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mistranslation

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɪstrænˈsleɪʃən/

KK: /ˌmɪstrænˈsleɪʃən/

noun
Definition

A translation that is not correct or accurate, often leading to misunderstandings or errors in meaning.


Example

The document was full of mistranslations that confused the readers.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about that mistranslation in the new movie subtitles?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw some people complaining online about it.
Sloth A
It's funny how a small mistake can change the whole meaning, right?
Sloth B
Absolutely! It makes you appreciate accurate translations even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
misinterpretation
error
mistake
Antonyms
accuracy
correctness
precision
Root Explanation

Mistranslation → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or badly) and "translation" (from Latin "translatio", meaning to carry across). The word refers to the act of carrying across meaning incorrectly or wrongly translating something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrong and 'translation' meaning carrying across meaning. This helps you remember that mistranslation refers to carrying meaning across incorrectly.

Visually Confused Words
translation
transvolation
translocation
translational
strangulation
retranslation
transaction
misrelation
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