
Signs and Menus
Make Your Brand Global Ready!
Why Accurate English Matters for Your Business!
In popular tourist destinations across East Asia, local businesses have been using English to attract international visitors. While this helps create a welcoming atmosphere, translation mistakes are quite common. These errors often stem from using automatic translation tools or using katakana, leading to linguistic, formatting, and cultural misunderstanding . As a result, signs and menus may become, confusing, unclear, unintentionally humorous, or potentially offensive. These errors, sometimes called "Engrish," have become well-known online bringing unwanted attention and causing damage to the brand images of restaurants, firms, and even local governments. It's quite similar to how some Westerners get kanji tattoos that look cool to them but are embarrassing or unreadable to native readers. The same goes for your business. Clear, professional English shows that you really care about your customers and your brand. At L’s English Consulting, we provide expert translation and localization services to ensure your menus, signs, and materials communicate effectively and confidently to the world. Let's connect and make your real message shine.

Here are some of the most common mistakes!

Linguistic Error 1. Direct Katakana Translation 2. L~R Incorrect Spelling Source: www.Engrish.com

Linguistic Error 1. "th" - "s" Pronunciation 2. Spelling Mistake Source: Instagram User/ cinnybunsun

Linguistic Error 1. Japanese Style English Word Choice Source: https://www.fun-japan.jp/

Linguistic Error 1.Grammar and Sentence Structure Errors 2.Incorrect Word Choice Formatting Error 1. Unclear or Inconsistent Formatting 2. Awkward Spacing or Line Breaks Source: www.engrish.com

Linguistic Errors 1. Grammar and Sentence Structure Errors 2. Incorrect Word Choice Formatting & Style Errors 1. Unnecessary Capitalization 2. Unclear or Inconsistent Formatting Cultural Sensitivity Issues 1. Unintentional Rudeness or Commanding Tone Source: http://fuseishoyo-roku.cocolog-nifty.com/

Linguistic Errors 1. Grammar and Sentence Structure Errors 2. Incorrect Word Choice Formatting & Style Errors 1. Unclear or Inconsistent Formatting 2. Awkward Spacing or Line Breaks Cultural Sensitivity Issues 1. Unintentional Rudeness or Commanding Tone 2. Signs That Assume Foreigners Can’t Understand Rules Source: www.engrish.com

Linguistic Errors 1. Incorrect Word Choice Culturally Insensitive 1. Culturally Insensitive or Stereotypical Language Source: www.dangerouslee.com

Linguistic Errors 1. Incorrect Word Choice Culturally Insensitive 1. Culturally Insensitive or Stereotypical Language Source: https://www.japansubculture.com/

Linguistic Errors 1. Incorrect Word Choice Culturally Insensitive Issues 1. Culturally Insensitive or Stereotypical Language

Our Services include
Professional Translation & Localization
We translate menus, signs, and customer materials into clear, natural English that enhances your brand’s credibility and attracts more international guests. Our expert localization ensures a smooth, welcoming experience for all visitors.
Grammar & Wasei Eigo Fixes
We review and correct grammar mistakes, unnatural phrasing, and wasei eigo to ensure your message is polished, professional, and easy to understand.
Katakana & Wasei Eigo Correction
We replace awkward katakana English and wasei eigo with authentic, fluent English, making your signs and menus clear and accessible to international customers. Our service also includes pronunciation coaching to help staff avoid common errors like:
✅ L/R distinction – "rice" vs. "lice"
✅ A/U clarity – "cup" vs. "cap"
✅ B/V distinction – "berry" vs. "very"
Linguistic & Formatting Error Checks
We proofread and refine all content to eliminate spelling mistakes, typos, inconsistent formatting, and awkward wording. This ensures your signs, menus, and customer-facing materials look professional, polished, and easy to read.
Cultural Sensitivity & Adaptation
We ensure your messaging is culturally appropriate and internationally friendly, avoiding expressions or imagery that may be confusing or offensive to foreign guests. Our context-sensitive translations help your business connect authentically with global customers while maintaining your brand’s identity.

Your sign is your top salesman.
It never takes a day off and always makes the first impression!

1. Replaced "L" with "R" in Fresh misspelling 2. Removed "a" changing spelling to "salad"

Corrected the spelling of "whiskey"

Changed "PET" to "Plastic Bottle" as it's more commonly used

Changed the translation to a more natural word choice.

Changed the translation to a more natural one.

Changed the Sentence structure to a shorter more natural phrase.

The store initially wanted a direct translation of a 黑人王 or |"Black Man King". The name was replaced to something more globally acceptable.

The main offensive word was replaced with a more acceptable word.

The apology phrase was taken out and a more acceptable phrase that also encourages includes phrases such as "Members Only"..

Step-by-Step Consulting Process
Step 1: Free Discovery Consultation
Goal: Understand your business needs, assess existing materials, and recommend the best solutions.
What Happens:
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Discuss your business type, target audience, and branding goals.
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Review current signage or menus (photos, PDFs, or physical copies).
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Identify key translation, clarity, or design issues.
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Recommend the best service option (Translation, Redesign, or Bundle).
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Provide a clear proposal with pricing and timeline.
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Outcome: You receive a custom plan with pricing and move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Service Selection & Payment
Goal: Confirm the service scope and process payment to start the project.
What Happens:
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Choose from Translation, Redesign, or a Bundle.
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Complete upfront payment (bank transfer, credit card, etc.).
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For large projects, a 50% deposit is required, with the balance due upon completion
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Outcome: Your project is officially scheduled, and we begin working.
Step 3: Audit & Strategy
Goal: Analyze existing content for accuracy, clarity, and readability.
What Happens:
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Identify grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and unnatural expressions.
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Ensure terminology is industry-appropriate and culturally adapted.
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Provide recommendations for tone, layout, and readability.
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If redesign is included, suggest an optimized layout.
Outcome: You receive a report with key issues and recommended improvements
Step 4: Translation & Localization
Goal: Deliver a professionally translated and culturally appropriate English version.
What Happens:
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Translate and refine text for natural readability and customer engagement.
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Maintain brand consistency and professional tone.
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Ensure correct spelling, formatting, and structure.
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Send the first draft for your review and feedback.
Outcome: You receive a proofread, professionally localized version ready for approval.
Step 5: Redesign & Layout Optimization
Goal: Confirm the service scope and process payment to start the project.
What Happens:
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Adjust font styles, spacing, and colors for a professional look.
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Ensure the translated text fits properly within the design.
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Format menu sections for easy readability.
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Provide a high-quality, print-ready PDF or image file.
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Outcome: Your signage or menu is visually optimized and ready for use.
Step 6: Final Review & Branding Advice
Goal: Perform a last check for accuracy and global appeal.
What Happens:
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Verify brand consistency across fonts, colors, and layout.
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Ensure messaging aligns with international customer expectations.
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Provide cultural branding tips to enhance marketing impact.
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Make minor revisions if necessary.
Outcome: You receive a fully polished, professional menu or sign.
Step 7: Delivery & Client Follow-Up
Goal: Deliver final files and ensure your satisfaction.
What Happens:
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Provide final files (PDF, PNG, or other formats as needed).
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Follow up to see if you need any final adjustments.
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Offer continued support and encourage client feedback.
Outcome: You have a high-quality, business-ready English menu or sign.
Why Choose L’s English?
Simple, Transparent Pricing – No per-word fees, just clear flat rates
Fast & Efficient – Standard and urgent turnaround options available.
​Culturally Adapted – No awkward phrasing, just natural, effective English.
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Industry Expertise – Helping Japanese businesses refine English for 12+ years



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