Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense translates, present participle translating, past tense, past participle translated
1. verb
If something that someone has said or written is translatedfrom one language into another, it is said or written again in the second language.
Only a small number of her books have been translated into English. [beV-ed + into/from]
Martin Luther translated the Bible into German. [V n + into/from]
The Celtic word 'geis' is usually translated as 'taboo'. [beVERB-ed + as]
The girls waited for Mr Esch to translate. [VERB]
...Mr Mani by Yehoshua, translated from Hebrew by Hillel Halkin. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: render, put, change, convert More Synonyms of translate
translationuncountable noun
The papers have been sent to Saudi Arabia for translation.
Synonyms: transference, move, removal, conveyance More Synonyms of translate
Synonyms: rephrasing, explanation, paraphrase, simplification More Synonyms of translate
Synonyms: conversion, change, rendering, transformation More Synonyms of translate
2. verb
If a name, a word, or an expression translatesas something in a different language, that is what it means in that language.
His family's Cantonese nickname for him translates as Never Sits Still. [VERB + as]
3. verb
If one thing translates or is translatedinto another, the second happens or is done as a result of the first.
Reforming Warsaw's stagnant economy requires harsh measures that would translateinto job losses. [VERB + into]
Your decision must be translated into specific, concrete actions. [beVERB-ed + into]
Synonyms: convert, change, turn, transform More Synonyms of translate
4. verb
If you say that a remark, a gesture, or an action translatesas something, or that you translate it as something, you decide that this is what its significance is.
'I love him' often translates as 'He's better than nothing'. [VERB + as]
Your body translates this physical sensation as the onset of panic. [VERB noun + as]
5. See also translation
More Synonyms of translate
translate in British English
(trænsˈleɪt, trænz-)
verb
1.
to express or be capable of being expressed in another language or dialect
he translated Shakespeare into Afrikaans
his books translate well
2. (intransitive)
to act as translator
3. (transitive)
to express or explain in simple or less technical language
4. (transitive)
to interpret or infer the significance of (gestures, symbols, etc)
5. (transitive)
to transform or convert
to translate hope into reality
6. (tr; usually passive) biochemistry
to transform the molecular structure of (messenger RNA) into a polypeptide chain by means of the information stored in the genetic code
See also transcribe (sense 7)
7.
to move or carry from one place or position to another
8. (transitive)
a.
to transfer (a cleric) from one ecclesiastical office to another
b.
to transfer (a see) from one place to another
9. (transitive) Roman Catholic Church
to transfer (the body or the relics of a saint) from one resting place to another
10. (transitive) theology
to transfer (a person) from one place or plane of existence to another, as from earth to heaven
11. mathematics, physics
to move (a figure or body) laterally, without rotation, dilation, or angular displacement
12. (intransitive)
(of an aircraft, missile, etc) to fly or move from one position to another
13. (transitive) archaic
to bring to a state of spiritual or emotional ecstasy
Derived forms
translatable (transˈlatable)
adjective
translatability (ˌtranslataˈbility)
noun
Word origin
C13: from Latin translātus transferred, carried over, from transferre to transfer
translate in American English
(ˈtrænsˌleɪt; ˈtrænzleɪt; trænsˈleɪt; trænzˈleɪt)
verb transitiveWord forms: transˈlated or transˈlating
1.
to move from one place or condition to another; transfer
; specif.,
a. Theology
to convey directly to heaven without death
b. Ecclesiastical
to transfer (a bishop) from one see to another; also, to move (a saint's body or remains) from one place of interment to another
2.
to put into the words of a different language
3.
to change into another medium or form
to translate ideas into action
4.
to put into different words; rephrase or paraphrase in explanation
5.
to transmit (a telegraphic message) again by means of an automatic relay
6. Archaic
to enrapture; entrance
7. Cytology
to convert into a chain of amino acids forming a specific protein: said of genetic information in the form of messenger RNA
8. Mechanics
to impart translation to
verb intransitive
9.
to make a translation into another language
10.
to be capable of being translated
Derived forms
translatable (transˈlatable)
adjective
Word origin
ME translaten < ML & L: ML translatare < L translatus, transferred, used as pp. of transferre: see transfer
Examples of 'translate' in a sentence
translate
Insight into thoroughbreds, I supposed, didn't translate into the human realm.
Reeves, Robert DOUBTING THOMAS (2000)
In a few years that hardness will translate into something matronly.
Pacter, Trudi YELLOW BIRD (2000)
In other languages
translate
British English: translate /trænsˈleɪt; trænz-/ VERB
If something that someone has said or written is translated, it is said or written again in a different language.
His books have been translated into five different languages.
