Definition

A type of translation where a word or phrase is translated literally into another language, often by using equivalent words from the source language.

Example

The term 'skyscraper' is a calquing of the French term 'gratte-ciel'.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of calquing in language studies?

Yeah, it's when you translate words directly, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how languages borrow from each other through calquing.

I find it fascinating — it shows how interconnected languages really are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To create a word or phrase in one language by directly translating the components of a word or phrase from another language.

Example

The term 'skyscraper' is a calquing of the French word 'gratte-ciel'.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about calquing in language studies?

Yeah, it's when you translate a phrase directly from one language to another, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how languages influence each other through calquing.

Root Explanation

Calquing is derived from the French word 'calque', which means a copy or imitation. The term 'calque' itself comes from the verb 'calquer', meaning to trace or to copy. The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process. Therefore, calquing refers to the process of creating a word or phrase by translating the components of a foreign term into one's own language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calque' as a way to 'copy' or 'trace' a word from another language, and remember that 'calquing' is the action of doing just that.

Visually Confused Words