Inklingo

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'.

English → Spanish

traducir

tra-doo-SEERtɾaðuˈθiɾ

verbA2General
Use this word when converting written text or spoken words from one language to another, encompassing the most common meaning of 'to translate'.
A friendly person speaking into a headset while looking at two different colorful speech bubbles representing different languages.

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.

interpretar

een-tehr-preh-TARinteɾpɾeˈtaɾ

verbB1General
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.
Two people speaking different languages with a third person in the middle whispering to one of them.

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'.

verter

behr-TEHRbeɾˈteɾ

verbC1Formal/Literary
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.
A person speaking with a colorful speech bubble above them containing a heart and a star.

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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