There is a HUGE difference between these two words. Google translate is very helpful in telling me the Japanese to English translation. Frequently, some information is lost when trying to interpret the meaning from the translation. Often, I find myself having to use common sense to understand what Google Translate is telling me. I have met one local who has advised me not to use Google Translate because it won’t give me the “correct” meaning. My response included my necessity to understand something because right now, I got nothing. I thought a fun way to illustrate this would be to use something with which we are all familiar. McDonald’s.
I used Google Translate to help me identify each sandwich. In the picture below, the sandwich on the left is a “winning burger beef and pine.” I’m not sure how clear it is in the picture, the burger does have a pineapple slice on it, not a pine tree. In the same picture, the sandwich on the right is a “winning burger chicken and tomato.” Obviously, it is a chicken sandwich with tomato, no burger.
The next picture shows the ¥400 menu. The writing at the top translates to first line: “limited 8/3 (water) start.” Second line: “morning of victory competent each ¥400.” Again, that translation is very choppy. I understand the limited hours and only ¥400, but is it telling me it’s a breakfast of champions? Sadly, I disagree. From top to bottom the sandwiches are: Mega Muffin, Filet-o-Fish and Mega McGriddle. Also, I’m confused on why “water” is used. Is that the drink? Clearly it shows a Coca-Cola or is that an iced coffee? Did you notice the extra meat? Just when you thought McDonald’s couldn’t be any grosser, they added extra meat or fish.
Speaking of excess meat. Is all of this meat really necessary? The Megamakku. Pronounced Mega- Mac – cue. Draw out the “u” sound on the end.
The last one is definitely my favorite. Dave and Ed were with me when I was taking these pictures. As we left McDonald’s, we saw this man’s picture on the wall. They kindly agreed to pose for me. Regardless of your goal to translate for a general understanding or interpret this picture for comprehension, either way you will chuckle. And as I’ve mentioned before, a smile means the same thing in every language.
