How to Translate Words/Phrases with No Exact Translation
by Chad Richardson
When you translate something from one language into another, there are several things that you need to be careful about, from using the right words and following the rules of grammar to using the right slang or idiom when there is no exact translation of the word/phrase in the destination language.
Words/Phrases with No Exact Translation
Although most words and phrases lend themselves to translation fairly easily, there are certain words which just can’t be accurately translated, such as the Japanese wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfections) and the French depaysement (the feeling of not being in one’s own country or being a foreigner).
So what do you do when you come across words like this? Is it ok to use a different word that approximates the meaning? For example, could you just say “beauty” instead of “beauty in imperfections” for wabi-sabi? Or is it more appropriate to use the entire phrase?
Translating to Create a Certain Effect
Consider the context in which the word is being used. There are times when it is better to use a word that people will understand easily. For example, if you are translating a logo and the idea is to keep it short, then you might want to forego a long translation. You might just want to say “beauty” instead of “beauty in imperfection” or “feeling out of place” instead of “the feeling of not being in one’s own country.”
Of course, your logo might not sound quite so catchy anymore if you use a slightly different translation. In this case, you might want to try out several different translations which mean close to the same thing and then decide which one conveys your meaning best.
Translating for Accuracy of Meaning
There are other times when explaining the word with no exact translation is a better idea. For example, if you’re writing a business letter and there is space to explain your full meaning, then you can do so. The same is true if you’re translating a book. In these cases, you can explain the meaning of the word within the text itself or you can use a footnote.
Contact us to learn more about what type of translation is appropriate for your purposes.
Related Articles
Measuring the ROI of Translation Services
Expanding into international markets opens doors to new revenue streams and untapped customer bases. However, successfully entering these markets requires more than just great products or services—it requires a deep understanding of language and culture. That’s where professional translation services come in. But how can businesses measure the Return on Investment (ROI) of translation services?…
Navigating the Challenges of Global Market Entry: Key Strategies for Success
Expanding into new international markets offers immense growth potential and the promise of reaching a global customer base. However, with this promise comes a unique set of challenges that can impact everything from brand perception to operational efficiency. Whether you’re a startup testing waters abroad or an established enterprise aiming to broaden its global reach,…
AI Dubbing and Speech Translation: Accessible Solutions for All Businesses
At the recent Meta Developer Conference, Mark Zuckerberg introduced AI-powered dubbing and speech translation tools, signaling a transformative shift in global communication. Once reserved for big tech, this technology is now accessible to businesses of all sizes, enabling effortless translation and dubbing of content—whether marketing videos, e-learning courses, or social media campaigns—into multiple languages. This…
here
for you
We’d love to learn more about your translation and localization needs.