translate
trahnz-LAYT
Translate (verb) means to change spoken or written words from one language into another. Example: “He translates legal documents from German into English for a living.”
verb
1
To change spoken or written words from one language into another.
"He translates legal documents from German into English for a living."
"She translated the novel from French into English."
"Can you translate this menu for me?"
2
To convert or express something in a different form.
"Her love of numbers translated into a successful career in accounting."
"It can be hard to translate a rough idea into a working plan."
"Good intentions don't always translate into good policy."
How to use translate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn words (or ideas) from one language or form into another.
Common pairings
translate a document
translate into practice
lost in translation
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Word forms
- Plural
- translates
- Third person singular
- translates
- Past tense
- translated
- Archaic forms
- translatest, translatedst, translateth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ legal documents from German into English for a living.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman "translater," from Latin "translatus," the past participle of "transferre." A distant relative of "transfer."
Related words
Rhymes for translate
See all rhymes for 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."
