which roughly translates

USAGE SUMMARY

'which roughly translates' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when trying to convey the meaning of a word or phrase that has been translated from another language into English. For example: "The phrase 'Hvala' in Croatian means 'thank you', which roughly translates to 'gracias' in Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Tranquilo," Gomez counseled, which roughly translates to "easy, boy".

The New York Times - Sports

Outside Venice, these bites are known as stuzzichini, which roughly translates as "teasers".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a play on words, it says Srochi 2014 – which roughly translates as Crap 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

Guanxi – which roughly translates to a network of personal contacts – is also very important for funding.

The Guardian

"Jauja" is a Spanish word with Arabic origins which roughly translates to Neverland.

The Guardian - Film

Farther afield is kani miso, which roughly translates as "crab brains" or "crab guts".

The New York Times - Food

It goes by the Japanese word kaizen, which roughly translates as "good change".

The New Yorker

Siljun Dobup, which roughly translates as real sword training, fuses Japanese and Korean styles.

The New York Times

Processed foods, meanwhile, generally have higher point values, which roughly translates to: should be eaten less.

The New York Times

You can hear this on Bahdeni Nami's eight-minute title track, which roughly translates as Sleep in My Arms.

The Guardian - Music

Staged at the Village Gate, "Blaguards," which roughly translates as scoundrels, had an unremarkable run and was largely forgotten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which roughly translates", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why an exact translation isn't possible or appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "which roughly translates" when a precise translation exists. Using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility and suggest a lack of precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which roughly translates" functions as a relative clause introducing an approximate explanation or interpretation of a word, phrase, or concept, often originating from another language. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which roughly translates" serves as a linguistic bridge, offering an approximate understanding of terms across different languages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound expression, predominantly found in News & Media contexts. While precise translations are ideal, "which roughly translates" acknowledges nuances and cultural contexts that a literal translation might miss. When using it, ensure your audience understands the context necessitating an approximate translation and be wary of overstating the translation's accuracy. By employing this phrase judiciously, you can enhance clarity and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is roughly equivalent to

Uses 'roughly equivalent' to emphasize the approximate correspondence between two terms.

that more or less means

Emphasizes the approximate nature of the translation, using 'more or less' to convey a lack of precision.

that approximately means

Replaces 'roughly translates' with 'approximately means', focusing on the meaning rather than direct translation.

that is generally understood as

Focuses on the common understanding or interpretation of a term.

that conveys a similar idea to

Focuses on conveying a similar idea rather than a direct word-for-word translation.

that can be interpreted as

Shifts the focus to interpretation rather than direct translation, suggesting a degree of subjectivity.

which, in essence, means

Highlights the core meaning or essence of a term, rather than a literal translation.

that's akin to saying

Uses 'akin to' to draw a comparison, implying a similar concept or idea in another context.

which is comparable to

Suggests that the phrase is similar or analogous to another phrase.

that's somewhat synonymous with

Highlights a partial synonymy, indicating that the terms are similar but not identical.

FAQs

How do I use "which roughly translates" in a sentence?

Use "which roughly translates" to provide an approximate meaning of a word or phrase from another language. For example: 'The term 'saudade' in Portuguese, "which roughly translates" to a melancholic longing, captures a complex emotional state'.

What are some alternatives to "which roughly translates"?

Alternatives include "'that approximately means'", "'that can be interpreted as'", or "'that is roughly equivalent to'". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "which roughly translates" in formal writing?

Yes, "which roughly translates" is acceptable in formal writing when providing an approximate translation. However, consider if a more precise translation is available or if further clarification is needed for your audience.

What's the difference between "which roughly translates" and "which literally translates"?

"Which roughly translates" indicates an approximate or interpretive translation, while "which literally translates" implies a direct, word-for-word translation. Use "which roughly translates" when the meaning is not directly conveyed by the literal translation.