Common translation terms

A sworn statement that may be required for court proceedings or official use. The Certificate of Translation Accuracy included with a certified translation is a type of affidavit.

A specialized certificate issued by the secretary of state or the U.S. Department of State, depending on the origin of the document. It authenticates the signature on a document so it can be accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. See our apostille guide for more details.

The American Translators Association (ATA) is the largest professional association of translators and interpreters in the U.S. RushTranslate has been a corporate member of the ATA since 2015.

The process of translating a document that has already been translated into another language back into its original language. Often used for quality assurance or legal validation.

A word-for-word human translation of a document delivered on RushTranslate letterhead, accompanied by a signed and stamped Certificate of Translation Accuracy. Commonly required by USCIS, universities, courts, and various levels of government. See more about certified translations.

An assessment of academic or professional credentials earned in one country to determine their U.S. equivalency. Often required for immigration, employment, or education. See our credential evaluation guide for more.

The process of calculating the value of one currency in terms of another, such as converting dollars to euros. Currency values fluctuate, so conversion rates vary over time.

The process of reformatting a translated document to closely match the layout and appearance of the original. Often used for brochures, forms, and certificates.

A file format that allows the client to make changes to the document. Common editable formats include Word (DOCX) and text (TXT). In contrast, PDFs and JPGs are typically non-editable.

An optional service that speeds up the delivery time of a translation, usually cutting turnaround time by approximately 50%. The order is prioritized and may involve extended translator hours.

The type of file used for a document, such as DOCX, PDF, JPG, or TXT. Some formats are editable while others are not.

A list of preferred terms and their translations used to maintain consistency across a translation project. Often supplied by clients with industry-specific or brand-specific terminology.

A physical printout of the certified translation, including wet ink signatures, shipped to the client with tracking.

A professional who converts spoken words from one language to another in real time. Used in settings like courtrooms, hospitals, and conferences.

A process used to validate documents for countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Typically involves authentication through an embassy or consulate.

Translation performed by software, such as Google Translate. Fast but lacks the accuracy, nuance, and context provided by human translators.

Someone who speaks a language as their first language. Human translations are generally performed into the translator’s native language to ensure fluency and natural expression.

The certification of the translator’s signature on the Certificate of Translation Accuracy by a notary public. Provides an additional layer of authenticity. See our notarization guide for more.

A translation recognized by a government agency, school, or other institution. In the U.S., this often refers to a certified translation.

For certified translations, one page is defined as 250 words or fewer, including numbers. See our how to count pages guide for more information.

Documentation confirming that a translation is complete and accurate. Typically provided via a Certificate of Translation Accuracy.

The final stage of review in which a translation is checked for grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency before delivery.

The removal or obscuring of confidential or sensitive information in a document prior to translation.

Clients may request revisions after delivery. These requests are reviewed by the translator and implemented if appropriate.

The original document that requires translation. This may be a birth certificate, contract, academic transcript, or other official record.

The file type of the original document submitted for translation. Can include PDFs, Word docs, scanned images, or audio files.

The language in which the original document is written.

A human translation delivered in an editable format for personal or business use. Ideal for employee manuals, contracts, marketing materials, blog posts, and more.

A translation completed and signed by a translator authorized by a government or court to provide legally valid translations. Common outside the U.S.

The language into which the original document is being translated.

A database of previously translated phrases and segments used to ensure consistency and efficiency in ongoing or future translations.

The time between when an order is assigned to a translator and when the completed translation is available for download. Estimates are provided based on document type and complexity. See our translation turnaround times guide for more.

A literal, word-for-word translation that preserves every detail of the original. Often required for legal and official documents.

The total number of words in a document. Determines pricing for standard translations.