BEHIND EVERY WORD: WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GREAT TRANSLATOR
- María Palomares Tarí
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Translation is often seen as simple:
Just swap one word for another, right?
Wrong.
At YOKO, we know that translation is both a skill and a craft — and every polished, professional result hides a thoughtful, detailed process underneath.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing what goes into a great translation (hint: it’s a lot more than Google Translate).
1. Understanding the Purpose 🎯
Before a single word is translated, we ask:
– Who is this for?
– What’s the goal?
– What’s the tone?
– How should it make people feel?
A legal contract isn’t a blog post. A product description isn’t a poem. We adapt accordingly — always.
2. Navigating Cultural Nuances 🌍
Did you know that some phrases just don’t make sense in other cultures? Or that the same word can have wildly different connotations across regions?
That’s why our translators are also cultural experts. We make sure your message feels natural and respectful wherever it lands.
3. Choosing the Right Words (And Leaving Others Out) ✏️
Translation often means making choices. We might need to:
– Change metaphors
– Simplify complex phrasing
– Add explanation, or remove unnecessary details
– Restructure sentences to flow better
All of this while staying true to your voice.
4. Editing, Proofing, and Reviewing 🧠
Yes — we re-read, double-check, and triple-check. Good translation is also good writing. That’s why every Yoko project is reviewed for:
✔️ Clarity
✔️ Accuracy
✔️ Flow
✔️ Style consistency
It’s not just correct — it’s good.
The Result?
A final text that’s more than a translation.
It’s a version of your message that feels like it was born in that language.
✨ At YOKO, we don’t just convert words — we craft communication.
Want to work with a team that treats your message with the care it deserves?
📩 Let’s talk. We’re ready when you are.
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