SINCE 1828
mistranslate
verb
mis·trans·late
| \ ˌmis-tran(t)s-ˈlāt
, -tranz-; -ˈtran(t)s-ˌlāt, -ˈtranz-\
, -tranz-; -ˈtran(t)s-ˌlāt, -ˈtranz-\
mistranslated;
mistranslating
Definition of mistranslate
: to translate (something) incorrectly
I have often observed an inquiry by an American slightly mistranslated into Japanese and the Japanese answer then in turn mistranslated.— Edwin O. Reischauer
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on mistranslate
What made you want to look up mistranslate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share mistranslate
Resources for mistranslate