Brand Names in China

[Randy W]

This is an interesting article about names for foreign brands in China, and also the other way around

 

What's In A Brand Name? Chinese Brand Names Of Multinationals

http://www.hutong-school.com/sites/default/files/cocacola.jpghttp://www.hutong-school.com/sites/default/files/wallmart.jpghttp://www.hutong-school.com/sites/default/files/lays_0.jpg

 

http://www.hutong-school.com/sites/default/files/top-brands.jpg

 

[Randy W]

From the same web site

 

In Defense of Chinglish

Many believe that Chinglish should not be viewed as an embarrassment to the purity of the English language, but rather, as a humble and charming effort to appeal to foreign English speakers. Moreover, it gives us a new lens through which to view the mundane words that surround our day-to-day lives. It should not be characterized by its linguistic inferiority, but by its fascinating idiosyncrasies and quirks. I don't know of many English speakers who wouldn't find it refreshing to read 'the slippery are very crafty' instead of 'wet floor' at a subway station. The meaning of the words is (more or less) preserved, and if nothing else, it brings a smile to your face.

 

 

 

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/shang_shanghaiist/Chinglish%20Collage.jpg

 

"Please do not empty your dog here": Why Chinglish needs to stay

 

 

 

 

The 3rd character in the sign is the Chinese character for 'Valley". So how did they come up with 'Ualleg'? I figure the 'V' looked like it was a 'U', and the 'y' looks, well, close enough to a 'g' to fool the guy painting the sign.

 

[Randy W]

Not exactly a brand name, nor is it "Chinglish" - in fact, it's out-and-out ENGLISH, but, well . . . someone needs to tell her!

 

 

from Flickr

[Randy W]

No more Chinglish? From the People's Daily

 

China to standardize use of English on public signs

Chinese authorities on June 20 issued a national standard for the use of English in the public domain, eradicating poor translations that damage the country’s image.

The standard, jointly issued by China’s Standardization Administration and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, aims to improve the quality of English translations in 13 public arenas, including transportation, entertainment, medicine and financial services. It will take effect on Dec. 1, 2017.

According to the standard, English translations should prioritize correct grammar and a proper register, while rare expressions and vocabulary words should be avoided. The standard requires that English not be overused in public sectors, and that translations not contain content that damages the images of China or other countries. Discriminatory and hurtful words have also been banned. The standard provided sample translations for reference, and warned against direct translation.

 

 

 

Of course, the Shanghaiist had their own spin on that . . .

 

China to introduce national standard for English translations in attempt to rid country of Chinglish

 

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/chinglish_signs14.jpg

[Randy W]

One interesting brand name is Sansui, which has the same characters, pronunciation (at least in southern China), and meaning in either Chinese or Japanese

 

• Shan shui, 山水 in Chinese, mountain water, landscape scene
• Sansui,山水　in Japanese, landscape paintings

 

 

While Japanese will often use the same Chinese characters, they almost always will have a different pronunciation.

[jame]

This is a very interesting post. I had also an interesting experience when I was re-branding my business in China. I tried to use online translators, but I was still struggling to find a great name. I gave up and I hired a https://brandlance.com/naming agency. They had a good experience in chinese market i could get a great name. So if you are struggling to find a great name for chinese company, I would suggest you to hire someone who is professional in this field