통역하다

The Korean verb 통역하다 (tongyeokhada) means 'to interpret' or 'to translate orally'. It specifically refers to the act of conveying spoken messages from one language to another in real-time or shortly after. This is distinct from 번역하다 (beonyeokhada), which means 'to translate' written text. You'll encounter 통역하다 in situations where verbal communication needs to bridge language barriers.

Key Distinction

While 통역하다 is for spoken words, 번역하다 is for written words. Imagine a diplomat speaking at a conference; they need an interpreter (통역사, tongyeoksa). A writer creating a foreign language novel needs a translator (번역가, beonyeokga).

This verb is fundamental in international relations, business negotiations, tourism, and any scenario involving multilingual communication. It highlights the active, real-time process of understanding and re-expressing spoken language.

Contexts for Use

You'll hear or read about 통역하다 in news reports about diplomatic events, descriptions of international conferences or seminars, and discussions about facilitating communication between people who speak different languages. It's also used when describing the job of an interpreter.

The act of interpretation is crucial for smooth cross-cultural interactions. It involves not just linguistic accuracy but also cultural understanding to convey the intended meaning effectively. Whether it's a one-on-one conversation or a large-scale event, 통역하다 plays a vital role.

Professional Roles

The noun form related to 통역하다 is 통역사 (tongyeoksa), meaning 'interpreter'. These professionals are skilled in both languages and often in specific subject matters to ensure accurate interpretation in diverse settings like medical appointments, legal proceedings, or international business meetings.

The verb 통역하다 captures the dynamic and immediate nature of spoken language transfer, making it an essential term for anyone involved in cross-lingual communication.

The verb 통역하다 is conjugated like other regular Korean verbs. It often appears with auxiliary verbs or in different sentence endings to express various nuances. The most common forms you'll encounter are the dictionary form, the present tense, and past tense forms.

Dictionary Form

The base form is 통역하다 (tongyeokhada). This is the form you'll find in dictionaries and is used when referring to the action in a general sense, often in explanations or when the subject and tense are implied.

Present Tense (Informal -아요/어요)

To form the present tense, drop the 다 from 통역하다 to get 통역하. Since the last vowel is ㅏ, we add 아요, resulting in 통역하여요. This is often contracted to 통역해요 (tongyeokhaeyo). This form is used for ongoing actions or general statements in informal settings.

Present Tense (Formal -ㅂ니다/습니다)

For formal situations, use 통역합니다 (tongyeokhamnida). This is formed by adding ㅂ니다 to the stem 통역하.

Past Tense (Informal -았/었)

The past tense informal form is 통역했어요 (tongyeokhaesseoyo). This is formed by taking the present tense 통역했어요 and changing the ending, or more directly, by adding 았어요/었어요 to the stem. Since the last vowel of 통역하 is ㅏ, we add 았어요 to 통역하, which becomes 통역하였어요, contracted to 통역했어요.

Past Tense (Formal -았/었습니다)

The formal past tense is 통역했습니다 (tongyeokhaetseumnida). This is formed by adding 았습니다/었습니다 to the stem.

You can also use 통역하다 with other grammatical structures, such as the connective ending -고 (and) or -어서/아서 (because/so) to link actions.

With Connective Endings

When using -고, it becomes 통역하고. With -어서/아서, it becomes 통역하여서, which is often contracted to 통역해서.

Understanding these conjugations and common sentence patterns will allow you to use 통역하다 effectively in various communication contexts.

The verb 통역하다 is commonly heard and seen in a variety of settings, particularly those involving international exchange and multilingual communication. It's a practical word used in everyday conversations as well as professional contexts.

International Events and Diplomacy

At international conferences, summits, and diplomatic meetings, interpreters are essential. News reports often mention how leaders or delegates 통역하다 to facilitate discussions. For example, you might hear: 'The president spoke in Korean, and the interpreter 통역했습니다.' (The president spoke in Korean, and the interpreter interpreted.)

Business and Trade

In international business negotiations, meetings with foreign partners, or trade shows, interpreters are often hired. A Korean company might state: 'We hired an interpreter to 통역하다 our discussions with the American clients.' (우리는 미국 고객들과의 논의를 통역하기 위해 통역사를 고용했습니다.)

Tourism and Travel

When traveling abroad or hosting foreign tourists, people might need to interpret. A Korean guide might say: 'I 통역해 주면서 한국 문화를 설명했습니다.' (I explained Korean culture while interpreting.)

