Translating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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translating

[หˆtrรฆnzleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

language

The action of converting words or text from one language into another.

Synonyms

interpret, paraphrase, render.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
translating

Used when converting text or speech from one language to another, focusing on the clear and accurate transfer of meaning.

  • She is translating the book from French to English
interpret

Commonly used in situations involving spoken language or sign language, where the conversion happens in real-time. It can also mean explaining the meaning of something.

  • The interpreter translated the speech for the audience
  • He tried to interpret the complex poem in simpler terms
render

Can be used to mean translating from one language to another, but often implies a more artistic or nuanced transformation. It can also mean to depict or represent something in a different form.

  • The poem was beautifully rendered into English
  • The artist rendered the scene in great detail
paraphrase

Used when rephrasing text or speech in the same language to make it clearer or simpler. It is common in education and writing.

  • Can you paraphrase that paragraph? She often paraphrases difficult texts for her students

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours translating the document into Spanish.
  • She is fluent in both English and French, so she often helps with translating at the company.
  • We need to hire a professional translator to assist with translating legal documents.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Translation plays a key role in breaking down language barriers and fostering global communication.
  • Many literary masterpieces have been translated, allowing people from different cultures to experience them, like Shakespeare's works.
  • The multilingual world relies on translating for diplomacy, international trade, and cultural exchange.

Technological Advances

  • The advent of machine translation tools like Google Translate has revolutionized how we approach translating.
  • These tools use algorithms and vast language databases to provide instantaneous translations.
  • Despite improvements, nuances and cultural context can still be lost in machine translations.

Psychology

  • Bilingual individuals often demonstrate cognitive benefits such as enhanced problem-solving skills.
  • The act of translating requires switching between different language systems, which can improve brain function.
  • Studies suggest that translating can enhance memory retention due to the added cognitive load.

Literature

  • Translation is not just about words; it involves conveying tone, emotion, and style from one language to another.
  • Famous translators often have their unique style that may influence how a text is perceived by a new audience.
  • The art of literary translation can sometimes lead to debates about fidelity versus creativity in interpreting texts.

Origin of 'translating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'translatus', meaning 'carried across'.
  • It's formed from 'trans-', meaning 'across', and 'ferre', meaning 'to carry'.
  • The practice dates back to ancient civilizations who needed to communicate and trade with one another.

The word 'translating' originated from the Latin word 'translat-' meaning 'carried across'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century.


See also: translator.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,153, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.