μετάφραση
Lemma: μετάφραση
Translation: translation; interpretation; version (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'μετάφρασις' (metaphrasis), composed of 'μετά' (meta, meaning 'after', 'beyond', or 'change') and 'φράσις' (phrasis, meaning 'speech' or 'expression'). The word literally means 'carrying over' or 'transferring' meaning from one language to another. The English word 'translation' comes from Latin 'translatio', which has a similar conceptual meaning of 'carrying across'.
Example Usage
Η μετάφραση του βιβλίου στα ελληνικά είναι εξαιρετική.
The translation of the book into Greek is excellent.
Χρειάζομαι μια επίσημη μετάφραση του διαβατηρίου μου.
I need an official translation of my passport.
Η αυτόματη μετάφραση δεν είναι πάντα ακριβής.
Automatic translation is not always accurate.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'meta' (beyond) + 'phrase' (expression) = taking an expression beyond its original language.
- Imagine 'metaphrasing' as reshaping phrases from one language to another.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greece, translation has played a significant role in the country's cultural development, especially during periods of intellectual exchange with other European nations. Today, with Greece's participation in the European Union, translation services are vital for official documents and communications.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μετάφραση' refers to written translation, 'διερμηνεία' specifically refers to oral interpretation or interpreting spoken language.
This word:
Χρειάζομαι μια γραπτή μετάφραση αυτού του εγγράφου.
I need a written translation of this document.
Confused word:
Στο συνέδριο θα υπάρχει διερμηνεία σε πέντε γλώσσες.
There will be interpretation in five languages at the conference.
Notes: In professional contexts, the distinction between translation (written) and interpretation (oral) is important.
Mnemonic: Think of 'μετάφραση' for text (both start with 't') and 'διερμηνεία' for dialogue (both start with 'd').
Explanation: 'Μετάφραση' means translation of language, while 'μεταφορά' means physical transfer or transportation, or can refer to a metaphor in literary contexts.
Confused word:
Η μεταφορά των εμπορευμάτων θα γίνει αύριο.
The transportation of goods will take place tomorrow.
Notes: Both words share the prefix 'μετα-' indicating change or transfer, but in different domains.
Mnemonic: 'Μετάφραση' has 'φρά' in it, which can remind you of 'phrase' - dealing with language; 'μεταφορά' sounds like 'metaphor' in English.