translation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "translation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used when you are describing the process of turning something from one language into another. For example: "This document contains a translation of the original Spanish text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Translation by Mr. Bell.

The New York Times

Everythingsperfect wrote: To me the central message of the book is (p.21 in the Rees translation): "There is only one true form of wealth, that of human contact".

The Guardian - Books

18 min: "Come now Jacob, maybe the Countdown started because some UEFA bright spark suggested using Europe's "The Final Countdown" before games, but things got lost in translation?

The Guardian - Sport

LINGUA.LY iOS/Android - FREE Recently crossing from Android to iOS, Lingua.ly aims to help you learn languages by reading articles and tapping on words you don't know to get their translation.

The Guardian - Tech

Only thing what's on my mind, who's gonna run this town tonight?") are both almost a direct translation from the books into song form, and it is obviously one of the most bad-ass songs I've ever listened too and never fails to get me pumped up, as if I was going into battle and could do back flips and stuff like that.

The Guardian

JG It's a form of translation: one has to tell a story in cinematic language.

The Guardian - Film

When real-life drama reaches the cinema screen, the telling truths and minor details of the story can get lost in translation.

The Guardian - Film

Charb cannot argue back now, but those who read Malik's allegation should at least give him the respect of reading his Lettre aux escrocs de l'islamophobie qui font le jeu des racistes – a translation of which is available at goo.gl/KDeA9Y Peter McKenna Liverpool PEN views ridiculing a disadvantaged minority's deeply held religious beliefs as courageous.

The Guardian

On some, the message may have been lost in translation: "Go beyond the cutting edge!" and "Play sports games in an offensive way!" for example.

The Guardian

If such a thing as a perfect translation exists (few would argue it does) it might still not be enough to control for students' differing interpretations of the same set of instructions.

The Guardian

Use italics for foreign words and phrases (with roman translation in brackets); poetry and scientific names.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific instance of converting text from one language to another, use "translation" as a noun (e.g., "This is a good translation").

Common error

Avoid using "translation" when a more precise term like "interpretation" or "adaptation" is more appropriate for the context. "Translation" specifically refers to converting text, while other terms apply to broader contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "translation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the act of translating or the result of translating. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. Examples show its use in various contexts, such as discussing the quality of a translation or referring to a translated work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "translation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to the process or result of converting text or information from one language or form to another. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, "translation" serves to bridge linguistic and communicative gaps. While alternatives like "interpretation" or "adaptation" exist for nuanced contexts, mastering the correct usage of "translation" enhances clarity and precision in writing. Be precise when employing the term and avoid using it when another term is best suited for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpretation

Focuses more on conveying the meaning or significance rather than a direct word-for-word conversion.

rendering

Implies a more artistic or adaptive conversion, especially in creative contexts.

version

Highlights a particular form or adaptation of a text or work.

adaptation

Suggests a modification to suit a new purpose or context.

conversion

Indicates a change from one form or state to another, not necessarily linguistic.

rewording

Focuses on changing the words used while retaining the same meaning.

paraphrase

Rephrasing something in a simpler or clearer way.

transcription

Refers to converting speech into written form.

decipherment

Implies the process of decoding or understanding something obscure.

portrayal

Suggests a way of presenting or depicting something.

FAQs

How to use "translation" in a sentence?

You can use "translation" to refer to the process of converting text from one language to another, as in "The quality of the "translation" is crucial for understanding the document", or to the result of this process, as in "This book is available in English "translation"".

What's the difference between "translation" and "interpretation"?

"Translation" refers specifically to converting written text from one language to another, while "interpretation" involves converting spoken language. Though, sometimes both can be interchangeably depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "translation"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "version", "rendering", or "adaptation" as alternatives to ""translation"".

Can "translation" refer to something other than language?

Yes, "translation" can also refer to converting something from one form to another, such as in mathematics or computer science, as well as to a motion in a straight line without rotation. However, its most common use is in the context of language.