Differences between translation and interpretation: Which service do you need?

When a company goes international, language can be the bridge or the wall. And that’s where two key services come in: translation and interpreting.

Although they are often used as synonyms, they are two different things. Not understanding the difference can lead you to hire the wrong service, waste time, money and, worst of all, opportunities.

When you have finished reading this, you will know in a clear, practical and straightforward way what the difference between translation and interpreting is, when you need one or the other, and what you should take into account when choosing the right professional.

 

What is translation?

Translation is the process of converting a written text from one language to another. That is, you take something that is in English, for example, and transform it into Spanish… in writing.

Translation examples:

• Technical manuals

• Websites

• Legal contracts

• Product Catalogs

• Books and publications

There is no real-time pressure here. The translator has the possibility to research technical terms and choose the best way to express an idea without betraying the original meaning.

Keys to a good translator:

• Thorough command of both languages (no, it is not enough to speak English “medium level”).

• Knowledge of the specific subject matter (translating a video game is not the same as translating an investment contract).

• Accuracy, consistency and clarity.

 

What is interpretation?

Interpreting, on the other hand, is oral. It occurs in real or near-real time, when a person converts spoken speech from one language to another. Think of international summits where each delegate speaks in his or her own language and interpreters allow everyone to understand each other.

Examples of interpretation:

• International business meetings

• Conferences and live events

• Trials with parties speaking different languages

• Medical care for foreign patients

There is no room to stop, consult Google or check a dictionary. The interpreter has to process, understand and reproduce the message instantly, accurately and fluently.

Keys to a good interpreter:

• Fast mental reflexes

• Excellent short-term memory

• Ability to speak clearly and confidently

• Emotional control (don’t get nervous if the CEO of the company stares at you and even less so if you are in a situation dealing with a person’s health).

 

Key differences between translation and interpretation

Let’s get to the point.

Here is a table summarizing the main differences:

Translation or Interpretation?

Good question.

The answer depends on the context.

You need translation if:

• You have written documents that must be kept true to the original.

• You want to publish content in another language (websites, ebooks, articles, marketing).

• You require accuracy and grammatical correctness.

You need interpretation if:

• You are going to have a meeting with people who do not speak your language.

• You participate in a trade fair, conference or international event.

• You must communicate with a customer, provider or patient in real time.

Think of it this way:

If it’s live, you need interpretation.

If it is a text, translation.

Simple and clear.

 

Types of interpretation (yes, there is more than one)

Within the world of interpretation there are also categories, and each one is not the same. Let’s take a look at the main ones:

Simultaneous interpretation

The interpreter speaks almost at the same time as the speaker.

It is used in congresses, conferences or events with translation booths and headsets.

Consecutive interpretation

The interpreter waits for the speaker to finish a sentence or fragment before translating it.

More common in small meetings or press conferences.

Whispered interpretation (chuchotage)

The interpreter whispers the translation to one or two people, without equipment.

Widely used when only one person needs interpretation in a group.

Telephone or remote interpreting

Ideal for video calls, remote medical care or technical support.

Thanks to technology, you no longer need to be in the same place.

What about machine translation?

Another very good question that is getting bigger and bigger. Google Translate, DeepL or ChatGPT can help you with fast translations, but they are not a professional solution. Why?

• They do not understand cultural nuances.

• They do not distinguish registers (formal/informal).

• They cannot adapt the tone of a text for the specific audience.

• They err on the side of technicalities or double meanings.

A bad translation can ruin your image, make you lose customers or even generate legal problems. So yes, for important things: always human.

What should you ask from a good professional?

In both translation and interpreting, look for someone who not only speaks both languages well, but understands the context. Here are some keys:

• Experience in your sector

• Punctuality and professionalism

• Adaptability

• Good references or portfolio

And if it’s for a live performance, make sure he has nerves of steel. You don’t want him to get stuck just as you’re closing a deal with a Dutch investor.

The impact on your business

Think of it this way: when you use a bad translator or a poorly trained interpreter, you are delivering a half-hearted message. You’re saying, “My company doesn’t care about communicating well with you.”

That breeds distrust. And in business, trust is everything.

A good translation or interpretation, on the other hand, conveys professionalism, attention to detail and respect for the interlocutor. It opens doors, facilitates agreements and builds solid relationships.

Conclusion: language matters, and matters a lot

Translating is not just passing words from one language to another. Interpreting is not just “repeating” what someone says.

Both services require different skills, specific training and great responsibility.

Knowing which one you need in each situation is key to communicate clearly, take care of your professional image and make your way in international markets without linguistic stumbles.

Translation and interpreting are my specialties, I combine both in order to get the best out of them for my client.

It is not an easy job, but thanks to all my experience I can say that I am a professional in this sector. If you want to inquire about me and the services I offer.