Common translation terms

A written statement sworn or affirmed to be true, often for court proceedings or official use. It differs from a statement that is signed without an oath; check the recipient's instructions if it specifically requests an affidavit.

A certificate issued by the appropriate government authority to authenticate an official signature, seal, or stamp for use under the Hague Apostille Convention. For RushTranslate translations, it authenticates the Kentucky notary's signature on the certified translation's certificate. See our apostille guide.

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.

Translating a previously translated document back into its original language, usually as a separate quality check. Comparing the back translation with the original can help identify differences in meaning.

A complete, word-for-word translation prepared by a professional translator and delivered on RushTranslate letterhead with a Certificate of Translation Accuracy signed and stamped by the translator and RushTranslate. Commonly requested by USCIS, universities, courts, and government agencies. See our certified translation service.

An assessment of qualifications earned outside the United States to determine their U.S. equivalents. An evaluator compares education systems, degrees, or professional credentials; translating the records is a separate service. See our credential evaluation guide.

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 gives an order priority during processing and translator assignment, reducing the standard translation time by approximately 50% on average. The estimate for your order shows the expected translation time with this option.

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 printed copy of a certified translation with a wet-ink signature and stamp from the authorized RushTranslate signer. When notarization is included, the notary also signs and stamps the original hard copy. It is shipped to the customer 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 generated by software, such as Google Translate. Results can miss context, specialized terminology, or subtle differences in meaning, so they need careful review when accuracy matters.

Someone who learned a language as their first language. Professional translators often translate into their native language so they can use familiar phrasing, grammar, and expressions in the finished text.

Authentication of the authorized RushTranslate signer's signature on the Certificate of Translation Accuracy by a notary public. The notary verifies the signer's identity and witnesses the signing, rather than checking the translation's accuracy. See our notarization guide.

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

A billing unit for certified translation based on word count, rather than the number of sheets in the original document. One page covers up to 250 words, including numbers, with a small buffer before another page is charged. See our word and page count guide.

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

A review of a translation's grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. RushTranslate's optional proofreading service adds a second translator's review to help identify errors or wording that needs attention.

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

A change requested after reviewing a translation, such as correcting a name spelling, a factual error, or terminology. The translator reviews the feedback and makes appropriate changes within the original request's scope.

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

The actual file submitted for translation, such as a PDF, Word document, or scanned image. This differs from the source document itself, which may be a paper record that has been scanned or photographed.

The language in which the original document is written.

A translation prepared by a professional translator and delivered in an editable format for personal or business use when a signed certification is not needed. Examples include employee manuals, contracts, marketing materials, and blog posts.

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 text segments and their translations. Translators can reuse or adapt matching segments to keep terminology consistent and avoid translating repeated content from scratch.

The estimated time from assignment to a translator until the translation is ready for review or digital delivery. It depends on the document's length and complexity, the language pair, and translator availability. Approval, notarization, apostilles, and shipping require additional time. See our translation timeline guide.

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

The number of words in a document, including numbers and visible text in stamps, notes, and other parts of the page. It determines per-word pricing for standard translations and the billable page count for certified translations.