zik6 jik6直譯直译
Jyutpingzik6 jik6
Yalejihk yihk
Definition
To translate literally according to the literal wording or word order.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Often used when criticizing a translation that sounds awkward or unnatural because it follows the source language structure too closely. It is frequently contrasted with 意譯, which focuses on conveying the intended meaning rather than the exact words. When referring to names or technical terms, it specifically implies a phonetic or word-for-word conversion.
Examples
Don't translate this English sentence literally; it sounds more natural if you translate the meaning.
Why did you transliterate the name into Chinese?
Related words
Common phrases
to translate literally into
do not translate literally
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to mean simply translating, but it carries a negative connotation of being robotic or failing to capture the nuance of the original language.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
