The Difference Between Translator And Interpreter

Liraz Postan

July 25 , 2023 · 4 min

Many potential clients contact interpreters saying they’re looking for a translator, when in fact they’re actually looking for an interpreter.

Many potential clients contact interpreters saying they’re looking for a professional translation expert when in fact, they’re actually looking for an interpreter. Of course, clients call interpreters when they don’t need an interpreter at all – they’re actually looking for a professional translator. Most people involved in machine translation and in the study of language already understand the critical differences between these two fields, but there are many people who use these words interchangeably, which is incorrect. So let’s see what these two areas of linguistics do have in common, and also why they’re so different.

Briefly, though, the easiest way to remember the main difference between these two is that an interpreter deals with the spoken message, while a translator deals with the written language. (learn more about essential translator skills)

What is an Interpreter?

Interpreters are language professionals who specialize in facilitating communication between individuals who speak two languages. They are skilled at interpreting spoken language messages and written text in real time and conveying them accurately and efficiently to the target audience in their native language. Interpreters work in various settings, such as conferences, meetings, legal proceedings, medical appointments, and diplomatic events.

They must consider non-verbal communication and the speaker’s tone, the inflections in the speaker’s voice, gestures, facial expressions, and general body language to better understand the context and provide a precise interpretation of the speaker’s intent.

They need to possess exceptional language proficiency, quick thinking, and cultural awareness to ensure effective communication between parties. Interpreters may use specialized equipment like headphones and microphones in conference settings, and they must be able to interpret conversations simultaneously or consecutively, depending on both the source and context.

What is a Translator?

A translator, on the other hand, is a language expert who focuses on written communication. Their primary role is to translate written content from one language into another while preserving the original meaning and intent. Translators can work on the translation process in a wide range of materials, including books, written documents, websites, marketing materials, technical manuals, and in more than one language.

They have the luxury of time to carefully research and choose the most appropriate words and phrases to ensure a high-quality translation. Translators often use computer-aided translation tools and dictionaries to enhance their efficiency and consistency. Unlike most interpreters, these professional translators will usually work at a slower pace and have the opportunity to revise and perfect key aspects of their translations before delivery.

Similarities between Interpreters and Translators

Both interpreters and translators work with a source language (which is the original language from which they’re working) and a target language.
Both of these professions only work from other languages into their mother tongue (the exception to this rule is a Liaison Interpreter – see below).
They both extract a message from the source language and convey it to their target audience in the target language
Both the interpreter and translator are linguists
Both require certified translation qualifications.

Difference Between an Interpreter and a Translator

Differences between Interpreters and Translators

An interpreter works with the spoken word, whereas a translator works with the written word.
An interpreter is paid either by the hour or by the day, whereas a translator charges on a per-word, per-hour, or per-page basis.
An interpreter may be required to interpret both from and into their mother tongue, such as interpreters doing liaison interpreting for hospitals, police, courts, and so on; while all translators work in their mother tongue.
To a certain degree, translators have time on their side, translator meaning they can use dictionaries and are generally not required to translate on the spot; whereas interpreters aim to be proficient in delivering the message in unison with the original speech, like a live voice-over (known as Simultaneous Interpreting) or immediately afterward (known as Consecutive Interpreting);
The tools a translator uses are entirely different from those of an interpreter. Translators use CAT tools (Computer Aided Translation), dictionaries, and computers; whereas an interpreter may use headphones and a microphone in a booth or a notepad and pen for taking notes – but most importantly, they take with them their memory and their expert knowledge of interpretation.

We trust this brief post has made it easy for people to distinguish key differences between an interpreter and a translator. Basically, the main rule of thumb is that an interpreter is used for the spoken word and a translator is used for the written word. We hope this prevents any future confusion about cultural differences between these two very important linguistic fields.

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