do not translate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not translate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to convert text from one language to another. Example: "Please read the document carefully, but do not translate any of the technical terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Third, translators of novels do not translate words or expressions, they translate novels.

The New York Times - Books

Elliptical machines do not translate, either.

The New York Times - Sports

Many Christmas classics do not translate.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, yet again, words do not translate into action.

The New York Times

These securities do not translate into straight public debt.

The Economist

However, aspirations of cultural exchange do not translate in practice.

Stanford University

Skills often do not translate from old jobs to new.

The New York Times

But these riches do not translate into corporation tax.

The Guardian - Business

"Certain things do not translate well," the study warned.

The Washington Post

Sweeping statements of principle do not translate easily into policy.

The Washington Post

Current roadmapping techniques do not translate well to this new reality.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the nuances of language or cultural concepts, use “do not translate” to emphasize the difficulty or impossibility of finding a direct equivalent in another language.

Common error

Be specific about what aspects of a concept or phrase “do not translate”. Avoid making broad, sweeping statements without providing context or justification for the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not translate" functions as a directive or assertion indicating the impossibility or ineffectiveness of converting something—be it a word, concept, skill, or technique—from one context to another. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not translate" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something cannot be directly converted or transferred without losing its intended meaning or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains. Its primary function is to express limitations, particularly in contexts involving language, skills, or concepts, according to Ludwig's examples. While common in neutral to formal settings like news, science, and academia, it emphasizes the importance of nuanced understanding and context-specific interpretation. To avoid overgeneralization, it's crucial to specify which aspects of a subject are non-transferable. Consider alternatives like "cannot be rendered" or "are not transferable" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not convert

This alternative focuses on the action of changing something into a different form, similar to translating but broader.

cannot be rendered

This suggests an inability to accurately depict or represent something in a different medium or context.

are not transferable

This indicates that skills, concepts, or properties are not applicable in a different situation or context.

do not carry over

This implies that certain attributes or qualities do not remain when moved to a new setting.

do not transform

Focuses on the lack of change in form or nature when something is moved or adapted.

are not analogous

Highlights the absence of similarity or correspondence between two things.

do not correspond

Indicates a lack of direct relationship or equivalence between elements.

cannot be equated

This suggests that two things are not equal or comparable.

do not reflect

Emphasizes that something does not accurately represent or mirror something else.

are not interchangeable

Implies that elements cannot be used in place of each other without affecting the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "do not translate" in a sentence?

You can use "do not translate" to indicate that a word, phrase, or concept doesn't have a direct equivalent in another language, or that a skill from one domain cannot be applied to another. For example, "Some cultural idioms "do not translate" easily."

What does it mean when something "does not translate"?

When something "does not translate", it means it cannot be directly converted or transferred to another context, language, or situation without losing its original meaning or effectiveness. This often applies to cultural references, skills, or concepts.

What are some alternatives to "do not translate"?

Alternatives to "do not translate" include phrases like "cannot be rendered", "are not transferable", or "do not convert", depending on the specific context.

Is it always about language when we say that something "does not translate"?

No, "do not translate" isn't always about language. It can also refer to skills, concepts, or strategies that are ineffective or irrelevant in a different context. For example, "Skills from a previous job "do not translate" to a new role."