What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
translate
Example
Can you translate this document from English to Spanish? [translate: verb]
Example
The translator did an excellent job of translating the speech for the audience. [translating: gerund or present participle]
transcribe
Example
I need to transcribe this interview for my research project. [transcribe: verb]
Example
The transcription of the meeting revealed some important details. [transcription: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Translate is more commonly used than transcribe in everyday language, especially in multilingual settings. Transcribe is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, such as research or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between translate and transcribe?
Both translate and transcribe can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, transcribe may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with creating official records or documents.
