noun
confused translation; puzzling translation
Refers to a translation that is confusing, misleading, or hard to understand, often because of poor word choices or misinterpretation. Not a common everyday word, but used in discussions about translation quality.
この映画の字幕には迷訳が多くて、話がよくわからなかった。
There were many confusing translations in the subtitles of this movie, so I couldn't follow the story well.
彼の迷訳のせいで、元の意味がまったく伝わっていない。
Because of his puzzling translation, the original meaning is not conveyed at all.
Compound of 迷 (めい, 'confusion, perplexity') and 訳 (やく, 'translation'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose as a playful or critical term in translation circles, contrasting with 名訳 (masterful translation).