μεταφραστής
Lemma: μεταφραστής
Translation: translator; interpreter (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'μεταφράζω' (metaphrazō), meaning 'to translate', which is composed of 'μετά' (meta, 'after', 'beyond', 'with') and 'φράζω' (phrazō, 'to tell', 'to declare'). The word literally means 'one who speaks after/beyond', capturing the essence of translation as carrying meaning across language barriers. The English word 'metaphrase' (a literal translation) shares the same Greek roots.
Example Usage
Χρειαζόμαστε έναν επαγγελματία μεταφραστή για αυτό το έγγραφο.
We need a professional translator for this document.
Εργάζεται ως μεταφραστής στα Ηνωμένα Έθνη.
He works as a translator at the United Nations.
Εργάζεται ως μεταφραστής σε έναν διεθνή οργανισμό.
He works as a translator in an international organization.
Χρειαζόμαστε έναν καλό μεταφραστή για τα νομικά έγγραφα.
We need a good translator for the legal documents.
Ο μεταφραστής πρέπει να γνωρίζει καλά και τις δύο γλώσσες.
The translator must know both languages well.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'meta' (beyond) + 'phrase' (expression) = someone who takes phrases beyond their original language.
- Remember that 'μετα-' sounds like 'meta-' in English (as in metamorphosis) and '-φραστής' contains 'phrase' - a meta-phraser is someone who transforms phrases.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greece, professional translators play an important role in business, tourism, and international relations. With Greece's position in the European Union and its strong tourism industry, translators are in high demand, especially for English, German, and French. Literary translation also has a rich tradition in Greek culture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μεταφραστής' typically refers to someone who translates written text, 'διερμηνέας' specifically refers to an interpreter who translates spoken language in real-time.
Confused word:
Ο διερμηνέας μετέφραζε ταυτόχρονα κατά τη διάρκεια της συνέντευξης.
The interpreter translated simultaneously during the interview.
Notes: In practice, the terms sometimes overlap, especially in casual speech, but professionals in the field maintain this distinction.
Mnemonic: Think of 'μεταφραστής' for text (both start with 't') and 'διερμηνέας' for dialogue (both start with 'd').
Explanation: 'Μεταφραστής' means 'translator' while 'μεταφορέας' means 'carrier' or 'transporter'. They look similar but have different meanings.
Confused word:
Ο μεταφορέας παρέδωσε το δέμα στην ώρα του.
The carrier delivered the package on time.
Notes: Both words start with 'μετα-' (meta-) which often indicates change or transfer in Greek.
Mnemonic: 'Μεταφραστής' contains 'φρασ' which sounds like 'phrase', while 'μεταφορέας' contains 'φορ' which sounds like 'for' (carrying something).