does not translate well

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not translate well" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to convey that an idea is not easy to express in another language or that words are not having the same effect in another language. For example, "The poem's metaphor doesn't translate well into Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Anguish does not translate well to bronze.

The New York Times

"Cross-examine" does not translate well.

Yale University

Unfortunately, the data from Africa does not translate well.

The New York Times

Woody Allen's humor does not translate well into Khmer.

Princeton University

Unfortunately, Hunt has discovered from bitter experience that nuance does not translate well in an age of social media.

The Guardian

The PA regards the evidence as unmistakable, "Readers take a pleasure in a physical book that does not translate well on to digital".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I get that quite a lot, being fond of sarcasm, which doesn't translate well electronically.

Independent

But that same opacity doesn't translate well to corporate governance.

The New York Times

He does everything with a layer of irony that doesn't translate well here.

The New York Times

But water is not carbon and the concept of offsets doesn't translate well to water.

Harvard Business Review

As the piece we put in today's paper inadvertently demonstrates, Richard Pryor doesn't translate well to print.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "does not translate well", ensure the context clearly identifies what is failing to transfer effectively. Be specific about the original element and the target medium or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "does not translate well" as a vague explanation for failure. Instead, pinpoint the specific characteristics or nuances that cause the disconnect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not translate well" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something lacks the ability to be effectively transferred or understood in a different context. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is perfectly correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not translate well" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the difficulty or failure of transferring meaning or impact across different languages, cultures, or mediums. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is perfectly acceptable in written English. Analysis of real-world examples reveals that it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science. When employing this phrase, specificity is key: clearly identify the element that struggles to transfer and the target context. Alternatives such as "is lost in translation" or "is hard to convey" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lost in translation

Highlights the loss of meaning or nuance when transferring the idea.

cannot be transferred effectively

Stresses the inefficiency of moving the idea to a new context.

is hard to convey

Focuses on the difficulty of communicating the idea effectively.

is not readily transferable

Emphasizes that the idea is not easily shifted.

is difficult to render

Emphasizes the challenge in transforming the idea into another form.

doesn't carry over

Suggests the idea fails to maintain its impact in a new context.

is not easily adapted

Focuses on the lack of seamless transition to a new setting.

is challenging to transpose

Focuses on the difficulty of converting the idea into a new format.

fails to resonate

Highlights the lack of emotional connection in a different context.

is not directly applicable

Emphasizes the lack of direct relevance in a different situation.

FAQs

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

It means that a concept, idea, or expression loses its intended meaning or impact when moved from one language, culture, or medium to another. It suggests that certain nuances are difficult to convey accurately or effectively in a different context.

How can I use "does not translate well" in a sentence?

You might say, "The humor in that movie "does not translate well" to a foreign audience", or "His military experience "does not translate well" into the private sector".

What are some alternatives to saying "does not translate well"?

Consider using phrases like "is lost in translation", "is hard to convey", or "doesn't carry over" depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it grammatically correct to say "does not translate well"?

Yes, "does not translate well" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely understood.