Monday, January 18, 2010

inaccurate translations

my korean is showing progress and i love it! it's an incredible feeling knowing exactly what the korean words i read mean. i've gotten to the point now that for small signs, i can even measure the accuracy of the translations. this one for example, on the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom, is off.
in korean:
한 장씩 사옹해주면 감사하겼습니다.

the literal translation is this:
one sheet when you use, we would thank you.

the better translation:
we thank you for using only one sheet.

but the english says this:
save the earth for your children happier.
SAY WHAT?!? well...okay, sort of. but not really.

1 comment:

H. said...

i love these posts about language and signs!! it'd be funny to get a tattoo of the weirdly phrased english saying : )