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.
Means 'verbatim' or 'literal'. Often used in academic or translation contexts. Can sound formal.
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.
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.
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.
I checked the contract word for word.
I translated the document word for word.
Tell me what he said word for word.
Noun meaning 'literal translation'. Often used when contrasting with natural translation.
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.