A simple translation error is entertaining bemused English-speaking visitors to China who are being told to 'f*ck' various inanimate objects.

Some shopkeepers and restaurant owners keen to cater to westerners have fallen foul of the mistake which translates a Chinese symbol as 'f*ck'.

The symbol 干 has up to 17 meanings in Chinese depending on the pronunciation, including 'do' and 'dry', according to Xinhua Dictionary. And the character can also mean 'f*ck' in slang.

Unfortunate error: What should say 'assorted dried fruit' in fact tells shoppers to 'spread to 'f*ck' the fruit'

If you're looking for dried fruit and nuts in a Chinese supermarket, you may have to look out for 'f*ck goods'

Innocent mistake? 'Dried shrimp fried with cabbage' has been hilariously translated into 'the shrimp 'f*cks the cabbage'

Unusual menu: In this restaurant you can order 'dried fragrant chicken cartilage', but it's advertised as 'f*ck the fragrant chicken cartilage'. Apparently hair blood is on the menu too

In one instance, a sign reading '虾干炒白菜', meaning dried shrimp fried with cabbage, was translated to 'the shrimp f*cks the cabbage'.

'Dry goods' has been changed to 'f*ck goods', and in one shop English-speakers are encouraged to 'spread to f*ck the fruit', but in fact it means 'assorted dried fruit'.

Food menus are not safe either. In one restaurant, diners can order 'f*ck the fragrant chicken cartilage', and in another 'f*ck the ginger water' is offered.

In public? The dried seasonings area in this Chinese supermarket is advertised as something quite different

Coca-Cola, tonic water and 'f*ck the ginger water' (ginger ale). These are just some of the tasty drinks on offer at this restaurant

Not happy about paying the full price? 'F*ck the certain price of goods' actually means dried goods weighing area

And if you're looking for a bargain, you can even 'f*ck the certain price of goods' in one Chinese store.