mistranslate

[ mis-trans-leyt, -tranz-, mis-trans-leyt, -tranz- ]

verb (used with or without object)

, mis·trans·lat·ed, mis·trans·lat·ing.

1. to translate incorrectly.

Other Words From

• mistrans·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mistranslate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; mis- ¹ + translate

Example Sentences

In 2014, Japanese man Dorian Nakamoto was pursued by reporters who thought he was the elusive Bitcoin creator, but it proved to be false lead caused by some mistranslated information.

From BBC

But he insists the words he used in the Bashkir language mean "poor people" and were mistranslated into Russian.

From BBC

The line identifying the member of the Royal Family isn't in the English text, so it hasn't been mistranslated.

From BBC

In “The Life Assignment,” you first write in Spanish, and at times you mistranslated into English, how and why did you take that approach?

From Los Angeles Times

Ruhl’s plays are sometimes mistranslated from page to stage — rendered less poetic than they are, and more earthbound.

From New York Times

Related Words

• distort
• exaggerate
• misinterpret
• misread
• misunderstand
• pervert