mistranslate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “mistranslate” mean?
To translate from one language to another incorrectly or inaccurately, introducing errors in meaning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To translate from one language to another incorrectly or inaccurately, introducing errors in meaning.
To misinterpret or misrepresent the meaning of something in a different form or context, not limited to linguistic translation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows regional conventions for the prefix 'mis-'.
Connotations
Identical; negative evaluation of translation quality.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in academic and publishing contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mistranslate” in a Sentence
NP ___ NPNP ___ (from X) (into Y)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mistranslate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The subtitler managed to mistranslate the key line of dialogue.
- It's easy to mistranslate idioms if you take them literally.
American English
- The software mistranslated the technical manual, causing confusion.
- Historians caution against mistranslating ancient texts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Concern in legal contracts, technical manuals, and marketing materials where precision is critical.
Academic
Central to translation studies, philology, and cross-cultural research; a topic of analysis.
Everyday
Used when discussing errors in subtitles, instruction manuals, or travel situations.
Technical
A specific error type in computational linguistics and machine translation evaluation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mistranslate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mistranslate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mistranslate”
- Using 'mistranslate' for general misunderstanding (use 'misunderstand'). Incorrectly forming the noun as 'mistranslation' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can apply to spoken interpretation as well, though 'misinterpret' is also common for speech.
'Mistranslate' is specifically for errors between languages. 'Misinterpret' is broader, covering misunderstandings within the same language or of non-linguistic signs.
The noun is 'mistranslation' (e.g., 'a serious mistranslation').
Typically no. For incorrect paraphrasing or summary within one language, terms like 'misrepresent', 'misquote', or 'misstate' are more appropriate.
To translate from one language to another incorrectly or inaccurately, introducing errors in meaning.
Mistranslate is usually formal, academic in register.
Mistranslate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪstrænzˈleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪstrænzˈleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lost in translation (related concept, not direct idiom for the verb)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIS + TRANSLATE. Think: 'MIStake in TRANSLATION'.
Conceptual Metaphor
Translation as a bridge; mistranslation is a faulty bridge that distorts the message crossing over.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'mistranslate'?