Tools for interpreters: Numerizer

tools for interpreters
Get your numbers right with numerizer

When searching for material to practice big numbers for my interpreting training, I came across a fairly useful site called numerizer created by Anton Klevansky, who is a professional Russian conference interpreter member of AIIC. According to the the tool’s creator:

“Numerizer was designed for (future) interpreters and language learners by a professional interpreter with the aim of providing an unlimited source of challenging exercises, such as: jotting down every number in a sequence; shadowing (repeating after the speaker, first being just one number behind the original, then progressively trying to lag further behind); simultaneous or consecutive interpreting.”

Numerizer 1.0.2 beta has features that enable you to choose from several languages and accents, select the pace at which you would like to hear the rendering and set the amount of numbers to generate as well as the minimum and the maximum values.

The languages included are English US, English UK, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), and Chinese (Cantonese).

Note: there seems to be a glitch that does not allow you to set a minimum to a number smaller than 10 000 or a maximum over 999 999 999.

I hope you find this tool useful and have fun with your practice.

Happy interpreting!

Dos and Don’ts of translating a text into a different language [Guest Post]

Best practices in translation
Text translation – how to get it right

[Guest post]

So you’re finally choosing to embark on a worldly skill. Writing in a foreign language is no easy feat — that’s for sure. But it doesn’t mean you can’t do it. However, if you find yourself having a difficult time, then it’s your best option to outsource or seek help from qualified professionals around you.   

Here are some dos and don’ts on how to go about translating text into a different language:  

Major Do: Hire A Professional

This is the best and will always be the first choice for people who need translation services. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the ideal choice for you is to hire a freelance professional translator. They have their own language expertise, so make sure to interview them firsthand regarding their experience. Don’t forget to ask for samples from them to see how they work and if their output meets your standard. 

If you can afford to pay more, you may opt to hire global translation companies then. This is because they may be more reliable and stable. Unlike freelancers, you can easily track them down if there are problems with their translation services. The only downside to this, however, is their expensive fees. 

Keep in mind that most professional translation agencies have a minimum fee. For instance, some require you to at least have 500 words so you can get their services. If you go below this number, you still have to pay the amount for the 500 words. 

Regardless of the extra funds you need to shell out, remember that the most reliable translations come from professional language service providers. This is true, especially if you need help with website translation, legal translation or other types of translations that can only be done by a certified professional. So, the investment would be worth it. 

Slight Don’t: Use Translation Tools

You could consider investing in a high-quality translation software or application that would give you the best results there is to give. This would ensure that you are always on-the-go for work, so you’d never miss out on opportunities.

Although, tread with caution as these apps can still give you slightly inaccurate results that can jeopardize your reputation and connections because of a weirdly-worded message. In the end, it is always better to rely on professionals, whether a freelance translator or a language service provider, to ensure a correct and accurate translation.

Major Don’t: Use Free Translation Tools 

For quick, informal searches like figuring out what your friend or what your subtitle-lacking Korean movie character just said, sure, you could use free translation tools. 

But if you’re on the job to translate, avoid these free translation tools at all costs because you’re bound to getting majorly inaccurate results. This is because these translation tools usually ignore the tone of voice and are based on the most common, word-for-word translations out there.

If you make the mistake of relying on generic translations, you may also run the risk of confusing synonyms and overlooking cultural sensitivities.



Keep calm signs for interpreters

Keep calm and interpret
Keep calm signs for interpreters

See this cartoon in Spanish.

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Hi there! I’m currently completing my first year of training to become a professional interpreter — a pending subject I’ve had for so long is now becoming a dream come true. I love interpreting as much as translating, but when I’m not actually doing it and I start analyzing carefully what it entails to be a good interpreter I sometimes panic. Your brain is one of your biggest assets and allies, but it can also become your worst enemy. If you start overthinking it, your own thoughts can get in the way of the message the speaker is conveying and you are trying to get across in the target language. So many times, you should simply relax and worry about one utterance at a time.

Happy interpreting!

Send this card to your fellow interpreters to support them on their amazing job and remind them to keep relaxed.

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(once you buy it you will receive it in your inbox with no watermarks).


