traducir
/tɾaduˈθiɾ/
The Spanish word for to translate is traducir. If unsure, use traducir. Wiktionary also lists trasladar.
Meaning: to change spoken words or written text from one language to another (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| traducir | /tɾaduˈθiɾ/ /tɾaduˈsiɾ/ |
| trasladar | /tɾaslaˈdaɾ/ |
traducir is the most common and general term used to change spoken words or written text from one language to another.
Which one should you use?
Use traducir for linguistic translation. In contrast, trasladar is used for moving objects, transferring people or conveying an idea or meaning in a more abstract sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb traducir is irregular in the first person singular present indicative, where the c changes to zc to form traduzco. The past participle is traducido, which can be used as an adjective or to form compound tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaduˈθiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using trasladar when you mean linguistic translation. trasladar refers to physical movement or transferring a concept rather than changing languages.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb traducir shares its Latin root, trādūcō, with the English word 'traduce', which means to speak maliciously or falsely about someone.
- The English word 'translation' and the Spanish traducción are cousins to the word 'traffic', both stemming from roots involving 'carrying' or 'leading' across a space.
- If you are moving a text from one format to another, such as from a book to a film, Spanish speakers often use adaptar instead of traducir.
Examples in context
- No voy a traducirlo.I'm not going to translate it.This sentence shows the use of traducir in a negative statement.Tatoeba #10832753 by Seael, translation #10832747 by ddnktr
- Debo traducir las frases.I must translate the sentences.This sentence demonstrates how to use traducir to express necessity.Tatoeba #2098165 by marcelostockle, translation #1217917 by buster_blu
- ¿Me puedes traducir esto?Could you translate this for me?This sentence is a way to ask someone to use traducir for you.Tatoeba #12041355 by JSKabylie15, translation #2609556 by WestofEden
- ¿Puede traducir este documento por favor?Can you translate this document for me?
- ¿Puede traducir este contrato de forma oficial?Can you translate this contract officially?
- Traduce estas instrucciones para que todos puedan entenderlas.Translate these instructions so that everyone can understand them.
- Quiero hacer una traducción de este poema al español.I want to do a translation of this poem into Spanish.
- ¿Puedes pasar al inglés lo que acabo de decir?Can you translate what I just said into English?
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a library working on a project.
- MaríaNecesito traducir este artículo para la clase.I need to translate this article for class.
- AlejandroYo te puedo ayudar a traducir.I can help you translate.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “translate” translations and entries traducir, trasladar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries traducir, trasladar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
