Wakarimasen

Wakarimasen.
This is quite possibly the most useful Japanese word I have learnt whilst over here.
It means 'I don't understand', so obviously I get to use it a lot.
In this entry, I'm using it to talk about the interesting use of English in Japan...

Ok, I'm a Virgo- we're known for being somewhat anal when it comes to details and in that respect I am a true Virgo. One of my dream jobs has always been to be an editor- not so much for the creative input- but more to correct any mistakes that may have been made. I can't help it- grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and the worst offender of them all- text speak all make me twitch. Not to make you paranoid, but I mentally correct every email that I get. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not a snob, I'm just programmed this way...

So I'm finding that living in Japan I have to fight the urge to run around with a big red marker correcting everything.
Half the time I can get the gist of what was trying to be said, but the rest of the time I'm like: Huh?! Wakarimasen.

This was taken from the design on a student's notebook:
"I wish to sing a duet with transparent time.
You'll have mind to forgive everything.
If you become nervous or angry, hold communion with nature."

From my Japanese teacher's chopstick container I found:
"Enjoy a quiet lunch time while feeling a season
Nature put a person at his ease.."

Check the following...



This is from my friend's ashtray pot.


This is taken from a sticker booth


As is this


This is from hairclip packaging

And this is my latest mini project- yes, it's several weeks early but I had some time on my hands!


Check this link for some more examples of English that makes me twitch:
What?!