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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

translator

TRANZLAY-tuh

Translator (noun) means a person who converts text or speech from one language into another. Example: “The conference hired a team of translators for the delegates.”

noun
1
A person who converts text or speech from one language into another.
"The conference hired a team of translators for the delegates."
"He worked as a translator for the United Nations."
2
(computing) A program that converts commands or code from one language into another.
"The compiler acts as a translator between source code and machine code."

How to use translator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that converts language, text, or code from one form into another.

Easily confused with

Word forms

translators plural

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The conference hired a team of _____ for the delegates.

Etymology

From Latin "translator," from "translatus" ("carried across"), from "transferre."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for translator

See all rhymes for translator →

Frequently asked questions

What does “translator” mean?

The word “translator” means a person who converts text or speech from one language into another. In plain terms, someone (or something) that converts language, text, or code from one form into another.

How do you pronounce “translator”?

“Translator” is pronounced TRANZLAY-tuh (/ˈtɹænzleɪtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “translator” in a sentence?

Here is “translator” used in a sentence: “The conference hired a team of translators for the delegates.”

What is another word for “translator”?

Words with a similar meaning to “translator” include dubash and interpreter.

What part of speech is “translator”?

“Translator” is a noun.

Where does the word “translator” come from?

The word “translator” comes from Latin. From Latin "translator," from "translatus" ("carried across"), from "transferre.".

Is “translator” a common word?

“Translator” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “translator” have?

“Translator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who converts text or speech from one language into another.

What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

A translator typically converts written text from one language into another, working with documents rather than live speech. An interpreter, by contrast, converts spoken language in real time, such as during a conversation or speech.

What does translator mean in computing?

In computing, a translator is a program that converts commands or code written in one language into another, such as a compiler or assembler converting source code into machine-readable instructions.

Does a translator need to be fluent in both languages?

Yes, a human translator generally needs strong command of both the source and target languages to accurately convert text or speech from one into the other while preserving meaning.

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