awkward translation

USAGE SUMMARY

"awkward translation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been translated in an inelegant or clumsy way. For example, "The awkward translation of the instructions made it difficult to understand what was required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mérot's language is so packed that Wynne's occasional awkward translation can be violently jarring.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the awkward translation, the words betrayed a kind of truth.

The New Yorker

This has the effect of making the text seem like a slightly awkward translation from a foreign ­language.

The New York Times - Books

A somewhat awkward translation and slightly off-kilter rhymes do little to dull Chauffrey's exuberantly topsy-turvy landscapes.

The New York Times - Books

It's a close and almost awkward translation, nothing like her free and swaggery Catullus from an earlier book, "Men in the Off Hours".

The New York Times - Books

On a business trip to Paris, my sister spent time between meetings searching for "quelques choses pour l'arbre de Noël" -- a perhaps awkward translation of "something for the Christmas tree" that elicited more than a few raised eyebrows.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There are a few laughably awkward translations, as when Teiresias ominously tells Oedipus, "You sleep with your relatives".

The New York Times

The Chinese and English languages are so completely different that you often see awkward translations like these.

The New York Times

Extended captions provide editorial context; personal essays by Piazza and others recall (in sometimes awkward translations) each of Abitare's decades.

The New York Times - Books

Translators will have the particular device an app is meant for, like an iPhone or Android tablet, so they can use the app and check for any problems or awkward translations.

TechCrunch

See also: an introductory video on Joyland (with subtitles!), awkward translations and grandiose, orchestral music definitely included.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, provide context when describing a translation as "awkward", explaining why it strikes you as such.

Common error

Don't automatically assume a literal translation is "awkward". Sometimes, direct translations are accurate and appropriate. Only use the term if the translation genuinely sounds unnatural or unclear in the target language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward translation" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It qualifies the noun "translation" by indicating a deficiency in its quality or naturalness. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something translated inelegantly or clumsily.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward translation" is a commonly used term to describe a translation that lacks fluency and naturalness, as Ludwig AI confirms. It typically carries a negative connotation and is used to highlight issues with phrasing, syntax, or overall clarity. While grammatically sound, it's beneficial to provide specific examples when using the term to illustrate the specific issues in the translation. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in discussions about language and cultural exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clumsy translation

Emphasizes the lack of skill or grace in the translation.

inelegant translation

Focuses on the lack of refinement and sophistication in the translation.

unskillful translation

Highlights the translator's lack of proficiency.

poorly rendered translation

Stresses the inadequate quality of the translation's execution.

forced translation

Indicates that the translation sounds unnatural and contrived.

stilted translation

Suggests that the translation is stiff and unnatural.

rough translation

Implies a lack of polish and precision in the translation.

literal translation

Describes a translation that adheres too closely to the original text, resulting in unnatural phrasing.

unidiomatic translation

Indicates that the translation does not use natural expressions in the target language.

unpolished translation

Highlights a lack of refinement and attention to detail in the translation.

FAQs

What does "awkward translation" mean?

An "awkward translation" refers to a translation that is clumsy, inelegant, or unnatural in the target language. It often sounds forced or unnatural to native speakers.

How can I identify an "awkward translation"?

You can often identify an "awkward translation" because it doesn't flow naturally, uses strange phrasing, or doesn't convey the intended meaning clearly in the target language. It might sound stilted or unnatural.

What are some alternatives to "awkward translation"?

Alternatives to "awkward translation" include "clumsy translation", "inelegant translation", or "poorly rendered translation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awkward translation" always a negative criticism?

Yes, "awkward translation" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the translation is not well-executed and could be improved. However, it's more constructive to explain why the translation is considered awkward.