Valentine’s Day is just one of those days in the year that exerts remarkable pressure on people particularly those who are seeking out love which is often for the 1st time. Those who see Valentine’s Day as an important event try hard to rehearse the best phrases to use when talking with their new partner. Sometimes, words don’t flow as easily as they should to be effective and there are many people who end up with just the wrong words which could cause offense.

One such phrase found on a Valentine’s Day card was:

“I love you okay? I expect you forever. Please call me your telephone.”

This card could certainly have done with an accurate translation from a NAATI translator to have any true effect.

This sign couldn’t be much further from being romantic: “Love me: Don’t terrify me.”

Another sign says:  “Would you mind. Love enjoy. Going with you.” This sounds as clumsy as the last one and doesn’t look quite so sincere as one might expect from a Valentine’s Day card!

Another card said

“Honey. Well you go with me.”

This looks like a misspelling of the word ‘well’ but the recipient might not be too sure.

This phrase below was found on a balloon and said

“Happy Valentine’s Day. When you are delighted I will be a good friend continuing love of you.”

This is certainly quite confusing and would not convince anyone. It needs a helpful hand from a professional translator so that it is written in good English.

Valentine’s Day pressures can affect almost anyone, but even if a mistake has been made in a translation there is always someone out there who has probably made a worse one than you, especially if it has been translated from one language to another.

If this is the year when you are going to include capturing the international market in your company’s marketing campaign through using Valentine’s Day, then you should pay extra attention to ensuring that any Valentine’s Day material you want translated into another language you use a competent NAATI translator who will ensure the translated material is appropriate for use in Valentine’s Day messages.  There is nothing worse than making mistakes in messages that are meant to convey love!