translate
8 synonyms for translate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To change spoken or written words from one language into another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use translate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
translate a document
translate into practice
lost in translation
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman "translater," from Latin "translatus," the past participle of "transferre." A distant relative of "transfer."
Full origin of translate →Frequently asked questions
What does “translate” mean?
The word “translate” means to change spoken or written words from one language into another. In plain terms, to turn words (or ideas) from one language or form into another.
How do you pronounce “translate”?
“Translate” is pronounced trahnz-LAYT (/tɹænzˈleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “translate” in a sentence?
Here is “translate” used in a sentence: “She translated the novel from French into English.”
What part of speech is “translate”?
“Translate” is a verb.
Where does the word “translate” come from?
The word “translate” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman "translater," from Latin "translatus," the past participle of "transferre." A distant relative of "transfer.".
Is “translate” a common word?
“Translate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “translate” have?
“Translate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to change spoken or written words from one language into another.
What is the difference between translate and interpret?
Translating usually means changing written text from one language into another, while interpreting means converting spoken words between languages in real time. A translator works mainly with documents; an interpreter works with live speech.
What is the difference between translate and transcribe?
To translate is to change words from one language into another, whereas to transcribe is to write down spoken words in the same language, such as turning a recording into text. Translation crosses languages; transcription stays within one.
What prepositions are used with translate?
Translate is typically followed by "from" for the original language and "into" for the target language, as in "translate from French into English." The figurative sense also uses "into," as in "translate ideas into action."
