Translation guide
This guide explains how to express the idea of 'word for word' in Japanese, covering exact repetition, literal translation, and verbatim quoting.
To repeat or reproduce something exactly, without changing any words.
Literally 'one word, one phrase'. Used to emphasize that every single word is included, often in contexts like quoting or memorizing verbatim.
I remember his speech word for word.
Literally 'one character, one phrase'. Similar to 一言一句 but emphasizes written characters. Often used for exact transcription or copying.
Means 'verbatim' or 'literal'. Often used in academic or translation contexts. Can sound formal.
I translated the document word for word.
Means 'as is' or 'exactly as it was'. Can be used to mean 'word for word' in casual contexts, but is broader in meaning.
To translate each word individually, often resulting in unnatural output.
Noun meaning 'literal translation'. Often used when contrasting with natural translation.
When you want to express that something is translated 'word for word', using 直訳 or 逐語訳 is fine. But when you actually translate, avoid doing it word for word, as it often leads to unnatural Japanese.
I checked the contract word for word.
Tell me what he said word for word.
If you translate this word for word, it doesn't make sense.
More technical term for 'word-for-word translation'. Used in linguistics or translation studies.
Word-for-word translation often results in unnatural sentences.
Verb phrase meaning 'to translate word by word'. More descriptive and casual.
Don't translate word for word; think about the overall meaning.