Definition

Noun: 1. An incorrect translation: A translation that contains errors, inaccuracies, or does not correctly convey the meaning of the original text. This can result from misunderstanding the source language, choosing the wrong equivalent words, or misinterpreting the context.

Usage

The word "mistranslation" is used to describe the product or result of an erroneous translation process. It is a countable noun. * A single error in a translated text can be called a mistranslation. * Multiple errors are mistranslations. * It is often discussed in contexts like literature, legal documents, software localization, and academic research.

Examples

• The user manual was confusing due to a critical mistranslation of a technical term.
• Historians found several mistranslations in the early edition of the ancient text.
• The diplomatic incident was caused by a mistranslation in the official statement.
• She apologized for the mistranslation in her published article.

Advanced Usage

• "To be riddled with mistranslations": Describes a text containing many translation errors.
  • The first draft of the software interface was riddled with mistranslations.
• "A glaring mistranslation": Refers to an error that is very obvious and serious.
  • The subtitle contained a glaring mistranslation that completely changed the joke's meaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Mistranslate (verb): To translate incorrectly.
  • The interpreter accidentally mistranslated the question.
• Mistranslator (noun): A person who makes incorrect translations (less common).

Synonyms

• Incorrect translation
• Translation error
• Erroneous translation

Antonyms

• Accurate translation
• Correct translation
• Faithful translation

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Lost in translation: An idiom describing how nuance or meaning can be lost or altered when moving from one language to another, which can be a cause or result of a mistranslation.
  • The poem's beauty was sadly lost in translation.
• Translation blunder: A more informal term for a serious or embarrassing mistranslation.

Noun

1. an incorrect translation