signs may seem amusing or confusing to many travelers, they hold a deeper meaning for me. They remind me of the people I have met and the experiences I have had while traveling the world. Behind each mistranslation, there is a story to be told and shared. Traveling can be a lonely and isolating experience, but these little glimpses of familiarity and humor provide a sense of comfort and connection in an otherwise unfamiliar world.

In conclusion, while we may encounter mistranslated signs and instructions during our travels, these mistakes offer a unique perspective on global communication and culture. They remind us of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of our world. So, the next time you come across a mistranslated sign, take a moment to appreciate the humor and underlying meaning behind it. It may just bring a smile to your face and a sense of familiarity to your travels.