10 Things You Should Never Say to a Translator

Things you should never say to a translator
10 things you should never say to a translator

[Guest Post]

As the world becomes more connected, interactions between people from different cultures, whether that be at school, at work or as part of daily life, are increasing. As a result of this, the translation industry is growing at an unprecedented rate and consequently, so are the number of translators!

Many times you might say to your translator, “you’re a life-saver” or “you are irreplaceable” or “I couldn’t have completed that business deal without you”, which are all great to hear. But here are a few things you perhaps shouldn’t say if you want to keep your translator sweet!

1. I just had my secretary write a 70-page document, can you quickly proofread it for me?

First of all, there’s nothing ‘quick’ about 70-pages. It’s easy for people to undermine a translator’s ability by assuming proofreading or translating a document is a walk in the park. What many fail to understand is that it takes years of learning, practice and commitment to become a good translator, and even at your best, you may still lose an hour of your day researching the perfect translation of a single word.

2. You are a translator, right? What does (insert random word with no context) mean?

Sure, translators are very skilled (almost superhuman may we add!) but that doesn’t mean they can translate every single language on Earth! Additionally, many languages, including English, have words with multiple meanings. We can guarantee that a translator’s first response to a question such as this would be “what’s the context?”

3. I took French in high school and was looking for some work on the side, could you help me get into the industry?

We understand. It’s natural for people to think that all it takes to become a translator is basic knowledge of a language, but being a translator is so much more than that. It’s one thing being able to understand what someone has said in a foreign language, but being able to convey that in another is a form of art. Plus, if everyone who took French in high school became a translator, why are some earning up to $100 an hour?

4. What! So you translate from home? Is that an actual job?

Yes, it is. Do you think there’d be a multi-billion dollar translation industry otherwise?

5. Wait, what? $(fill in the blank) for a job that will literally take a few hours to translate? I’ll use Google Translate instead!

Translators hear this many times over the course of their careers and it’s never nice to feel like your time and abilities are being undermined. But, again, a multi-billion dollar translation industry wouldn’t exist if Google Translate were accurate. Give it a go, we guarantee you’ll be back! 

6. There’s no way it can take that long! I needed this yesterday! It’s only 25 pages long, a day is surely more than enough. 

Translation is not an easy job, and sometimes it can take a long time. If translation were merely swapping words from one language to another then hey, it would be easy (and even Google Translate could do a good job). It’s not, though. It involves assessing the context, understanding the background of a word or phrase, maintaining a tone, localising a concept… the list goes on. And it’s for this reason that it takes about an hour to translate a one page document. So, yes, perhaps a day would be enough if they don’t eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, have a life etc.

7. So, I had my friend look over the document you translated. She speaks French and doesn’t think it’s very good. 

If you have a friend, aunty, cousin, grandpa that you wholly trust to do your translation work for you, then why seek the services of a professional? Enough said!

8. We need you to translate a super confidential document and can only send it after we agree a price. How much will you charge?

Think of this from a practical perspective: how is a translator supposed to assess the scope of the work if they can’t see the document? This is like asking a landscaper to transform your garden, but not letting them see it first. A 300-word translation of a contact form is very different to the translation of a 300-word document on ventilation cowls for the upward discharge of hot air in sustainable buildings…

9. I need you to maintain the formatting in this scanned JPEG file I’m sending you to translate.

A language is a hard enough skill to learn without having to understand the ins and outs of graphic design. They are two completely separate jobs and should be treated as such. If you’re lucky enough to come across a translator willing to do both, you should expect them to ask to be compensated accordingly. Otherwise, hire a graphic designer to either create an editable copy of the file in the first instance, or ask them to amend the formatting once the translation has been completed. 

10. Can you please give me a quote to translate my website www.(ridiculousnumberofpages).com?

Typically, website translations are high-volume, so make sure you have a high budget! Don’t expect a translator to spend hours of their day clicking through URL by URL trying to figure out the content to translate just for you to refuse their quote. Help them out by sending a list of the URLs to be translated, or even better, export the content into an Excel file.

