In the hyperconnected world we live in, information travels at the speed of light. However, no matter how globalised communication has become, not all information flows automatically between cultures and languages.This is where the translator comes into play. But… what does being a translator really involve?
With digitalisation and the internationalisation of business, translation and interpreting services are more in demand than ever. Whether for study, work, closing business deals or launching a global campaign, having professionals who can ensure clear and precise communication is key.
In this article, we explain what a professional translator actually does, the skills they need to develop, the training that is recommended, and why this role is so important in our global, digital society.
What do people need to become a professional translator?
- What does a translator do?
- Skills needed to be a translator
- Linguistic and cultural mastery
- Analytical and text comprehension skills
- Research and documentation
- Organisation, time management and multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Writing and summarising skills
- Knowledge of technological tools
- Subject specialisation
- Being independent, curious and resilient
- Studies to become a translator
- Degree in Translation and Interpreting
- Is it essential to study translation to be a translator?
- The next step? Rely on professionals
What does a translator do?
Translation professionals are language experts, responsible for conveying written messages from one language to another. In general, they tend to specialise and work with two or three languages, including their mother tongue along with one or two foreign languages, although some professionals master a greater number of languages.
Usually, translators work from a source language into their native language. That does not mean they can afford not to master the foreign languages they work with, as complete fluency in all working languages is essential.
Therefore, the main goal of any professional translator is to convey the original message fluently. In this respect, they provide the information in line with the parameters observed in the original version, that is, respecting the style, ideas, and facts provided by the author.
Skills needed to be a translator
So, what is really needed to become a professional translator? Although speaking several languages is an important foundation, it is not enough.
A knowledge of languages is only the starting point. To work as a professional translator, you need far more than the ability to speak a foreign language: you must master it, understand its culture, adapt its tone and convey its message accurately. Below are the essential skills every translator must develop to excel in this profession:
Linguistic and cultural mastery
A translator must have an impeccable command of their native language, with excellent spelling, grammar, style and syntax. They must also be able to adapt the tone and register of the text according to the context and target audience. Unsurprisingly, a deep knowledge of the source language is also required, including vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, nuances and cultural references.
In addition, understanding the culture, customs and social background of the countries involved is crucial to achieving an accurate and effective translation.
Analytical and text comprehension skills
A translator must analyse texts on multiple levels: macrotextual (overall structure) and microtextual (lexis, morphology, syntax, style). They must also identify the type of text, its communicative aims and the conventions specific to each genre.
Research and documentation
Finding reliable and accurate information is an essential part of the daily work. Knowing how to use glossaries, dictionaries, databases, corpora and technical resources is key to producing an accurate translation. Intellectual curiosity and a constant desire to learn make all the difference.
Organisation, time management and multitasking
Punctuality is essential: translators must meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. It is common to work on several projects at the same time, so discipline, focus and good planning are essential.
Attention to detail
A small mistake can completely change the meaning of a text. That is why attention to detail and strong concentration are indispensable allies.
Writing and summarising skills
It is not enough to understand the original message. It must be recreated clearly, fluently and adapted to the new language. The ability to write in different styles, tones, and registers, as well as to summarise without losing accuracy, is vital.
Knowledge of technological tools
Using computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, editing software, desktop publishing software and quality control tools is part of the daily routine. Keeping up to date with technological developments in the industry is an important competitive advantage.
Subject specialisation
To translate technical, legal, scientific or medical texts, specific training in those areas is essential. In addition, it is necessary to stay updated on new terminology and developments in the relevant field.
Being independent, curious and resilient
Being a translator means working under pressure, solving unforeseen problems and adapting quickly. Creativity, self-study ability and an entrepreneurial spirit are also highly valued qualities in this profession.
Studies to become a translator
To work as a translator, whether freelance or within a translation agency, training is a fundamental pillar. There are different paths into this career, but all require developing solid linguistic skills and technical knowledge to work with accuracy, fluency and specialisation.
Degree in Translation and Interpreting
This is the most direct, comprehensive and recommended route to becoming a professional translator. This degree trains students in the specialised use of several languages from every angle to ensure rigorous, high-quality translations. During the course, students study areas such as:
- Applied linguistics and translation theory
- Terminology management and documentation
- Cultural knowledge associated with each working language
- Sector-specific computer tools (CAT tools)
- Professional ethics and codes of conduct
- Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting techniques
In general, work is carried out with three languages:
- Language A (mother tongue)
- Language B (first foreign language)
- Language C (second foreign language)
Students can also specialise in specific areas such as legal, literary, technical, economic, audiovisual or medical translation, depending on their interests and professional profile.
Is it essential to study translation to be a translator?
Although the Degree in Translation and Interpreting is the ideal route, it is not the only one. Many translators come from other disciplines such as law, engineering, philology or science. In these cases, in-depth knowledge of a specific subject area, combined with later training in translation, can be a great advantage. A professional with another university degree may opt for:
- A master’s degree or postgraduate course in translation. This allows them to specialise in a specific area of translation (such as legal, scientific or audiovisual translation) and acquire the necessary tools to work professionally.
- Continuous or self-study learning: There are numerous online courses, workshops, certifications and specialised resources that provide practical experience, especially if you already have a good command of languages.
In short, the key is to have a balanced combination of linguistic skills, technical knowledge in your area of specialisation and practical translation abilities.
The next step? Rely on professionals
If you need to have content translated professionally and with no margin for error, the safest option is to place your trust in an established translation agency. Why? Because such agencies bring together a multidisciplinary team of native translators, specialised in different subject areas and with expert command of technological tools that ensure accuracy, quality and consistency.
