What is translation? Pronunciation and usage in English

translation means . Learn how to pronounce and use translation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of translation

translationnoun

/tranzˈleɪʃn//trɑːnzˈleɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of translation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "translation" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to say it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • trans-: This part is pronounced like "trans" as in "transport." (Think of the "trans" in "transport").
  • -lation: This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "lay-shun."

2. Putting it Together:

So, the full word sounds like: trans-LAY-shun

3. Phonetic Spelling (for accuracy):

/trænzˈleɪʃən/

Let's break that down even further:

  • trænz: (like "trans" as in transport) - this is the stressed syllable.
  • lay: As in "lay down."
  • shun: As in "sun" but with an "sh" sound at the beginning.

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable, "trans."
  • Smooth Transition: Make sure the “trans” smoothly flows into the “lay.”
  • Don’t over-elongate: Don't stretch out the “shun” part too much.

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice saying “translation”?

Usage and examples with the word translation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "translation" in English. It's a versatile word with a few key meanings and usages.

1. The Core Meaning: Converting Text

At its most basic, "translation" refers to the act of converting text or speech from one language to another.

  • Example: "I need a professional translation of this document."
  • Example: “The website offers free translation services.”

2. As a Noun (the result of the process)

When used as a noun, "translation" refers to the product of the translation process – the converted text itself.

  • Example: “The translation was surprisingly accurate.”
  • Example: “I studied the translation of Shakespeare’s plays.”
  • Example: "She specializes in literary translation."

3. As a Verb (the act of translating)

"Translation" can also be a verb, meaning the action of converting something into another language.

  • Example: "He's translating the book into Spanish."
  • Example: "The interpreter is translating the speaker’s remarks."

4. Specific Types of Translation

  • Literary Translation: This focuses on conveying the artistic qualities of a text (poetic language, style, nuances) in another language. It's highly specialized and challenging.
  • Technical Translation: Translating documents related to science, engineering, medicine, or other technical fields. Accuracy and specialized terminology are crucial.
  • Legal Translation: Translating legal documents, contracts, patents, etc. Requires extreme precision and understanding of legal concepts.
  • Simultaneous Translation: Translation that happens in real-time, often used at conferences or international events. A translator listens to the original speaker and immediately speaks the translation.
  • Consecutive Translation: Translation that happens after the original speaker finishes. The translator takes notes during the speech and then delivers the translation.

5. Phrases with “Translation”

  • “Full translation”: A complete and thorough translation of a work.
  • “Rough translation”: An initial, less polished translation.
  • “Literal translation”: A translation that tries to render the original words as closely as possible, even if it doesn't sound natural in the target language.
  • “Free translation”: A translation that prioritizes conveying the meaning of the original, even if it departs from the literal wording.

Here's a table summarizing the different ways to use "translation":

Form Part of Speech Meaning Example
Translation Noun The act or result of converting language “The translation of the article was good.”
Translate Verb To convert language “I’m translating this email.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you're thinking of using "translation" in? (e.g., Are you talking about books, websites, business, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word translation

Practice with vocabulary translation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Accurate ______ is crucial for legal documents to be valid internationally.
  2. The new software offers seamless real-time ______ for spoken conversations.
  3. The project manager provided a thorough ______ of the team's progress during the weekly meeting.
  4. Clear and concise cross-cultural ______ is vital for successful global partnerships.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which terms describe the process of conveying meaning from one language to another, either in written or spoken form? a. Translation b. Interpretation c. Transliteration d. Transcription

  2. For highly technical manuals, a precise ______ is required to ensure safety and functionality in different markets. a. translation b. summary c. adaptation d. paraphrase

  3. The UN regularly employs professional linguists for the ______ of official documents and speeches into its six official languages. a. elucidation b. translation c. articulation d. explanation

  4. The consultant's nuanced ______ of the market trends proved invaluable for our strategic planning. a. analysis b. interpretation c. clarification d. exposition

  5. To effectively convey the scientific findings to a general audience, the researchers needed to ______ their complex terminology. a. simplify b. clarify c. expound d. elaborate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company hired experts to turn the marketing materials from English into French.
  2. Understanding different cultures is vital when trying to convey messages across language barriers.
  3. Her job involves converting raw sales figures into actionable insights through visual data presentation.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. translation
  2. translation
  3. description
  4. communication

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a. Translation, b. Interpretation
  2. a. translation
  3. b. translation
  4. b. interpretation
  5. a. simplify, b. clarify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company hired experts for the translation of the marketing materials from English into French.
  2. Effective translation across language barriers requires understanding different cultures.
  3. Her job involves transforming raw sales figures into actionable insights through visual data presentation.

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