American English: translate
Arabic: يُتَرْجِمُ
Brazilian Portuguese: traduzir
Chinese: 翻译
Croatian: prevesti
Czech: přeložit jazyk
Danish: oversætte
Dutch: vertalen
European Spanish: traducir
Finnish: kääntää kieltä
French: traduire
German: übersetzen Text
Greek: μεταφράζω
Italian: tradurre
Japanese: 訳す
Korean: 번역하다
Norwegian: oversette
Polish: przetłumaczyć
European Portuguese: traduzir
Romanian: a traduce
Russian: переводить
Latin American Spanish: traducir
Swedish: översätta
Thai: แปล
Turkish: tercüme etmek
Ukrainian: перекласти
Vietnamese: dịch ngôn ngữ
Chinese translation of 'translate'
translate
(trænzˈleɪt)
vt
[word, book etc]翻译(譯) (fānyì)
(= convert) 转(轉)化 (zhuǎnhuà)
to translate a book from English into French把一本书(書)从(從)英语(語)翻译(譯)成法语(語) (bǎ yī běn shū cóng Yīngyǔ fānyìchéng Fǎyǔ)
1 (verb)
Definition
to change (something spoken or written in one language) into another
Only a small number of his books have been translated into English.
Synonyms
render
150 Psalms rendered into English
put
change
convert
interpret
She spoke little English, so I interpreted for her.
decode
You don't need to be a genius to decode his work.
transcribe
He decided to transcribe the work for piano.
construe (old-fashioned)
paraphrase
Baxter paraphrased the contents of the press release.
decipher
I can't decipher these notes.
transliterate
2 (verb)
Definition
to express (something) in a different way, for instance by using a different measurement system or less technical language
Translating IT jargon is the key to the IT director's role.
Synonyms
put in plain English
explain
He explained the process to us in simple terms.
make clear
clarify
A bank spokesman was unable to clarify the situation.
spell out
simplify
gloss
Earlier editors glossed `drynke' as `love-potion'.
unravel
decode
paraphrase
decipher
I'm still no closer to deciphering the code.
elucidate
He refused to elucidate the reasons for his decision.
rephrase
The executive rephrased the question.
reword
I'll reword my question.
state in layperson's terms
3 (verb)
Definition
to transform or convert, for instance by putting an idea into practice
Your decision must be translated into specific actions.
Synonyms
convert
a handy table which converts into an ironing board
change
We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes.
turn
She turned the house into a beautiful home.
transform
the speed at which your body transforms food into energy
alter
Little had altered in the village.
render
metamorphose
She had been metamorphosed by the war.
transmute
She ceased to think as anger transmuted into passion.
transfigure
They are transfigured by the healing powers of art.
4 (verb)
The bishop was later translated to the diocese of Carlisle.
Synonyms
transfer
The person can be transferred from wheelchair to seat with relative ease.
move
She moved the sheaf of papers into position.
send
relocate
Should they be forced to relocate at the end of the contract?
carry
He carried the plate through to the dining room.
remove
They removed to America.
transport
There's no petrol so it's difficult to transport goods.
shift
We shifted the vans and used the area for skateboarding.
convey
They borrowed our boats to convey themselves across the river.
transplant
An opportunity to run her own lab had transplanted her from Manchester to London.
transpose
Genetic engineers transpose bits of material from one organism to another.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alter
Definition
to make or become different
Little had altered in the village.
Synonyms
change,
turn,
vary,
transform,
adjust,
adapt,
metamorphose
in the sense of carry
Definition
to take from one place to another
He carried the plate through to the dining room.
Synonyms
convey,
take,
move,
bring,
bear,
lift,
transfer,
conduct,
transport,
haul,
transmit,
fetch,
relay,
cart,
tote (informal),
hump (British, slang),
lug
in the sense of change
Definition
to make or become different
We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes.
Synonyms
shift,
vary,
transform,
alter,
modify,
diversify,
fluctuate,
mutate,
metamorphose,
transmute
Synonyms of 'translate'
translate
Explore 'translate' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of clarify
Definition
to make or become clear or easy to understand
A bank spokesman was unable to clarify the situation.
Synonyms
explain,
resolve,
interpret,
illuminate,
clear up,
simplify,
make plain,
elucidate,
explicate (formal),
clear the air about,
throw or shed light on
in the sense of construe
Definition
to translate literally
Synonyms
translate
in the sense of convey
Definition
to carry or transport from one place to another
They borrowed our boats to convey themselves across the river.
Synonyms
carry,
transport,
move,
bring,
support,
bear,
conduct,
transmit,
fetch
in the sense of decipher
Definition
to make out the meaning of (something obscure or illegible)
I can't decipher these notes.
Synonyms
figure out,
read,
understand,
interpret (informal),
make out,
unravel,
deduce,
construe,
suss (out) (slang)
in the sense of decipher
Definition
to convert from code into plain text
I'm still no closer to deciphering the code.