To conclude,

Be kind. Avoid demeaning comments, unrealistic expectations, and be courteous to your translator. It’s by no means an easy job, even for the most skilled of translators.

On the other hand, if you are a translator, try to remain calm and positive. Most of these questions are due to not fully understanding the true cost of a quality translation. Eventually, you will find it pretty funny and get a good laugh out of it!

Find out more on Espresso Translations translation services.



The Negative Impact of Bad Translation

Sign for translators about typos
Sign for translators warning them about typos

[Guest post]

You may have already seen poorly translated texts or images posted on social media, celebrities’ tattoos, or even in recurring comedy segments in television shows. It is truly hilarious when certain words are translated into a different language that does not imply its actual definition. But more than you know, bad translations can actually result in severe consequences.

What are the Negative Impacts of Poor Translation?

To many professionals, receiving certified translation services can sometimes be an afterthought. Many are now utilizing machine translation software that is often incapable of producing accurate results. It’s important to understand that the impact of bad translation goes beyond funny jokes. It can lead to massive humiliation, failure of businesses, medical malpractice, and more.  

Negative Impact on Business

When engaging in a foreign business, you must present yourself and the company in the best way possible. One way you can do that is by making sure that all your documents are prepared and translated respectfully and accurately. Otherwise, the company may be deemed unprofessional and incompetent. More so, bad translation may also come across as offensive to potential clients if the cultural aspects, for instance, are not given proper consideration.  

Once the industry perceives the company as unprofessional, it will be very likely that other foreign accounts will not want to do business with you. You will lose deals that can potentially turn the company into success. Moreover, once the incident spreads like wildfire, customers may also feel uncomfortable supporting a company that disrespects other people’s cultural backgrounds.

Poor translations can damage a company’s reputation. And it’s important to understand that such mistakes are something you can have control over. Protecting your business and brand should be a top priority, as negative publicity can potentially lead your business into bankruptcy.   

Not only that, but your company can also get in conflict with the law as lousy translations can provide misleading and damaging information. Poor translations of documents may also lead to increased expenses, as misinformation often leads to poor decisions. Correct and accurate translation steers proper understanding, and without it, you can’t make plans relevant to the company’s progress.   

Negative Impact on Medicine

Doctors, nurses, and medical staff need to obtain correct information as mistranslated documents can lead to harmful consequences that could potentially harm their patients. Professional medical translation is vital in ensuring the best possible care is given to the people. 

The medical staff needs accurate guidance when understanding medical device manuals, medical records, and clinical reports. Without proper translation, they can potentially give medicine that can trigger patients’ conditions or prevent them from performing needed surgeries or additional care.   

In giving health details, agreements and contracts, proper translation allows the patients to make informed decisions. The medical staff will also need accurate translation to make crucial decisions for their patients’ care and avoid medical malpractice. 

Essential documents must be accurately translated and reflect the source language’s original intent, tone, definition, content, and cultural cues. Situations of incorrect translation are more than the memes you see on the internet; it can lead to miscommunication and damage people’s lives.

Deadline definition

Deadlines in the lives of translators

Deadlines are present 24/7 in translators’ lives

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Translators usually organize their lives according to their upcoming deadline so when talking to someone else they would always arrange for whatever activity to happen after their upcoming deadline. Most likely, after their upcoming deadline, there will hopefully be a new upcoming deadline so whatever extra activity will never happen. That is their luck.
Take five in between deadlines to have some fun and smile.
#staysafe #staymotivated #stayhealthy #stayfun

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Send this card or any card on Translator Fun’s archive to add some fun to your colleagues’ routine.

You can see some other available cards here.








5 Best Immigration Policies Around the Globe (guest post)

5 best immigration policies around the globe

A freelance translator at the airport

[Guest post]


Why do people immigrate?


