Translation requires precision, cultural understanding, and a strong command of both languages. However, translation errors are common and can affect the original meaning of the text. This article covers the most frequent translation mistakes and strategies to avoid them.
Lexical Translation Errors
One of the most common mistakes in translation is incorrect word choice. This occurs when translators translate a word literally without considering its real meaning in context. For example, the English word “actually” does not mean “actualmente” in Spanish but rather “de hecho” or “en realidad.” To avoid this, it’s essential to analyze word meanings in context and use specialized dictionaries.
False Friends
False friends are words that look similar in two languages but have different meanings. A classic example is when translators mistakenly translate “embarrassed” in English as “embarazada” in Spanish, but it actually means “avergonzado.” Another case occurs when “sensible” in English is translated as “sensitive” instead of “rational.
Grammatical Translation Errors
Grammar varies between languages, and errors often arise from applying rules of one language to another. For example, in English, adjectives usually come before nouns, whereas in Spanish, they typically follow them. A common mistake is translating “a red car” as “un rojo coche” instead of “un coche rojo.” To prevent this, translators should have a strong grasp of grammar in both languages and review sentence structures carefully.
Linguistic Calques
Translators create a linguistic calque when they translate a phrase literally without adapting it to the target language. For example, “make a decision” should be translated as “tomar una decisión” instead of “hacer una decisión.” Another common case is “have a good time,” which should be “pasarlo bien” instead of “tener un buen tiempo.” To prevent these errors, it’s best to consult reference sources and be familiar with idiomatic expressions in both languages
Agreement Translation Errors
Agreement errors happen when words in a sentence do not match in gender, number, or verb tense. An example is translating “the big house” incorrectly as “la grande casa” instead of “la casa grande.” To avoid this, translators should check grammar and syntax in the target language before finalizing the translation.
Loss of Original Meaning
In some translations, translators lose the original meaning of the text due to misinterpretation. This happens when they omit key words or rearrange sentences incorrectly. To prevent this, it’s recommended to read the original text several times before translating and, if possible, consult native speakers or language experts.
Literal Translations
One of the most harmful translation mistakes is translating word for word. While this may work in some cases, it can also change the intended meaning. For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs” does not mean “Está lloviendo gatos y perros” in Spanish but rather “Está lloviendo a cántaros.” To avoid this, translators should look for the equivalent idiomatic expression instead of translating literally.
Cultural Adaptation Issues
A key aspect of translation is adapting the message culturally. Some terms, references, or expressions may not have a direct equivalent in another language or may be culturally inappropriate. For example, translators may cause confusion when they translate “Thanksgiving” as “Acción de Gracias” in a country where this holiday is not celebrated. In such cases, it’s better to explain or adapt the concept for clarity.
Punctuation Translation Errors
Each language has its own punctuation rules, and mistakes in this area can alter the meaning of a text. For example, the Oxford comma is common in English but not in Spanish. There are also differences in the use of colons and question/exclamation marks. Translators should familiarize themselves with punctuation rules in both languages and proofread the text before delivering it to avoid punctuation errors.
Omission or Addition of Words
Sometimes, translators omit or add words unnecessarily during translation, changing the meaning of the original message. For example, “He is my friend” should be translated as “Él es mi amigo,” but omitting “Él” may cause ambiguity in some contexts. To prevent this, translators should carefully compare the translation with the original text.
Mistakes in Proper Names and Titles
Translators should not always translate proper names and titles literall. Some book titles, movie names, or institution names have official translations. For example, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is officially translated as “Matar a un ruiseñor” and not “Matar a un pájaro burlón.” Before translating proper names or titles, it’s best to research if an official translation exists in the target language.
Incorrect Use of Prepositions
Prepositions vary between languages, and incorrect usage can lead to translation errors. For example, in English, one says “interested in,” while in Spanish, it’s “interesado en,” but a common mistake is translating it as “interesado sobre.” To avoid this, translators should pay attention to word combinations and consult grammar references.
Errors in Technical and Scientific Translation
En textos técnicos y científicos, el uso incorrecto de términos específicos puede afectar la precisión del contenido. Un ejemplo es la confusión entre “data” y “datum” en inglés, donde “data” es plural y “datum” es singular. En español, se traduce como “datos” en plural y rara vez se usa “dato” en este contexto. Para evitar errores en traducciones especializadas, es importante utilizar glosarios y fuentes de referencia confiables.
For more detailed information about common translation errors and tips for avoiding them, you can visit this ProZ.com: Common Translation Errors.
Localization Issues in Software and Websites
Software and website localization requires not only linguistic adaptation but also cultural and functional adjustments. A common mistake is translating menus and buttons without considering user experience. For example, “File” can be translated as “Archivo,” but in some contexts, “Fichero” is more appropriate. To avoid localization errors, it’s best to test translations with native speakers and check content coherence.
Errors in Subtitle and Dubbing Translation
Audiovisual translation has unique challenges, as the text must sync with audio while maintaining natural dialogue. A common mistake is translating idioms literally, resulting in unnatural phrases. For example, “break a leg” does not mean “rómpete una pierna” but “good luck.” To avoid mistakes in subtitles and dubbing, it’s important to adapt content to the cultural and linguistic context of the audience.
Challenges in Legal Translation
Legal document translation requires precision and specialized knowledge. A mistake in legal terminology can alter the meaning of a contract or official document. For example, “notary public” in English is not “notario público” in Spanish but “fedatario público” in some countries. To avoid errors in legal translation, it’s advisable to work with professionals in the field and use legal dictionaries.
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