Confusing Conversions to English
A few examples of what happens when foreign countries attempt to translate
their language to English:
- In a hotel lobby: "The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that
time we regret that you will be unbearable."
- In a hotel elevator: "To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor.
If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number
of wishing floor. Dricing is then going alphabetically by national
order."
- Another elevator: "Please leave your values at the front desk."
- Hotel notice: "Visitors are expected to complain at the office between
the hours of 9 and 11 am daily."
- Restaurant menu: "Our wines leave you nothing to hope for."
- Written reply to accommodation request: "I am honorable to accept your
impossible request. Unhappy it is here have not bedroom with bath.
Bathroom with bed I have. Do not concern yourself that I am not too good
in bath, I am superb in bed."
- Advice on maid service: "The flattening of underwear with pleasure is
the job of the chambermaid."
- Laundry: "Drop your trousers here for best results."
- Airline ticket office: "We take your bags and send them in all
directions."
- Water quality: "The manager has personally passed all the water
here."
- Sign in a tailor shop: "Order your summer suits. Because is big rush we
will execute customers in strict rotation."
- Sign in dress shop: "Ladies have fits upstairs."
- Hotel desk: "If you consider our help impolite, you should see the
manager."