translate
put words into another language
To change words or speech from one language into another language with the same meaning.
to translate [something] (from [language]) (into [language])
- Could you translate this email into French for me?
- The novel has been translated into more than thirty languages.
- She translates legal documents from German to English.
- The speech was translated simultaneously for the international audience.
- He can translate English into his own language.
- Please translate this short text for homework.
- My sister will translate what the man says.
- This app can translate simple sentences.
express in different words
To say or write something again in your own words, usually to make it easier to understand.
to translate [something] into [simpler/clearer language]
- Let me translate that into simpler language for everyone here.
- The report was full of technical terms, so she translated it into plain English for her clients.
- The teacher paused to translate the difficult concept into words the children could understand.
- Can you translate this policy into something practical for the staff?
- The doctor translated the long medical words into easy English.
- He translated the rules into simple language for the new players.
- The speaker translated his idea into words that children could understand.
- She translated the difficult text into clear and short sentences.
turn into a result or form
To turn one thing, like an idea or success, into another thing, like action, money, or results.
to translate [something] into [a result or new form]
- Their online popularity has not yet translated into real-world sales.
- We need to translate this strategy into concrete steps for the team.
- The new training program should translate into higher productivity.
- The app helps translate raw sensor data into useful charts.
- Hard work does not always translate into success.
- The plan must translate into real changes at work.
- We want website visits to translate into sales.
- Her talent translated into a good job.
work or make sense in another form
To still make sense or have the same feeling when it is put in another language, place, or form.
to translate (well/badly) (into [language/context])
- The humor in that show does not translate well outside its home country.
- Some idioms simply do not translate into other cultures.
- Her stage performance translated beautifully to film.
- The game’s complex controls may not translate well to mobile devices.
- This joke does not translate well into my language.
- The book’s style does not translate well to a movie.
- His skills as a player may not translate well into coaching.
- That idea may not translate well to another country.
shift a shape without turning
In math, to move a shape or graph to a new place without turning it, so every point moves the same amount.
to translate [a shape/graph] [by distance] (in a direction)
- Translate the graph of the function three units to the left.
- The software allows you to rotate and translate the object in three dimensions.
- In this step we translate the triangle two squares up on the grid.
- The transformation translates every point of the figure along the x-axis.
- Translate the point two units up on the graph.
- We translate the square three spaces to the right.
- The program can translate the picture on the screen.
- Do not rotate the shape; only translate it along the line.
convert one motion or signal into another
In machines, to change one kind of movement or signal into another kind of movement or signal.
to translate [type of motion/signal] into [another type]
- The screw mechanism translates rotary motion into linear motion.
- This sensor translates physical pressure into an electrical signal.
- The linkage translates the pedal movement into braking force.
- The device translates radio waves into audio signals.
- The machine translates round movement into straight movement.
- This tool translates heat into an electrical signal.
- The system translates your touch into action on the screen.
- The device translates sound into light signals.
carry a person or relic elsewhere
In old religious or historical writing, to move a person to heaven without death, or to move a holy object to another place.
to translate [someone/something] to [place]
- According to the legend, the prophet was translated to heaven in a fiery chariot.
- The monks translated the relics of the saint to the new cathedral.
- In the story, she is translated from the earthly world to a higher realm.
- The king ordered that the hero’s body be translated to the capital.
- The old text says the man was translated to heaven.
- They translated the saint’s bones to a new church.
- In the story, the hero is translated to another world.
- The book tells how the body was translated to the city.
- Base: translate
- 3rd Person Singular: translates
- Present Participle: translating
- Past: translated
translate from [language] into [language]
1change words between two languages
To change words from one specific language into another specific language.
- This book was translated from Spanish into English.
- She translates from German into French for the company.
- The menu has been translated from Chinese into several European languages.
translate into
1change into another form or result
To change something into another language, form, or result.
- How will this new law translate into everyday practice?
- Their online fame did not translate into ticket sales.
- You need to translate these numbers into a simple chart.
translate into action
1turn ideas or plans into action
To make ideas, promises, or plans become real actions.
- We need to translate these proposals into action as soon as possible.
- The challenge is translating good intentions into action.
- Her words finally translated into action when she started the project.
translate literally
1translate word for word
To change words into another language word for word, without changing the structure or style to fit the new language.
- Some idioms sound strange if you translate them literally.
- Do not translate this expression literally; it will confuse readers.
- He tends to translate literally, which can cause awkward sentences.
translate well
1work well in another context
To still work well or feel the same when it is put into another language, form, or place.
- The movie’s humor does not translate well outside its home country.
- This kind of wordplay rarely translates well.
- Her stage act translates well to television.
lost in translation
1meaning lost between languages or forms
Used when some of the meaning, feeling, or small details disappear because something is put into another language or form.
- The poem's beauty was lost in translation.
- The joke was funny in Japanese, but it got lost in translation.
- Humor often gets lost in translation.
- Some of the poem’s beauty is inevitably lost in translation.
- A lot of nuance can be lost in translation when you discuss complex ideas.