Some kid crosses out the first syllable of the word hyuji (which means toilet paper) and writes in the syllable bo, giving us boji, the Korean word for vagina. So the sign now reads, "The toilet is often blocked because of vagina. If you feel for* the lady who cleans the toilets, please throw your toilet paper into the wastebasket." The kid forgot to scratch out the second mention of toilet paper. Had he done it right, the altered sign would make more sense: "The toilet is often blocked because of vagina. If you feel for the lady who cleans the toilets, please throw your vagina into the wastebasket."
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*The part I translated as "feel for" literally says, "If an apologetic thought for the toilet-cleaning lady enters (your mind)." "Feel for" seemed a more natural translation of that sentiment. The verb in question is mianhada, "to be sorry." Here, the verb has been converted into an adjective modifying the word saenggak, meaning "thought," but "sorrowful thought" is not the most natural translation. Mianhan-saenggak is more along the lines of "apologetic thought." Even "feel for" is not a totally satisfactory translation as that's more along the lines of sympathy, not guilt. But what to say, then? "Feel sorry for" means pity. "Feel sorry to" may be possible in a Konglishy way, but it's somewhat awkward. (Googling the exact phrase "feel sorry to the lady" yields only three results.) Also: the last part of the message, written in red font and surrounded by a box, literally says. "As for toilet paper, it would be good (for you) to throw it in the wastebasket." The Korean is fairly polite.
Several years back, I seem to recall there was a big push in Seoul to get people to start putting TP in the toilet instead of the trashcan. I remember the illustrated signs at Itaewon station showing the new proper way of flushing the paper. I wasn't sure what was behind the push--upgraded sewage treatment plants or better plumbing, but I remember thinking, welcome to the 21st century. Of course, here in the PI, there's a litter bin next to the toilet. There are no bidets either, but most restrooms have a water hose with a squirt nozzle. I'm not sure how to use one, though.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the campaign was, I've noticed that the situation varies depending on the restroom. Some have signs telling you to throw your shitty toilet paper into a wastebasket (gross); others say to throw the paper directly into the toilet as God intended.
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