How to Say "to translate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to translate” is “traducir” — use this word when converting written text or spoken words from one language to another, encompassing the most common meaning of 'to translate'.
Use this word when converting written text or spoken words from one language to another, encompassing the most common meaning of 'to translate'.
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Use this word specifically for spoken communication in real-time, such as during a conference or a conversation where someone conveys meaning orally from one language to another.
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This word is used in a more literary or formal context to describe the act of rendering or expressing thoughts, opinions, or a text in another language, often implying a skillful transformation.
Learn more →tra-doo-SEERtɾaðuˈθiɾ
Examples
¿Puedes traducir este libro al español?
Can you translate this book into Spanish?
Ella tradujo la carta del francés al inglés.
She translated the letter from French to English.
Es difícil traducir los sentimientos en palabras.
It is difficult to put (translate) feelings into words.
The 'ZC' Change
When you want to say 'I translate,' the spelling changes to 'traduzco' (not 'traduco'). This happens to keep the sound soft.
The 'J' in the Past
When talking about the past (I translated), the 'c' changes to a 'j'. For example: 'Yo traduje' and 'Ellos tradujeron'.
Don't use 'en' for the destination language
Mistake: “Traducir en inglés.”
Correction: Traducir al inglés. Use 'al' (a + el) or 'a' before the language name.
een-tehr-preh-TARinteɾpɾeˈtaɾ
Examples
Ella interpreta lo que dice el presidente en la conferencia.
She interprets what the president says at the conference.
Interpretar vs. Traducir
Use 'interpretar' for spoken translation and 'traducir' for written translation.
Don't use for books
Mistake: “Él interpretó el libro al inglés.”
Correction: Él tradujo el libro al inglés. Books are written, so use 'traducir'.
behr-TEHRbeɾˈteɾ
Examples
El experto vertió sus opiniones sobre el cambio climático.
The expert voiced his opinions on climate change.
Se han vertido muchas críticas sobre el nuevo proyecto.
Many criticisms have been voiced regarding the new project.
Figurative Language
Just like in English we say someone 'poured' their heart out, in Spanish, 'verter' can describe thoughts or words flowing out from a person.
Traducir vs. Interpretar
The most frequent error is using 'traducir' when 'interpretar' is needed for live, spoken communication. Remember: 'traducir' is for text or general conversion, while 'interpretar' is specifically for real-time, oral interpretation.
Related Translations
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