translation
tranz-LAY-shuhn
Translation (noun) means a version of a text or speech rendered in a different language. Example: “The English translation of the poem lost some of its rhythm.”
noun
1
A version of a text or speech rendered in a different language.
"The English translation of the poem lost some of its rhythm."
"She works as a translation specialist for legal documents."
"I read the French novel in translation because my French isn't good enough yet."
2
(biology) The process by which a cell builds proteins from an mRNA sequence.
"Translation follows transcription in protein synthesis."
"During translation, the cell reads the message and links amino acids together in order."
"Errors in translation can lead to a faulty protein being made inside the cell."
How to use translation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishConverting text or speech from one language into another, or (in biology) building proteins from RNA.
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Word forms
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The English _____ of the poem lost some of its rhythm.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman "translacioun," ultimately from Latin "translatio," from "transferre."
Related words
Rhymes for translation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for translation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “translation” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “translation”?
“Translation” is pronounced tranz-LAY-shuhn (/tɹænzˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “translation” in a sentence?
Here is “translation” used in a sentence: “The English translation of the poem lost some of its rhythm.”
What part of speech is “translation”?
“Translation” is a noun.
Where does the word “translation” come from?
The word “translation” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman "translacioun," ultimately from Latin "translatio," from "transferre.".
Is “translation” a common word?
“Translation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “translation” have?
“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.
What is the difference between translation and interpretation?
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.
What is the difference between transcription and translation in biology?
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.
What is the difference between translation and transliteration?
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.
What is a literal translation?
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.
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