bad translation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad translation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a translation that is incorrect or poorly done, resulting in inaccurate or confusing information. Example: The instruction manual for this product has a lot of mistakes due to bad translation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

If it's said — I haven't seen it — if it's there it's a bad translation, and it is translated out of context and they are using it.

The New York Times

"If it's there," he said, "it's a bad translation, and it's translated out of context".

Los Angeles Times

At the Court of Auditors — "itself a bad translation" — his job is to translate documents on subjects ranging from school milk to nuclear decommissioning.

The New Yorker

Using an online translator could make a very, very bad translation and also in correct translations.

WikiHow

Mr. Qanooni blamed some of the "distortions" of his views expressed on Wednesday on a bad translation, and then joked: "I hope there won't be a third translator tomorrow".

The New York Times

(The bad translation is my own).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

There are many bad translations of Pasternak's poems.

The Guardian - Books

Bad translations are a headache for corporations and provide after-dinner speech anecdotes for politicians.

Independent

In fact, much of what we thought we knew about Pavlov has been based on bad translations and basic misconceptions.

The New Yorker

Just as, to quote Robert Frost, poetry is what is lost in the translation, business (and face) can be lost from bad translations.

The New York Times - Tech

From misspelled names of artists and bad translations of foreign titles to incorrect dates and attributions, I have encountered many embarrassing gaffes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing translations, specify what makes the translation "bad". Is it inaccurate, poorly worded, or missing key information?

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a translation as "bad" without providing specific examples or explaining the nature of the errors. This makes your criticism more constructive and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad translation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "translation". It describes a translation that is of poor quality or contains errors. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad translation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a translation of poor quality or containing errors. Ludwig AI supports this, highlighting its diverse usage across various contexts. As our analysis shows, it appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Wiki" and "Academia". To enhance clarity, specifying the nature of the translation's flaws is recommended. Alternatives include "poor translation" and "inaccurate translation". Avoid simply labeling translations as 'bad' without detailed explanations to ensure constructive critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor translation

Emphasizes the low quality of the translation.

inaccurate translation

Highlights the lack of correctness in the translation.

incorrect translation

Focuses on the factual errors present in the translation.

faulty translation

Suggests a flawed or defective translation.

deficient translation

Indicates a lack of completeness or adequacy in the translation.

substandard translation

Implies that the translation falls below an acceptable level.

unfaithful translation

Points out a lack of fidelity to the original text.

rough translation

Suggests an unpolished or imprecise translation.

garbled translation

Indicates that the translation is confused and difficult to understand.

clumsy translation

Highlights the awkwardness and lack of fluency in the translation.

FAQs

How can I identify a "bad translation"?

Look for inaccuracies, awkward phrasing, inconsistencies, and a general lack of fluency in the target language. Comparing it to the original text is often helpful.

What are the consequences of using a "bad translation"?

It can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and, in some cases, significant errors in important documents or communications.

What can I say instead of "bad translation"?

You can use alternatives like "poor translation", "inaccurate translation", or "faulty translation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bad translation" or "poor translation"?

Both "bad translation" and "poor translation" are correct and commonly used, though the latter might sound slightly more formal.