Education and Academia

In universities with international students or visiting scholars, lectures or seminars might require interpretation. A student might say: 'The professor lectured in English, and the TA 통역했어요.' (교수님은 영어로 강의하셨고, 조교가 통역했어요.)

Media and Entertainment

Interviews with international celebrities or press conferences for foreign films often involve interpreters. You might see subtitles explaining: 'The actress 통역했어요 her feelings about the role.' (여배우는 역할에 대한 자신의 감정을 통역했어요.)

In essence, 통역하다 is a word you'll encounter whenever spoken communication needs to cross language barriers, from formal international diplomacy to casual conversations between friends of different nationalities.

When learning to use 통역하다, English speakers might make a few common errors. These often stem from confusion with similar words or a misunderstanding of the specific context in which 통역하다 is used.

Confusing with '번역하다' (to translate written text)

The most frequent mistake is using 통역하다 when referring to translating written documents, books, or websites. 통역하다 specifically means to interpret spoken words. For written text, the correct verb is 번역하다 (beonyeokhada).

Overuse in Informal Spoken Contexts

While 통역하다 is appropriate for conveying spoken language, sometimes learners might use it in slightly less formal or more nuanced situations where other expressions might fit better, though this is less of a strict error and more about stylistic choice. However, the core mistake remains using it for written text.

Incorrect Verb Endings or Conjugations

Like any verb, 통역하다 needs to be conjugated correctly. Beginners might struggle with the correct endings for present, past, or future tenses, or the polite/informal speech levels.

Using '통역하다' for Non-Verbal Communication

The verb implies conveying spoken words. Using it for actions like interpreting gestures or translating sign language would be incorrect. For sign language, specific terms related to 'sign language' and 'interpreting' would be used.

By being mindful of the difference between spoken and written translation, and by practicing correct verb conjugations, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use 통역하다 accurately.

While 통역하다 is specific to interpreting spoken language, other words and phrases can be used in related contexts or offer slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the most precise term.

번역하다 (beonyeokhada) - To translate (written)

This is the most important distinction. 번역하다 refers to translating written material such as books, articles, websites, or documents. 통역하다 is for spoken words.

Example Comparison:

- 통역하다: The diplomat 통역했습니다 the speech. (Spoken)

- 번역하다: The scholar 번역했습니다 the ancient text. (Written)

해석하다 (haeseokhada) - To interpret (meaning/intention)

This verb means 'to interpret' in the sense of understanding and explaining the meaning, intention, or significance of something. It can apply to spoken words, but also to texts, situations, dreams, or even art. While an interpreter (통역사) performs 통역하다, a critic might 해석하다 a poem.

Example Comparison:

- 통역하다: She 통역했어요 the speaker's words. (Conveying spoken language)

- 해석하다: He 해석했어요 the complex situation. (Understanding and explaining meaning)

- 해석하다: The critic 해석했어요 the movie's symbolism. (Interpreting meaning in art)

설명하다 (seolmyeonghada) - To explain

This verb means 'to explain' and is used when clarifying something or providing details. While interpretation often involves explanation, 설명하다 is a more general term for making something clear.

Example Comparison:

- 통역하다: She 통역했습니다 the instructions. (Conveying spoken instructions)

- 설명하다: He 설명했습니다 how to use the machine. (Providing clear details)

전하다 (jeonhada) - To convey, to deliver

This is a very general verb meaning 'to convey' or 'to deliver' a message, news, or feelings. Interpretation is a specific way of conveying a message, but 전하다 is broader.

Example Comparison:

- 통역하다: The interpreter 통역해서 the diplomat's message. (Specifically conveying spoken message)

- 전하다: I 전했어요 your regards to my parents. (Conveying regards)

Mastering these distinctions will greatly enhance your accuracy and fluency when discussing language-related actions in Korean.

CEFR Level Explanations for '통역하다'

A1 - Beginner

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic Korean words. They might encounter 통역하다 in very simple contexts, perhaps recognizing it as related to 'speaking' or 'language'. They would not be expected to use it actively, but might understand it if presented in a picture with a clear context, like someone speaking into a microphone with speech bubbles in different languages. The focus is on recognizing the word and its general association with communication.

