Occasional errors are inevitable when anyone speaks or writes in a non-native language.

Just be glad that your mistakes aren’t written down for all the world to see, like these funny translation errors at hotels, restaurants, stores and other locations around the world:

Copenhagen Airline: We take your bags and send them in all directions

Norwegian Lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar

Swiss Menu: Our wines leave you nothing to hope for

Rome Doctor: Specialist in women and other diseases

Paris Hotel Elevator: Please leave your values at the front desk

Hong Kong Tailor’s Shop: Ladies may have a fit upstairs

Bangkok Dry Cleaners: Drop your trousers here for best results

Paris Dress Shop: Dresses for street walking

Athens Hotel: Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. daily

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

Hong Kong Advertisement: Teeth extracted by the latest methodists

Swiss Inn: Special today… no ice cream

Japanese Detour Sign: Stop: Drive Sideways.

Swedish Furrier: Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin

Budapest Zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.

When Translation Errors AREN’T Funny

Translation errors are much more serious when they occur on your academic transcript.

For example, perhaps you passed a course that was titled “Advanced Physics.” The translation of your transcript should read “Advanced Physics” and not “Physics,” “Physics II” or, even worse, “Science.”

Even one of these types of translation errors can affect the evaluation of your transcript. An evaluation based on an incorrect translation could even keep you from being accepted into your first-choice US college or university.

Professional translators are aware of the nuances involved in translating academic documents like transcripts, diplomas and certificates. Amateur translators and especially those instant, automatic online translation tools just don’t have that kind of experience.

Translations of academic records are one of the major tools that admissions counselors at US colleges and universities use to determine if they will admit international students.

Don’t take any chances with your translation. Use a professional translator. Translation errors on academic records are NOT funny!

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