Introduction
Italian and Spanish both come from Latin, but they have enough differences to require a professional approach when translating. Good Italian to Spanish translations need knowledge of both languages’ grammar, awareness of cultural differences, attention to “false friends,” and experience with the specific type of text.
1. Particularities of Italian to Spanish Translations
1.1. False Friends that Mislead
Be careful with false friends between Italian and Spanish! These are words that look or sound similar but mean very different things. This can lead to funny mistakes or serious confusion. For example, “Camera” in Italian means a room, not a camera; “Burro” means butter, not the animal; and “Salire” means to go up, not to leave. These differences happen because, even though both languages come from Latin, some words changed their meanings over time.
Key Examples:
- “Camera” (Italian) = “Room” (not “camera”)
- “Burro” (Italian) = “Butter” (not the animal)
- “Salire” (Italian) = “To go up” (not “to leave”)
1.2. Key Grammatical Differences
Even though Italian and Spanish are similar, there are some grammar differences that affect how we translate. For example:
- Subject pronouns: In Italian, it’s common to include the subject pronoun in sentences, but in Spanish, we often leave it out when the meaning is clear. For example:
- Italian: “Lei mangia la pizza.” (She eats pizza)
- Spanish: “Come pizza.”
- Articles: In Italian, articles are used before proper nouns, but in Spanish, they are not. For example:
- Italian: “La Maria è arrivata.” (Maria has arrived)
- Spanish: “Maria ha llegado.”
- Verb tenses: In Italian, they use “passato prossimo” (present perfect) more often than in Spanish, where the simple past is more common. For example:
- Italian: “Ho mangiato.” (I have eaten)
- Spanish: “Comí.”
- Negatives: In Italian, negations often follow different patterns than in Spanish. For example:
- Italian: “Non ho niente da dire.” (I have nothing to say)
- Spanish: “No tengo nada que decir.”
1.3. Regional Variants to Consider in Italian to Spanish Translations
Standard Italian vs regional dialects: Standard Italian is used in most formal situations in Italy, but there are many regional dialects that vary in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. For example, in Naples, people might say “bongiorno” instead of “buongiorno” (good morning). Also, “dialetto” (dialect) can include local expressions and words that are not understood all over the country.
Different types of Spanish: Spanish varies a lot between Spain and Latin America. For example, in Spain, people say “coche” for car, while in many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, people say “carro.” Another difference is the use of “vosotros” in Spain for informal plural, while most of Latin America uses “ustedes” for both formal and informal situations.
2. Professional Methodology
2.1. Analysis Phase
To begin, it’s crucial to identify the type of text to translate, whether literary, technical, or commercial. This helps determine the appropriate tone because a formal text requires different treatment than a casual one. Additionally, recognising specialised vocabulary from the start makes it easier to find precise terms and avoid ambiguities.
2.2. Translation Process
At this stage, it is advisable to create a first version focused on delivering the message accurately. Next, it is helpful to use specialised resources, such as technical dictionaries or industry glossaries. When doubts arise, consulting experts or reliable sources will help maintain precision. Moreover, adapting specific cultural references will ensure that the text resonates with the target audience.
2.3. Thorough Revision
Afterward, it is essential to conduct a detailed comparison with the original text. This evaluation helps identify potential errors and refine the accuracy of the content. Additionally, reading the translated text smoothly will ensure natural expression. It is also important to check the consistency of terms, especially in technical texts. Finally, adjusting the style and tone according to the target audience will solidify an effective translation.
3. Specialised Areas
3.1. Legal Translation
Accuracy is crucial in sworn translations and legal translations, it is important to take care when using specialised terms like:
- “Sentenza” = “Sentence” (with different nuances)
- “Atto” = “Written document” (in a legal context)
3.2. Medical Translation
Precision is key for terms such as:
- “Gomito” = “Elbow” (not “gomito”)
- “Influenza” = “Flu” (not “influence”)
3.3. Technical Translation
It’s essential to use terms correctly, including:
- Specific terms for each field
- Industry standards and regulations
- Measurement units
3.4. Content Localisation
Effective adaptation in Italian-Spanish translations includes:
- Advertising material
- Digital content
- Cultural elements
4. Useful Resources
4.1. Linguistic Tools
- High-quality bilingual dictionaries
- Comparable linguistic corpora
- Databases for specialised vocabulary
4.2. Support Technology
- Translation memory systems
- Software for managing technical vocabulary
- Quality control tools
5. Common Errors in Italian-Spanish Translations and How to Avoid Them
- First of all, we care about relying too much on similarities, because not everything translates the same way.
- Ignoring cultural references: Always adapt to the context.
- Translating literally: Look for natural equivalents.
- Unaware of regional variants: Use the appropriate form of Spanish.
Conclusion
In summary, a professional Italian to Spanish translation requires a careful approach that respects both the similarities and the significant differences between the two languages. Furthermore, a well-done job requires advanced knowledge of both languages, understanding of cultural contexts, specialisation in the field of the text, strategic use of appropriate tools, and a thorough revision process.
This combination guarantees accurate, natural, and effective translations for any communicative purpose.
