Lonely Planet blog

Have you seen funny mistaken translations on your travels abroad?

In the Lost in Translation photo contest on the Lonely Planet Facebook page, travellers are posting some of their best photos of #epictranslationfail from around the world – and the results are surprising and hilarious. The contest is only a few days in, and already some of the submissions have been creating waves of giggling around the Lonely Planet offices. Here is a sampling of some of the staff favourites so far:

1. Do not give that cow the keys, no matter what it says

2. Don’t press that red button

Really? At the lift??? – Photo submitted by Nadx S.

3. Proof that there are lost in translation moments even within the English speaking world

4. Everyone enjoys riding the Norse

5. Kids these days

6. Wait, this sign doesn’t mean ‘camel parking’?

7. Never fear, the anti-fire things are here

Things for anti-fire – Photo submitted by Dave K.

8. This might be a good time to turn around

9. Welcome to Obviousville

It’s obvious. - Photo submitted by Masdyanna B.

10. Man, it’s cold as ice to take Foreigner’s luggage.

11. This has all the makings of a romantic comedy

Coca-Cola way or Pepsi way…..Which one should I take?? (Carmelo, Uruguay) – Photo submitted by Andrea D.

12. Probably best to follow these instructions

What kind of orphans are we talking here? Taken in Nairobi, Kenya – Photo submitted by Jesse O.

Do you have a great lost in translation photo from your travels? Enter the contest on the Lonely Planet Facebook page (end date: 17 November) for a chance to win an iPad and the new Lonely Planet Offline Translator apps, and vote for your favourites!

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Never get lost in translation again with Lonely Planet’s new Offline Translator apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.

Hide 8 comments

1. October 20, 2011 abianco Report this comment

   I’ve got another one for you! How about ‘Grilled Crap!’ http://www.thetraveltart.com/seafood-restaurants-sell-grilled-crap/

2. October 22, 2011 plannerugm Report this comment

   Realy funny for number 8 :D
   Tips to travel http://gotravel.tk

3. November 1, 2011 easyhiker Report this comment

   We also have a few that we’ve snapped during our hiking trips in Germany and France. One of them asking you not to constipate a drain and another that we just couldnt make out entirely. Perhaps someone can translate? http://easyhiker.co.uk/lost-in-translation/

4. November 2, 2011 andyjarosz Report this comment

   Have you ever read a more unappetising option on a menu than this one? http://www.twitpic.com/37fdto

5. November 2, 2011 gypsy331 Report this comment

   When I was in Japan a few years ago, I saw an advertisement for a parade that said, “We even have rain as planned.”

6. November 6, 2011 dunksb Report this comment

   funny.

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7. December 4, 2011 robw211 Report this comment

   http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=269052883147020

8. March 30, 2012 kun21 Report this comment

   I don”t how to say, i will come back often,thank you for you share
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