Hanzi Hilarity

Poor translations of Chinese into English are a never-ending source of amusement.

We aren't laughing at Chinese people, we're laughing at the phrases, which are often filled with unintentional double-entendre.

Here's a great site that turns the tables on the gwai louh who doesn't do his homework. Titled Hanzi Smatter* (一知半解), the site is "Dedicated to the misuse of Chinese characters in Western culture".

* [Note: some subject matter isn't suitable for kids.]

Too many Westerners get Chinese tattoos, tee shirts or other items in the mistaken belief the characters embody some deep, mystical meaning. Chinese is just a language; and like English, it can be mangled.

Many of the photo examples are horrifying and hilarious. Think twice before getting that tattoo: some unfortunate folks have characters inked upside-down or backwards; some have phrases written in reverse; and some have been duped outright, wearing messages that make them look foolish.

Hats off to Hanzi Smatter.

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