A2 - Elementary

A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. They might start to grasp that 통역하다 means to convey spoken words from one language to another. They might be able to use it in a very simple sentence if prompted, perhaps describing a situation where someone needs help communicating. For instance, 'Foreigners need someone to 통역하다.' They would likely confuse it with translation of written text at this stage.

B1 - Intermediate

At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. They should be able to use 통역하다 correctly in contexts related to travel, international meetings, or basic communication needs. They understand the difference between 통역하다 (spoken) and 번역하다 (written). They can form sentences like, 'I need an interpreter to 통역하다 for me.' They can also use the noun form 통역사 (interpreter).

B2 - Upper Intermediate

B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They can use 통역하다 with greater fluency and in more complex scenarios, such as describing the role of interpreters in diplomatic events or international business. They can discuss the nuances of interpretation, perhaps mentioning the need for cultural understanding. They can also use related vocabulary like 'simultaneous interpretation' (동시 통역, dongsi tongyeok).

C1 - Advanced

C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can use 통역하다 with precision and flexibility in social, academic, and professional contexts. They can articulate complex ideas about interpretation, potentially comparing different interpretation techniques or discussing the ethical considerations involved. They might use it in discussions about the challenges of conveying subtle meanings across languages.

C2 - Mastery

C2 learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can use 통역하다 effortlessly and accurately, even in the most demanding situations. They can discuss highly specialized topics related to linguistics, translation studies, or international relations, using 통역하다 and related terms with native-like proficiency. They can differentiate subtle meanings between 통역하다, 번역하다, and 해석하다 in highly nuanced ways.

CEFR Examples for '통역하다'

A1 Examples

1. Picture: Person speaking into a microphone, with speech bubbles in Korean and English.
Sentence: 한국어-영어 통역.
Translation Hint: Korean-English interpretation.
Image Prompt: A visual representation of spoken language translation between Korean and English.
Grammar Note: Here, '통역' is used as a noun, often seen in titles or labels.

2. Picture: Two people looking confused, one speaking loudly.
Sentence: 말 통역 어려워요.
Translation Hint: Speaking interpretation is difficult.
Image Prompt: Two people struggling to communicate due to language barrier.
Grammar Note: '어려워요' means difficult. '말' means speech or words.

3. Picture: A person pointing at a map, and another person nodding.
Sentence: 길 통역 필요해요.
Translation Hint: Path interpretation needed.
Image Prompt: Someone asking for directions and another person helping with translation.
Grammar Note: '길' means road or way. '필요해요' means need.

4. Picture: A simple icon of two speech bubbles.
Sentence: 언어 통역.
Translation Hint: Language interpretation.
Image Prompt: A minimalist icon representing language exchange.
Grammar Note: '언어' means language.

5. Picture: A person holding a sign with 'Help'.
Sentence: 도와주세요. 통역.
Translation Hint: Please help. Interpretation.
Image Prompt: A tourist asking for interpretation assistance.
Grammar Note: '도와주세요' means please help.

6. Picture: A conference room with people wearing headphones.
Sentence: 회의 통역 중.
Translation Hint: Meeting interpretation in progress.
Image Prompt: A scene from an international conference with interpreters at work.
Grammar Note: '회의' means meeting. '중' means in progress.

7. Picture: A passport and a plane.
Sentence: 여행 통역.
Translation Hint: Travel interpretation.
Image Prompt: Symbols representing international travel and communication.
Grammar Note: '여행' means travel.

8. Picture: A world map with connecting lines.
Sentence: 세계 통역.
Translation Hint: World interpretation.
Image Prompt: A global communication concept visualization.
Grammar Note: '세계' means world.

A2 Examples

1. Picture: A person speaking into a microphone at a podium.
Sentence: 그가 한국어를 영어로 통역했어요.
Translation Hint: He interpreted Korean into English.
Image Prompt: A speaker at a conference being interpreted.
Grammar Note: Past tense informal: -했어요.

2. Picture: Two people looking at a menu in a foreign language.
Sentence: 메뉴를 통역해 줄 수 있어요?
Translation Hint: Can you interpret the menu for me?
Image Prompt: A tourist asking for help with a foreign language menu.
Grammar Note: '-해 줄 수 있어요?' is a polite request form.

3. Picture: A doctor and a patient speaking through an interpreter.
Sentence: 의사가 환자를 위해 통역합니다.
Translation Hint: The doctor interprets for the patient.
Image Prompt: A medical setting with an interpreter facilitating communication.
Grammar Note: Present tense formal: -ㅂ니다.

