Maybe you’ve heard that a good translation, by definition, preserves the meaning, tone, and nuance of the original text while sounding natural in the target language –all good in theory, but what does that really mean?
For example, you may have sent your business email templates out for translation, and a specific line caught your eye, a translation that sounds a little… off.
Your original English text read, “We appreciate your interest in our services. Please let us know if you have any questions or require further assistance.”
The translation provided: “Nosotros apreciamos tu interés en nuestros servicios. Dinos si tienes preguntas o requieres asistencia adicional.”
We can tell you why it sounds off:
- Unnecessary pronoun at the beginning of the first sentence, “Nosotros”
- Formality inconsistent with professional tone of the original
A good translation of those sentences could be: “Agradecemos su interés en nuestros servicios. Por favor, háganos saber si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita más ayuda.”
- Preserves tone and meaning
- Uses natural sentence structure
Here we share some tips of what to watch out for to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Accuracy
- Does it convey the original meaning correctly? Check for any changes or omissions.
- Are technical or specialized terms used appropriately?
Fluency & Naturalness
- Does it read smoothly, as if originally written in the target language? Awkward phrasing can suggest a poor translation.
Pro tip: Get a native speaker of the target language to read the translation, if possible.
- Is the sentence structure appropriate? Literal translations result in unnatural constructions, usually the result of translating word for word or following the source syntax.
Consistency
- Are repeated terms translated the same way throughout? Keep in mind that inconsistent terminology could be confusing for your readers.
Cultural & Contextual Appropriateness
- Are idioms and cultural references adapted effectively? Word-for-word translations might not make sense in the target language.
For example, the expression “It’s raining cats and dogs,” translated literally, would read “Il pleut des chats et des chiens,” which is, when you think of it, probably silly for the unsuspecting French person. The equivalent idiom would be “Il pleut des cordes.” (Literal: “It’s raining ropes.”)
- Does the tone match the original? Translations should align with the original tone (formal vs. informal) and intent.
Grammar & Syntax
- Are there grammatical errors? Even subtle mistakes can lower credibility.
- Does punctuation follow target-language conventions?
Being proactive about it can also help:
- Review the material to be translated; make sure it is complete and correct.
- We encourage getting help at this point from a professional reviewer –make sure that grammar is spotless!
- If you’re sending a PDF file or an image, make sure the content is readable.
- If you have a style guide or established preferences, make this information available to your translators. This will help ensure consistency throughout your communications.
- Select your translation provider carefully. Especially, observe whether they:
- are active listeners – they understand your needs
- exhibit cultural sensitivity – this also means competence or experience in your specific industry
- show equal respect to your source material and to its translation, even providing feedback to improve your content
- are open to collaborating more with you throughout the process
Need help making sure your translations hit the mark?
At Ogma, we don’t just translate. We communicate. Our team of expert linguists and cultural consultants ensures your message is accurate, natural, and aligned with your audience. Whether your content is formal, technical, or creative, we take the time to understand your goals and preserve your voice in every language.
Let’s make your message clear, consistent, and culturally appropriate every time.
Reach out to Ogma today to see how we can help your words connect, no matter the language.
Written by:
Dorian Gray-Sorgin, Lead Translator
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