Catalan to Spanish Translations: When Similarities Can Be Confusing
At first, the Catalan to Spanish translations might seem easy. After all, both are Romance languages, they come from Latin, and they often share similar words. However, this closeness can actually be tricky. Because the two languages look alike, it’s easy to make mistakes or misunderstand certain words. That’s why translating from Catalan to Spanish needs careful attention, so we don’t fall into the trap of “false friends” or wrong meanings.
Linguistic Closeness: A Double-Edged Sword
Words That Look the Same… But Aren’t Always
Many Catalan words match Spanish ones almost exactly. However, some words have different meanings that can easily confuse a translator. For example:
- “Rentar” in Catalan means “to wash,” while in Spanish, in some countries, it can mean “to rent.”
- “Embotit” doesn’t mean “dull” (embotado)—it actually means “cold cuts” or “deli meats.”
- “Recordar-se d’alguna cosa” means “to remember something,” but in Spanish you don’t say “recordarse”, just “recordar”.
These small differences can completely change the meaning if they’re not handled with care.
Sentence Structure and Style
Catalan often uses shorter phrases and a more direct style than Spanish. If you translate word by word, the Spanish result might sound stiff or unnatural. For example:
- Catalan: Cal tenir cura dels detalls.
- Literal Spanish: Hay que tener cuidado de los detalles.
- Natural Spanish: Hay que cuidar los detalles.
These tiny style choices decide whether a translation feels smooth—or awkward.
Where Differences Matter in the Catalan to Spanish Translations
Legal and Administrative Translation
Even though many laws and official documents in Catalonia are available in both languages, the wording is not always the same. A contract or regulation can lose precision if translated without using the exact legal terms in Spanish.
Academic Translation
In theses, articles, or reports, it’s very important to keep both clarity and accuracy. Some technical words don’t match perfectly, or they might be used more often in one language than the other.
Media and Communication
Translating news, scripts, or video content requires special attention. Idioms and expressions need to be adapted in a way that keeps the original tone and meaning.
Quick Example
A local government published a note in Catalan saying: “Els joves podran sol·licitar l’ajut a partir del 15 de juny.”
A literal translation would be: “Los jóvenes podrán solicitar la ayuda a partir del 15 de junio.”
But in formal Spanish used by institutions, the word “ayuda” might sound too general or vague. A better version would be:
“Los jóvenes podrán solicitar la subvención a partir del 15 de junio,”
because “subvención” is the more precise term for “ajut” in official contexts.
Best Practices for Catalan-to-Spanish Translation
- Avoid word-for-word translation. Even if the text seems understandable at first glance, it’s always a good idea to double-check subtle differences in meaning. A sentence that looks right can still carry the wrong nuance.
- Use official glossaries. Institutional resources like TERMCAT or the dictionaries from the Institut d’Estudis Catalans can help ensure you’re using the correct term in Spanish, especially for specialised vocabulary.
- Get a native review. Even if the translator is fluent in both languages, a second review by a native Spanish speaker helps refine tone and catch any unintended linguistic interference.
- Watch the register. Formal and informal styles in Catalan don’t always match their Spanish equivalents. It’s important to reflect these shifts naturally, whether you’re translating a formal law or a casual blog post.
Conclusion: Translating Between Sister Languages Still Demands Precision
Catalan to Spanish translations are a delicate task—close enough to seem easy, yet different enough to require expertise. By understanding both the similarities and the contrasts, translators can create texts that are natural, clear, and culturally accurate.
In the end, what seems simple at first glance can actually be like fine clockwork—especially if you’re aiming for a truly professional translation.