4. Picture: A group of tourists with a guide.
Sentence: 가이드가 우리를 위해 통역해 줬어요.
Translation Hint: The guide interpreted for us.
Image Prompt: A tour guide assisting a group of tourists.
Grammar Note: '-해 줬어요' indicates a favor done for the speaker.

5. Picture: A person looking at a foreign language sign.
Sentence: 이 간판을 통역해 주세요.
Translation Hint: Please interpret this sign.
Image Prompt: Someone trying to understand a sign in an unfamiliar language.
Grammar Note: '간판' means sign.

6. Picture: A business meeting with people from different countries.
Sentence: 회의에서 통역이 필요했어요.
Translation Hint: Interpretation was needed at the meeting.
Image Prompt: A business meeting requiring language assistance.
Grammar Note: '필요했어요' means was needed.

7. Picture: A student listening to a lecture with headphones.
Sentence: 외국인 학생은 통역을 들어요.
Translation Hint: The foreign student listens to the interpretation.
Image Prompt: A student using interpretation services during a lecture.
Grammar Note: '들어요' means listens.

8. Picture: A person speaking on the phone with a translator present.
Sentence: 전화 통화할 때 통역이 도움이 돼요.
Translation Hint: Interpretation helps during phone calls.
Image Prompt: Someone using interpretation services for a phone conversation.
Grammar Note: '도움이 돼요' means is helpful.

B1 Examples

1. Picture: A diplomat speaking at a podium, with an interpreter beside them.
Sentence: 외교관이 연설을 통역했습니다.
Translation Hint: The diplomat interpreted the speech.
Image Prompt: A formal diplomatic event with a speaker and interpreter.
Grammar Note: Past tense formal: -했습니다.

2. Picture: A business meeting with international participants.
Sentence: 우리는 외국인 파트너들과 통역을 통해 소통합니다.
Translation Hint: We communicate with foreign partners through interpretation.
Image Prompt: Business professionals from different countries in a meeting.
Grammar Note: '-을 통해' means through.

3. Picture: A person helping a tourist navigate a city.
Sentence: 저는 관광객을 위해 길을 통역해 주었습니다.
Translation Hint: I interpreted the way for the tourist.
Image Prompt: Someone helping a tourist find their way.
Grammar Note: '-해 주었습니다' indicates doing something for someone.

4. Picture: A doctor and patient communicating with an interpreter.
Sentence: 병원에서 의료 통역이 필요할 때가 많습니다.
Translation Hint: There are many times when medical interpretation is needed at the hospital.
Image Prompt: A medical consultation facilitated by an interpreter.
Grammar Note: '의료 통역' means medical interpretation.

5. Picture: A news reporter interviewing someone.
Sentence: 기자회견에서 통역사가 그의 말을 통역했어요.
Translation Hint: The interpreter interpreted his words at the press conference.
Image Prompt: A press conference scene with an interpreter.
Grammar Note: '기자회견' means press conference.

6. Picture: Students in a classroom with a guest lecturer.
Sentence: 초청 강연은 영어로 진행되었고, 한국어로 통역되었습니다.
Translation Hint: The guest lecture was conducted in English and interpreted into Korean.
Image Prompt: A classroom setting with a guest speaker and interpretation.
Grammar Note: Passive voice: '-되었습니다'.

7. Picture: A couple speaking different languages.
Sentence: 우리는 서로 다른 언어를 사용하지만, 통역 앱으로 대화해요.
Translation Hint: We use different languages, but we communicate with an interpretation app.
Image Prompt: A couple using technology to overcome a language barrier.
Grammar Note: '대화해요' means communicate/talk.

8. Picture: A court hearing with an interpreter.
Sentence: 법정에서는 외국인 피고인을 위해 통역사가 필요합니다.
Translation Hint: An interpreter is needed for the foreign defendant in court.
Image Prompt: A courtroom scene with an interpreter.
Grammar Note: '법정' means courtroom. '피고인' means defendant.

B2 Examples

1. Picture: A large international summit with many delegates.
Sentence: 정상회담에서는 동시 통역 시스템을 사용하여 여러 언어를 통역했습니다.
Translation Hint: At the summit, simultaneous interpretation systems were used to interpret multiple languages.
Image Prompt: A grand international summit with advanced interpretation technology.
Grammar Note: '동시 통역' means simultaneous interpretation.