  • To seek asylum
  • To benefit from better healthcare
  • To rise from poverty
  • To live with relatives
  • To live with a loved one

Factors to consider when immigrating


  1. Number of immigrants allowed per year 
  2. Languages spoken
  3. Duration of stay needed for permanent residency
  4. Anti-discrimination laws
  5. Healthcare laws

Countries with the Best Immigration Policies


1. Canada


  • Yearly immigrant count: approximately 300,000
  • Language: English

2. New Zealand


  • Yearly immigrant count: approximately 50,000
  • Language: English
  • Duration of stay needed for permanent residency: 2 years

3. Finland


  • Yearly immigrant count: approximately 30,000
  • Language: Finnish
  • Duration of stay needed for permanent residency: 4 years

4. Australia


  • Yearly immigrant count: approximately 500,000
  • Language: English
  • Duration of stay needed for permanent residency: 4 years

5. Germany


  • Yearly immigrant count: approximately 400,000
  • Language: German
  • Duration of stay needed for permanent residency: 5 years






3 Tips on How to Write a Translation-Friendly Content

Tips on how to write translation-friendly content

tips for translation clients

[Guest post]

Translation is now a part of effective marketing. This is very true in a digitally emerging world, which contributed to the pressure to reach customers worldwide. While we know that it is tempting to use your favorite poetical grammar structure and idioms, putting them will become a great hindrance to achieving quality translations. The last thing you want is an inefficient translation, which could cause a huge mess for your business.

Here are three tips on how to write a translation-friendly content:


  • Keep Your Sentences Short


Do you believe in the famous saying that “Simplicity is the key?”. Well, this applies as the first step towards writing a translation-friendly content. You must keep your sentences short as the longer sentences are much more challenging to translate. You don’t want to have clunky and unnatural translations, right? If yes, then keep your sentences into having a maximum of 20 words. Doing so will increase the clarity of your sentences.  

Keep in mind that sentence length is one of the most critical factors for readability. Furthermore, writing simpler sentences with highfalutin words ensures that your content is more easily understood across all languages. So, you must keep your sentences short and sweet!


  • Be Consistent


We know that you may think that the shorter the sentences you used, the more consistent it is already. However, there are more techniques to write more consistently than this. First and foremost: do not fluff! Avoid the use of recurring sentences, especially if you have a target number of words to meet. But, if it is unavoidable, make use of transition sentences and keep the wording and grammatical structure as uniform as possible. The familiar format will make it easier for your audience to read it better and faster. 

Moreover, by being consistent, the translation will be cheaper on your part! Most global translation services incentive this by using translation memories. Just so you know, this is a tool that automatically searches and reuses words, sentences, and entire texts that it has already translated. Smaller portions or segments are easier to match and translate so it can save you money!


  • Make Sure That Your Content is Error-Proof


The content that you created should be reviewed by yourself first. Check for any errors or possible revisions that can take your content to the best version it can be before sending it to translators. 

This will guarantee that the translation done on your content will not have any errors. You must always remember to check your work first, even if your deadline is coming soon. 

If you want your work to be translated so that it will not compromise the meaning of the message you want to convey, you should always review your original content. Include proofreading in your workflow to ensure the correctness of your content. 

Something to Think About

Writing a translation-friendly content will be very helpful, especially if you are establishing your brand for another market. This ensures that your brand will be well-known through understandable and easy-to-read content!







Signs you are adapting well to the new normal imposed by COVID-19

COVID-19 for translators


See this cartoon in Spanish

Hi there! We are still struggling with COVID-19 and how it is affecting everyone’s lives. In these challenging times, here is a friendly and humorous reminder to keep safe, observe the recommendations by recognized health organizations, and keep a positive mindset while we face the new normal.

Separated but together we will be able to go through this. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay at home, and stay fun.

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Send this card to your fellow translators and beloved ones as an encouragement to stay safe and at home. Buy Now Button Purchase code COVID-19.4 (once you buy it you will receive it in your inbox with no watermarks).


How COVID-19 is affecting freelance translators’ dress code

How COVID-19 affects translators' dress code

Freelance translators’ dress code has also been affected by COVID-19

See this cartoon in Spanish

COVID-19 is affecting people’s lives dramatically and translators are no exception. In these uncertain times, here is a friendly and humorous reminder to keep safe, observe the recommendations by recognized health organizations, and wear a mask if you “ever” go out.


Buy Now Button Purchase code COVID-19.3 (once you buy it you will receive it in your inbox with no watermarks).

