Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
translation
The word centers on the concept of "carrying across" (from Latin translatio). It describes a shift in medium, location, or language while attempting to preserve the original essence or identity of the object being moved. In linguistic contexts, it carries a tension between literal accuracy and artistic interpretation. A "faithful translation" suggests precision, whereas a "loose translation" prioritizes mood over word-for-word equivalence. When used outside of language—such as in science or medicine—it describes the practical realization of an abstract concept (e.g., "bench-to-bedside translation"). Here, it implies a bridge between theory and utility. In technical geometry, it is a sterile, precise term describing movement without distortion, stripped of the nuance and interpretation found in linguistic usage.
Uncountable when discussing the general activity or process of converting languages ('Translation is a difficult skill'). Countable when referring to a specific version of a book or document ('I have read three different translations of the Bible').
💬Conversación Casual
Just sent you that email. Hope it helps you crush those finals.
Dad, I literally need a translation for this corporate speak. It's gibberish.
Meanings
The process of translating words or text from one language into another.
"The translation of the novel took three years to complete."
The resulting text after a work has been translated from its original language.
"This English translation of the Odyssey is highly praised for its poetic flow."