Chinese and English are not easily interchangeable. After traveling all over China, I’ve compiled these photos of some of the funniest signs I’ve seen. Whether it’s just bad Chinglish, typos, or a complete lack of care, these signs are hilarious, especially when you inadvertently stumble upon them while going about your day.
12 Hilarious Chinglish Signs in China
-
Smorking Section
If you need a smorking break, you can go for a smorke just over here!
-
Cold Noodies
Or, if you’re after some noodies, China has got you covered!
-
Deep-Fried Metal Balls
Apparently, the metal balls in China taste delicious!
-
Prohibited!
And be careful when you walk into the bar! The English on this one is fine, but the fact that a sign like this is necessary is both haunting and hysterical.
-
Multiply by Steps Beard Know
I found this sign in an elevator. I mean, obviously. Because that totally makes sense.
-
Online Bank Experiencing Area
And of course, everybody’s favorite part of the bank…
-
You Are the Best!
This is one of my favorites, but that’s just because I’m a sucker for bad toilet humor. You are the best!
-
Unrecycle
Unreduce, unreuse, unrecycle. What I think they were getting at was “non-recyclables,” but still…
-
Kids Clothing
Just like the Western world plasters Chinese characters all over their clothes, so, too, does the Eastern world with the Western alphabet. I’ve seen people wearing clothes that look like Abercrombie or Hollister, but instead of branding, they simply read “XYGIRJSDNT.” Usually, they don’t even know what their shirt says, just like Westerners don’t know what the Chinese on their shirts mean! These were two of my favorites. The boy on the left is about four-years-old and the girl on the right is about 12.
-
Fashion Food
Chinese food is, of course, one of the highlights of visiting this bizarre country. Oh, China, you so fashion!
-
Warming!
I also want to make sure you’re aware of the global warming crisis. China is obviously very concerned about this.
-
Don't Step Onto the WC, Please
One of the funniest things to envision, but also the most annoying to deal with, is the locals squatting on Western toilets and leaving their footprints on the seat! As much as I don’t want to see that in action, I know it would be incredibly funny to watch.
I’m just happy somebody is taking preventative measures by posting this tiny three-inch sign!
Which one of these was your favorite? If you’ve been to Asia, where did you find the best butchering of the English language?
About the Author
Jeremy Scott Foster
Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
Yes, just yes. How I LIVE for these things!
Haha! It’s the small things that get me through the day!
Hilarious! Love the alcoholic girl 😀
So funny, right? I told her what it meant after I saw it, and she covered her shirt with her hands for the rest of class! She wouldn’t let anybody see!
The kids clothes are hilarious!
“NO FAT CHICKS” is definitely my favorite!
These are hilarious! However, the kids are cute in their innocence 🙂
Haha well we definitely can’t fault them! But funny nonetheless!
These just made me laugh out loud. I was in China for 2 months beginning of this year. I’ve seen some really hilarious signs. They never failed to make me laugh.
I just wish I got photos of all the funny signs I’ve seen! There were some gems that I just didn’t get a chance to take a photo of. The best part, though, is that they’re everywhere!
Yes they are really everywhere! It’s a great challenge to take a photo of all the funny signs you encounter, unless you set a day to go out on a mission to take them! Hmm.. maybe you should 😛
Thanks for the laugh! Clearly, something has been lost in translation.
Hahaha CLEARLY! 🙂
I absolutely love Chinglish signs—always brightens up my day!
It’s even funnier to see the faces of the Chinese people who simply can’t understand why I’m taking a photo of a boring old sign.
Very funny, I see signs like these in Italy too!
Love Alcoholic Girls! Where can I get one like that?? I also have a collection of senseless Chinese translations, but yours are better
She was NOT happy when I told her what it meant (in retrospect, maybe I shouldn’t have told an 11 year old what an alcoholic was…). I think I have a few friends who would proudly wear that shirt, though 😀
Yeah, how do you say “AMBER Alert” in Mandarin. 😉
For the benefit of those outside of North America: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMBER_Alert
I saw a Chinese sign in Malaysia with the English translation “Pregnant lady on rice”. It was at a restaurant.
How did it taste? 😛
Yeah, that’s funny. I especially like the t-shirts on those 2 kids.
Frank (bbqboy)
I almost died when I saw that one!