Engrish... it's a real language.
` As you may know, every Japanese person is required to learn some English in school, though it is evident that a counterfeit language is also being taught. This charlatan language is called:
` What's more is that I never thought I'd see my nickname confused with that of The Much Loved Beagle:
` So, for some really messed-up stuff, g'head and check out Engrish.com! It's just one thing you can occupy yourself with while I'm still internetless! (Meh! I wish I could!) Some of it's pretty messed up!
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10 comments:
Haha! There's a shirt that says; "Attacks With Smile!" and a little cartoon strawberry saying; "Leave Me!"
WTF!?!?
There's evidently a lot that gets lost in translation, like this one sign:
"Hello, I am Wise-Kids Toynado. I will overwhelm all kids with a violent but constructive whirlwind of educational toys, and bring lots of fun, too!"
Haha! And a store that says: "Devour, and we shall be your addiction for many years to come."
i think you should purchase that bag....
` Yeah! I just wish I knew where to find one! You'd think they'd be pretty rare.
` ...Or maybe not: Snoopy's pretty big in Japan, so perhaps some other people screwed up in the same way on all kinds of merchandise! After all, when it's fashionable to have English words everywhere, and when everyone is required to learn some English, well... you get a whole lotta Engrish!
Ya Spoony, that bag would be cool to have.
That website was funny. It reaffirms my belief that the Japanese are the wackiest people on earth.
I'm not sure stuff is being lost in translation, I think the language is purposefully ambiguous.
Personally, I think a lot of it has to do with literally-translated nuances that may be commonplace in Japan. A lot of times, a similar word to the most apropos one is used, close enough for an English-speaker to properly interpret the sentance, even though it doesn't sound right.
For example, the description of mint gum or candy as giving the feeling of a 'refreshing wind' sounds kind of funny. And yet, nobody in English speaking countries will think the term 'cool breeze' sounds funny in a mint gum or candy commercial!
Plus, the Japanese language probably has tons of phrases that are not literally translatable because they are much different than English ones.
` I'm sure that has a lot to do with some of the stuff you see.
` Which reminds me - the same thing happens the other way around with equally humorous results: I distinctly remember one time when EdgeWalker pointed a stated 'current condition' on some guy's blog as something that roughly translates to 'a state of antler'.
` The guy had obviously meant that he was horny, though literal translation didn't work in this case.
That Engrish sign seems to be some kind of youth "Cultural Center," and I can't read most of it, but it kind of looks like they spelled it that way because it's for young kids to learn about Western culture.
Yeah, even some of the most elementary Japanese common phrases can NOT be directly translated.
Example:
Otsukaresama desu, which is a nice thing to say to somebody after they've done something difficult/tiring that you wish to show recognition for (like when they get home from work or school, or take a test, or finish a book) literally means something like "You are honarable mr. tired." To Japanese, though, it might as well be, "Good work" or something
` 'You are honorable Mr. Tired.' That has a nice ring!
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