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翻译 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
翻译
fānyì
to translate
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
翻译
fānyì
to interpret
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
翻译
fānyì
translator
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
翻译
fānyì
interpreter
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
翻译
fānyì
translation
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
翻译
fānyì
interpretation
HSK 4, v, 25 strokes, Medium
fānyì(fan1yi4)fan yi T1
1to translate
2to interpret
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March 24, 2026
翻译(翻譯)fānyì(fan1yi4)
翻译 (fān yì) refers to the process of converting text or speech from one language to another. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions involving language studies, international communication, or when seeking help with understanding foreign content.
Strokes25DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
翻译 plays a crucial role in Chinese culture, especially in the context of globalization where language barriers can hinder communication. The rise of translation studies in Chinese universities reflects the country's increasing engagement with the global community.
Memory tip
Imagine a fan (fān) that translates (yì) different languages in a breeze of understanding. The characters 翻 (fān) can be visualized as flipping pages, which is what you do when translating. The second character 译 (yì) reminds you of 'interpret' as it resembles an interpreter working with words.
Meanings of 翻译
fānyì(fan1yi4)
1to translate
2to interpret
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 翻译
翻译Simplified
翻譯Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 翻译
Podcast: 翻译
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AI study notes for 翻译
Quick Contrast
口译 (kǒuyì) vs 笔译 (bǐyì) — choose 翻译 when referring to translation in general, while 口译 specifically denotes oral translation and 笔译 refers to written translation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 翻译, as mispronouncing can change meaning. It is often used in both formal settings, like academic translations, and informal ones, such as casual conversations. Common collocations include '翻译文章' (translate articles) and '翻译软件' (translation software).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 翻译 connects well with other verbs and nouns related to communication and language, such as 说 (to speak) and 读 (to read). Focus on practicing its use in sentences to build fluency and familiarity with similar terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 翻译 with 解释, thinking they are interchangeable when they are not. For example, saying '我需要翻译这句话' (I need to explain this sentence) is incorrect; it should be '我需要解释这句话'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 翻译
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Knowing 翻译 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
翻译 (fān yì) refers to the process of converting text or speech from one language to another. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions involving language studies, international communication, or when seeking help with understanding foreign content.
When to use 翻译
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 翻译, as mispronouncing can change meaning. It is often used in both formal settings, like academic translations, and informal ones, such as casual conversations. Common collocations include '翻译文章' (translate articles) and '翻译软件' (translation software).
翻译 or something close to it
口译 (kǒuyì) vs 笔译 (bǐyì) — choose 翻译 when referring to translation in general, while 口译 specifically denotes oral translation and 笔译 refers to written translation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 翻译 with 解释, thinking they are interchangeable when they are not. For example, saying '我需要翻译这句话' (I need to explain this sentence) is incorrect; it should be '我需要解释这句话'.
Write 翻译
翻
译
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Grammar patterns of 翻译
翻译 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
