translator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "translator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or software that converts text or speech from one language to another. Example: "As a translator, she spends her days working on documents in both English and Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A recent verse translation of the "Iliad" by Robert Fagles, an American poet and translator, has some of the majestic, plangent music of the original.

The Economist

Don Sotero agreed to show the place to me and my translator, Juan.

The Guardian - Travel

It bewilders me that a translator of a Chekhov play should concern themselves with accurately replicating in English the Russian of the early last century even if this comes at the expense of the vitality, sensuality, pathos, rage and compassion of the spirit in which those plays were first made.

The Guardian

First Najib Razak, Malaysia's ambitious deputy prime minister and Abdullah's presumed heir, was linked in sworn court testimony to the 2006 murder of a Mongolian female translator with whom, it was claimed, he once had a sexual relationship.

The Guardian - Opinion

He too claims to be a firm believer in the healing powers of Tiens, and acted as my translator throughout the seminar, seemingly on Wasswa's instruction.

The Guardian

"We definitely don't want the oil company," said Carlos Fasabi Panduro, from San José de Añushi in Peru, who acted as the meeting's translator on the second and third days.

The Guardian

By all accounts Ramesh has been more than a cook: she has been a translator, cultural ambassador and guide.

The Guardian

The translator with whom she was captured was freed in March.

The Guardian

He listened to testimony and arguments through headphones linked to an Arabic translator.

The Guardian

We had a translator the whole time that I was there; it was very difficult from a language perspective.

The Guardian

"Al-Shabaab are everywhere," he said through a translator.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "translator", clarify the specific languages they work with to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "translator" and "interpreter" as synonyms. A "translator" deals with written text, while an "interpreter" converts spoken language. Using them interchangeably leads to confusion and inaccuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "translator" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a person or tool that converts information from one language to another. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage aligns with standard English grammar and is commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "translator" is a commonly used noun referring to someone or something that converts information from one language to another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Primarily found in news and media contexts, "translator" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While often interchanged with "interpreter", it's crucial to remember that a "translator" deals with written content, whereas an "interpreter" works with spoken language. Alternatives include "language converter" and "translation specialist", offering nuanced options depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpreter

Refers specifically to someone who converts spoken language, differing from "translator" which can also refer to written text.

translation specialist

Highlights the expertise involved in translation, indicating a professional level of skill.

language converter

Emphasizes the tool or system used for converting languages, whether software or a person.

literary translator

Specifies translation work focused on literary texts, implying a sensitivity to artistic nuance.

linguistic expert

Focuses on broader linguistic knowledge, implying expertise beyond just translation.

multilingual facilitator

Emphasizes the role of enabling communication in multiple languages, broader than just direct translation.

cross-language mediator

Suggests a role in facilitating communication between different languages and cultures.

polyglot communicator

Highlights the ability to communicate in multiple languages, with translation as one aspect.

text adapter

Focuses on adapting written text from one language to another, suitable for technical or specific contexts.

decoding professional

Presents translation as a process of decoding and re-encoding information across languages.

FAQs

How to use "translator" in a sentence?

You can use "translator" to refer to a person who converts text or speech from one language to another, as in, "She works as a "translator" for a multinational corporation."

What's the difference between a "translator" and an "interpreter"?

A "translator" converts written text, while an "interpreter" converts spoken language. The key difference lies in the medium they work with.

What can I say instead of "translator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "interpreter", "language converter", or "translation specialist".

Is it correct to use "translator" for software that converts languages?

Yes, "translator" can refer to software or tools that convert languages, such as "Google Translate" or "Skype Translator", as well as to human translators.