translation

The word “translation” means a version of a text or speech rendered in a different language. In plain terms, converting text or speech from one language into another, or (in biology) building proteins from RNA.

“Translation” is pronounced tranz-LAY-shuhn (/tɹænzˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “translation” used in a sentence: “The English translation of the poem lost some of its rhythm.”

“Translation” is a noun.

The word “translation” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman "translacioun," ultimately from Latin "translatio," from "transferre.".

“Translation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Translation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a version of a text or speech rendered in a different language.

Translation is the rendering of a written text in a different language, producing a new written version. Interpretation (or interpreting) is the spoken equivalent: converting speech from one language to another in real time. A book has a translation; a live speech has an interpreter.

In biology, transcription is the process of copying a gene's DNA sequence into messenger RNA (mRNA). Translation is the next step, in which a cell builds proteins from that mRNA sequence. Transcription produces the message; translation turns the message into a protein.

Translation renders the meaning of a text in a different language. Transliteration converts the letters or characters of one writing system into another without translating the meaning, for example writing a Russian name in the Latin alphabet. A transliterated word may still be meaningless to a reader who does not know the original language.

A literal translation renders a text word for word, staying as close as possible to the exact wording of the original language. A free translation instead prioritises natural phrasing and overall meaning in the new language. Literal versions are useful for study, but they can sound awkward because idioms rarely transfer directly.