翻译
To translate
Littéralement: Flip over and interpret
Use `翻译` whenever you need to bridge a language gap, whether professionally or just for fun.
En 15 secondes
- Use it as a verb to translate or a noun for translator.
- Works for both spoken words and written text in any setting.
- Add 'yīxià' after it to sound more casual with friends.
Signification
This is the go-to word for turning one language into another. Whether you are reading a book or asking a friend to help you understand a menu, this is your magic word for 'translate'.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Asking a friend for help with a menu
你能帮我翻译一下菜谱吗？
Can you help me translate the menu for a second?
Introducing your job at a party
我是一名英文翻译。
I am an English translator.
In a formal business meeting
请把这份合同翻译成中文。
Please translate this contract into Chinese.
Contexte culturel
Historically, translation in China was a sacred task, especially for bringing Buddhist texts from India. In modern times, the rise of 'Chinglish' has made the word a frequent topic of humor and debate on social media. It represents the bridge between China's ancient traditions and its role as a global superpower.
The 'One-Character' Shortcut
In very casual speech, you can just say `翻` (fān). For example, `我翻不动了` means 'I can't translate anymore (I'm tired).'
Don't confuse with Interpreting
While `翻译` covers both, if you want to sound like a pro, use `口译` (kǒuyì) for live speaking and `笔译` (bǐyì) for writing.
En 15 secondes
- Use it as a verb to translate or a noun for translator.
- Works for both spoken words and written text in any setting.
- Add 'yīxià' after it to sound more casual with friends.
What It Means
翻译 (fānyì) is a versatile word that covers both the act of translating text and the person doing the job. Think of it as 'flipping' the meaning from one side to another. It is simple, direct, and used every single day in China.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb: 'Can you 翻译 this for me?' Or as a noun: 'I am a 翻译.' It is very flexible. Usually, you place the languages around it. For example, 'A 翻译 into B.' Just remember to put the object after the verb, like 翻译这首歌 (translate this song). It is as easy as ordering a latte.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a language gap. Use it at a business meeting when you need an interpreter. Use it when you are showing a funny meme to a Chinese friend. It is perfect for travel, work, and school. If you are stuck at a museum, ask someone to 翻译 the sign. It is a helpful, active word that shows you want to bridge a gap.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are just explaining a concept in the same language. That is 解释 (jiěshì). Also, if you are talking about deep, poetic 'interpretation' of art, this might feel a bit too literal. It is mostly about the switch between languages. Don't use it to mean 'transferring' money either! That will definitely get you some confused looks at the bank.
Cultural Background
In China, 翻译 has a long, prestigious history. Think of the monks who spent decades translating Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit. Today, it is a massive industry. With China's global reach, everyone wants things translated. Being a 翻译 is seen as being a bridge-builder. It is a respected profession that requires a sharp mind and a quick tongue.
Common Variations
You might hear 口译 (kǒuyì) for spoken interpreting. Or 笔译 (bǐyì) for written translation. If you want to be casual, you can say 翻一下 (fān yīxià), which means 'give it a quick translate.' It sounds much more relaxed and less like a homework assignment. Use the casual version with friends to sound like a local.
Notes d'usage
The word is neutral and safe for all situations. Just remember to use 'yīxià' to soften the tone when asking friends for favors.
The 'One-Character' Shortcut
In very casual speech, you can just say `翻` (fān). For example, `我翻不动了` means 'I can't translate anymore (I'm tired).'
Don't confuse with Interpreting
While `翻译` covers both, if you want to sound like a pro, use `口译` (kǒuyì) for live speaking and `笔译` (bǐyì) for writing.
The 'God' of Translators
In China, the most famous translator is Xuanzang. He's the monk from 'Journey to the West'! He's the ultimate cultural hero for translators.
Exemples
6你能帮我翻译一下菜谱吗？
Can you help me translate the menu for a second?
Using 'yīxià' makes the request sound polite and small.
我是一名英文翻译。
I am an English translator.
Here, the word acts as a noun for a profession.
请把这份合同翻译成中文。
Please translate this contract into Chinese.
A standard professional command using the 'A into B' structure.
这个俚语太难翻译了！
This slang is too hard to translate!
Expressing frustration over cultural nuances.
这个软件翻译得太离谱了！
This software's translation is totally ridiculous!
Used to laugh at 'Chinglish' or bad AI results.
我的心意无法用语言翻译。
My feelings cannot be translated into words.
A poetic use of the word to show depth of emotion.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'I need to ___ this email.'
我需要___这封邮件。
You translate (翻译) an email to understand it in another language.
How do you say 'He is a translator'?
他是一个___。
In this context, 翻译 acts as the noun for the profession.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 翻译
Asking a friend to translate a meme.
帮我翻一下？
General use in daily life.
我要翻译这个。
Official documents or professional titles.
首席翻译官
Where to use 翻译
At a Restaurant
Translating the menu items.
In the Office
Translating a business contract.
On Social Media
Translating a funny comment.
At School
Translating a textbook passage.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! It is a general term. You can say 翻译书 (translate a book) or 翻译他的话 (translate his words).
It's both. 我要翻译 (I want to translate) is a verb, while 他是翻译 (He is a translator) is a noun.
You use the structure 把A翻译成B. For example: 把英文翻译成中文.
You can use 翻译官 (fānyìguān) for high-level officials or 译者 (yìzhě) for book authors.
Definitely. You can call it 谷歌翻译 (Gǔgē Fānyì).
You can say 大概翻译一下 (dàgài fānyì yīxià), which means 'just translate the gist of it.'
Not if you use 请 (please) or 帮我 (help me). It's a very common request.
In casual speech, yes. In technical settings, 口译 is specifically for interpreting spoken words.
Metaphorically, yes. You can 'translate' a feeling into a song using 翻译.
Forgetting the 成 (chéng) when saying 'translate into'. Always say 翻译成....
Expressions liées
口译
Interpretation (spoken)
笔译
Translation (written)
解释
To explain
翻一下
To give it a quick translate
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