Sometimes, word by word translation is not appropriate. It may bring us incorrect translations.

For instance：

The operator panel of press

Someone translated it as: 碾压操作员面板

Although press has the meaning of “碾压”, but for here, this is so horrible.

Actually, we need to judge what on earth does “press” mean?

Since it is listed after the word “of”, it may be a noun, but “碾压” in Chinese is obviously a verb. It’s not appropriate here. Then, we need to judge by the context, trying to find out the real meaning of this word. Then we may come to the correct meaning, that is “压力机”.

Therefore, the appropriate translation might be: 压力机操作面板

Translation such as “碾压操作员面板” will surely bring us incorrect information. In doing translation, we should try to avoid this.

Sometimes, the source English text may not be written by the native speakers, some may be really bad sources. At this time, we need to be more careful. Although word by word translation seems to be more securable, we should try to query for the true meanings.

Let’s see an example:

sensor outlet shear

At the first glance, we may translate it as：传感器出口剪切机

However, it is not logical in Chinese.

The correct on should be: the sensor on the outlet side of the shear，then, the corresponding Chinese is: 剪切机出口侧的传感器

Let’s see another one:

Negative stop advance value

Can you guess out its meaning?

At this time, word by word translation is not appropriate.

We need to find out what really does this source mean?

“Negative stop advance value” means “The value of the negative advance is negative” here.

Then, can you give me the correct translation?

Read Also: The Choice of Word in Translation