Bad odor are prohibited here!
Language Log 2013-05-06
David W. Donnell has brought this signage from Chinatown, NYC to my attention:
"From Forsythe Street." (VHM: that should be "Forsyth Street.")
Here are the sentences in the photo:
友情告示
公共场所請大家保持个人卫生,如 有长期不洗澡者、不换衣裤者,不得入 内,影响大家娱乐活动。 Bad. Odor. Are. Prohibited. Here! THANK. You. For. Cooperation.
Pinyin transcription:
Yǒuqíng gàoshì
Gōnggòng chǎngsuǒ qǐng dàjiā bǎochí gèrén wèishēng. Rú yǒu chángqí bù xǐzǎo zhě, bù huàn yī kù zhě, bùdé rù nèi, yǐngxiǎng dàjiā yúlè huódòng.
English translation:
Friendly Notice
This is a public place where everyone should maintain their personal hygiene. Those who haven't taken a bath or changed their clothes for a long time are not permitted to enter to avoid influencing the enjoyable activities of others.
The notice is sufficiently clear that it does not require explanation.
[Thanks to Cao Lin and Cheng Fangyi]