Found in Translation

OK, it's the last day of the trip so let's relax a bit. Instead of talking about something societally important in a tone that implies I actually know something (though I really don't) I thought I could amuse you a little.

"Why in English?" you may ask, and I answer, "Because it's FOUND IN TRANSLATION time!!!"

You all know the drill: someone spots a Chinese sign that has an English translation gone awry - in a mildly or extremely funny way. What to do? That's correct: capture it and share with your pals online!

I want to join this group, so I've prepared some funny bits for you. Because of the memes I was expecting to find plenty of ammunition for this post, but in reality, there wasn't an awful lot of material to work with. Maybe I visited the wrong cities, maybe I didn't look carefully enough, or maybe people pay more attention to English translations - who knows?

Anyway, here's what I was able to find. But before I start, a quick disclaimer. I'm presenting these not to laugh at the Chinese and their English, but with all the sympathy of a laowai who has studied a bit of Chinese and found it very different from English.

With that knowledge, the funny translations I've seen become more easily understandable. The mistakes also make a foreign learner realize what my Spurs-supporting brother has been telling me for ages: Audere est facere, to dare is to do.

Without bold attempts, nothing ever happens. So, I salute the brave Chinese who have tried their hand at translation - and remember that while smiling now, the next time I "show off" my Chinese skills the joke's inevitably going to be on me!

Enjoy!

After an oreger juice I still need more energy so I'll have a Red Blue.
And in China, even beer is healthier than elsewhere! (Yangshuo)

A little clumsy but we get the point. (Beijing)

Didn't think of that but thanks for your concern. (Zhouzhuang)

This classic can still be found! (Hangzhou)

You're clearly laughing too hard!
Let's have some Amorphis here so you can carry on...

Judging by the text, it must be the week's final assignment for the translator.
Or maybe the career's... (Shanghai)

"Not recyclable" becomes something much more interesting. (Beijing)

Gotta live on the edge, baby! (Beijing)

Actually it was pretty good! (Shanghai)