A method based on translating text word-for-word from the source language to the target language without altering the original structure or meaning.
Literal translation preserves the exact wording but can often lead to awkward or unnatural phrasing in the target language. While literal translation is useful for technical documents or legal texts where precision is paramount, it’s not always suitable for creative, marketing, or user-facing content, where context and tone are important.
In translation and localization, relying solely on literal translation can result in content that feels stiff, unrefined, or confusing to the target audience. It’s often difficult to maintain the natural flow of language or preserve idiomatic expressions through this approach. Literal translation can miss cultural nuances, humor, and other subtleties, which are essential for connecting with readers in different regions. Understanding when to apply literal translation versus more flexible approaches is crucial for effective communication across languages.
Localization tools such as Localazy help translators avoid the pitfalls of literal translation by providing context and enabling more adaptive, natural translations.