For this week’s Friday afternoon article, here are the TFM.net team’s favourite translation mishaps, courtesy of translation experts, Tongue Tied:

• Moscow: “If this is your first visit to the USSR, you are welcome to it.”
• Norway: “Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.”
• The Chinese title for the Robert De Niro film, Leon: “The Hit Man Is Not As Cold As He Thought.”
• Bucharest: “The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.”
• Nairobi: “Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager.”
• Switzerland: “Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.”
• A Japanese take on the James Bond film title, You Only Live Twice –“007 Dies Twice.”
• The Argentinian name for John Travolta hit film ‘Grease’ – “Vaseline.”
• Japan: “Guests are requested not to smoke or do other disgusting behaviors in bed.”
• Finally, The Chinese title for Tom Cruise film, Risky Business - “Just Send Him to University Unqualified.”

Published: 27 September 2013

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