Synonyms
decode,
crack,
solve,
understand,
explain,
reveal,
figure out (informal),
unravel,
suss (out) (slang)
in the sense of decode
You don't need to be a genius to decode his work.
Synonyms
understand,
explain,
interpret,
make sense of,
construe,
decipher,
elucidate,
throw light on,
explicate (formal)
in the sense of elucidate
Definition
to make (something obscure or difficult) clear
He refused to elucidate the reasons for his decision.
Synonyms
clarify,
explain,
illustrate,
interpret,
make clear,
unfold,
illuminate,
spell out,
clear up,
gloss,
expound,
make plain,
annotate,
explicate (formal),
shed or throw light upon
in the sense of explain
Definition
to make something easily understandable, esp. by giving a clear and detailed account of it
He explained the process to us in simple terms.
Synonyms
make clear or plain,
describe,
demonstrate,
illustrate,
teach,
define,
solve,
resolve,
interpret,
disclose,
unfold,
clarify,
clear up,
simplify,
expound,
elucidate,
put into words,
throw light on,
explicate (formal),
give the details of
in the sense of gloss
Definition
to add a gloss or glosses to
Earlier editors glossed `drynke' as `love-potion'.
Synonyms
interpret,
explain,
comment,
translate,
construe,
annotate,
elucidate
in the sense of interpret
Definition
to act as an interpreter
She spoke little English, so I interpreted for her.
Synonyms
translate,
convert,
paraphrase,
adapt,
transliterate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of metamorphose
Definition
to change from one state or thing into something different
She had been metamorphosed by the war.
Synonyms
transform,
change,
alter,
remake,
convert,
remodel,
mutate,
reshape,
be reborn,
transmute,
transfigure,
transmogrify (humorous),
transubstantiate
in the sense of move
Definition
to change the time when something is scheduled to happen
She moved the sheaf of papers into position.
Synonyms
transfer,
change,
carry,
transport,
switch,
shift,
transpose
in the sense of paraphrase
Definition
to put (a statement or text) into other words
Baxter paraphrased the contents of the press release.
Synonyms
reword,
interpret,
render,
restate,
rehash,
rephrase,
express in other words or your own words
in the sense of relocate
Definition
to move or be moved to a new place of work
Should they be forced to relocate at the end of the contract?
Synonyms
move house,
move,
change residence,
leave,
remove,
quit,
go away,
migrate,
flit (Scottish, NorthernEngland, dialect),
pack your bags (informal)
in the sense of remove
Definition
to change the location of one's home or place of business
They removed to America.
Synonyms
move,
transfer,
transport,
shift,
quit,
depart,
move away,
relocate,
vacate,
flit (Scottish, NorthernEngland, dialect)
in the sense of rephrase
Definition
to express in different words
The executive rephrased the question.
Synonyms
reword,
paraphrase,
recast,
say in other words,
put differently
in the sense of reword
Definition
to alter the wording of
I'll reword my question.
Synonyms
put in other words,
paraphrase,
recast,
rephrase,
put another way,
express differently
in the sense of shift
Definition
to move from one place or position to another
We shifted the vans and used the area for skateboarding.
Synonyms
remove,
move,
transfer,
displace,
relocate,
rearrange,
transpose,
reposition
in the sense of transcribe
Definition
to rewrite (a piece of music) for an instrument other than that originally intended
He decided to transcribe the work for piano.
Synonyms
translate,
interpret,
render,
transliterate
in the sense of transfigure
Definition
to change or cause to change in appearance
They are transfigured by the healing powers of art.
Synonyms
change,
convert,
transform,
alter,
metamorphose,
transmute
Additional synonyms
in the sense of transform
Definition
to change completely in form or function
the speed at which your body transforms food into energy
Synonyms
change,
convert,
alter,
translate,
reconstruct,
metamorphose,
transmute,
renew,
transmogrify (humorous)
in the sense of transmute
Definition
to change the form or nature of
She ceased to think as anger transmuted into passion.
Synonyms
transform,
change,
convert,
alter,
metamorphose,
transfigure,
alchemize
in the sense of transplant
Definition
to remove or transfer (esp. a plant) from one place to another
An opportunity to run her own lab had transplanted her from Manchester to London.
Synonyms
transfer,
take,
bring,
carry,
remove,
transport,
shift,
convey,
fetch,
displace,
relocate,
uproot
in the sense of transport
Definition
to carry or move (people or goods) from one place to another, esp. over some distance
There's no petrol so it's difficult to transport goods.
Synonyms
convey,
take,
run,
move,
bring,
send,
carry,
bear,
remove,
ship,
transfer,
deliver,
conduct,
shift,
ferry,
haul,
fetch
in the sense of transpose
Definition
to change the order of (letters, words, or sentences)
Genetic engineers transpose bits of material from one organism to another.