HOUSE OF HORRORS

You like a good laugh—but not at your company’s expense.

Have you seen hilarious translations like these while on vacation? The companies had hoped to communicate a clear message to their clients, but the unintended result is comic relief:

In a Bucharest hotel lobby: The elevator is being fixed for the day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.

In a Paris hotel: Please leave your values at the front desk.

In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel: You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's shop: Drop your trousers here for best results.

In a Rome laundry: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.

Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand: Would you like to ride on your own ass?

In a Copenhagen airline ticket office: We take your bags and send them in all directions.

In an Acapulco hotel: The manager has personally passed all the water served here.

Want to avoid such translation bloopers in your advertising and brochures? Contact us at your earliest convenience or request a sample of our work.