free translation; semantic translation; paraphrase
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to translate freely according to the general meaning of the original text; to paraphrase
Contrasts with 直译 (literal/word-for-word translation). Emphasizes conveying the spirit and overall meaning rather than exact lexical correspondence.
This poem is difficult to translate literally; it can only be rendered by paraphrase.
Free translation can often better convey the artistic mood of the original text.
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When translating idioms, free translation is usually required rather than literal translation.
verb
to translate according to meaning rather than sound; semantic translation
Contrasts with 音译 (transliteration/borrowing based on sound). Used when translating concepts where the meaning is prioritized over phonetic resemblance.
'Diànhuà' is a semantic translation of 'telephone,' while 'Délǜfēng' is a transliteration.
Many technical terms adopt semantic translation rather than transliteration.
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'Computer' is a semantic translation; 'jìsuànjī' is also a semantic translation.