2. Picture: A panel discussion with diverse speakers.
Sentence: 패널 토론에서 각 발표자의 말을 청중에게 통역해 주는 것이 중요합니다.
Translation Hint: It is important to interpret each speaker's words to the audience during the panel discussion.
Image Prompt: An engaging panel discussion requiring interpretation for the audience.
Grammar Note: '-해 주는 것이 중요합니다' means it is important to do something for someone.

3. Picture: A person negotiating a complex deal.
Sentence: 복잡한 계약 협상 과정에서 정확하게 통역하는 능력은 필수적입니다.
Translation Hint: The ability to interpret accurately is essential during complex contract negotiations.
Image Prompt: A tense negotiation scene where precise interpretation is critical.
Grammar Note: '능력' means ability. '필수적입니다' means is essential.

4. Picture: A historical reenactment or cultural festival.
Sentence: 문화유산 해설사는 방문객들에게 역사적 배경을 설명하고, 때로는 외국어 통역도 합니다.
Translation Hint: The cultural heritage interpreter explains the historical background to visitors, and sometimes also provides foreign language interpretation.
Image Prompt: A guide at a historical site explaining aspects to tourists.
Grammar Note: '-고' is a connective ending. '설명하다' means to explain.

5. Picture: A person giving a speech in front of a large audience.
Sentence: 그의 연설은 깊은 감동을 주었고, 통역사를 통해 많은 사람들이 그 의미를 이해했습니다.
Translation Hint: His speech was deeply moving, and through the interpreter, many people understood its meaning.
Image Prompt: An inspiring speech being delivered and interpreted.
Grammar Note: '이해했습니다' means understood.

6. Picture: A scene from a courtroom with legal professionals.
Sentence: 법정에서는 모든 증언을 정확하게 통역하는 것이 사법 절차의 공정성을 보장합니다.
Translation Hint: Interpreting all testimonies accurately in court ensures the fairness of judicial proceedings.
Image Prompt: A courtroom emphasizing the role of accurate interpretation in justice.
Grammar Note: '사법 절차' means judicial proceedings. '공정성' means fairness.

7. Picture: A television screen showing a news broadcast with subtitles.
Sentence: 국제 뉴스를 시청할 때, 우리는 종종 동시 통역이나 자막 번역을 통해 정보를 얻습니다.
Translation Hint: When watching international news, we often get information through simultaneous interpretation or subtitle translation.
Image Prompt: A news broadcast with both interpretation and subtitles shown.
Grammar Note: '자막 번역' means subtitle translation.

8. Picture: A person giving a presentation using slides.
Sentence: 프레젠테이션을 할 때는 청중의 언어에 맞춰 내용을 통역하거나 번역하여 전달해야 합니다.
Translation Hint: When giving a presentation, you must convey the content by interpreting or translating it into the audience's language.
Image Prompt: A dynamic presentation where language barriers are addressed.
Grammar Note: '-거나' means or.

C1 Examples

1. Picture: A group of linguists discussing translation theories.
Sentence: 언어 간의 미묘한 뉘앙스를 정확하게 통역하는 것은 고도의 전문성을 요구하는 작업입니다.
Translation Hint: Accurately interpreting the subtle nuances between languages is a task requiring high professionalism.
Image Prompt: Linguists engaged in a deep discussion about interpretation challenges.
Grammar Note: '뉘앙스' means nuance. '고도의 전문성' means high professionalism.

2. Picture: A historical document being examined.
Sentence: 이 고문서는 당시의 사회상을 반영하며, 이를 현대어로 번역하는 작업은 매우 중요합니다.
Translation Hint: This ancient document reflects the social conditions of the time, and translating it into modern language is very important.
Image Prompt: A scholar carefully translating an old manuscript.
Grammar Note: Distinction between '번역' (translation) and '통역' (interpretation) is implied by context.

3. Picture: A person mediating a conflict.
Sentence: 갈등 상황에서 감정적인 부분을 고려하여 양측의 입장을 효과적으로 통역하는 것이 중요합니다.
Translation Hint: In conflict situations, it is important to effectively interpret both sides' positions, considering the emotional aspects.
Image Prompt: A mediator facilitating understanding between conflicting parties.
Grammar Note: '갈등 상황' means conflict situation. '입장' means position.

4. Picture: A person giving a TED Talk-style presentation.
Sentence: 그의 강연은 철학적 깊이가 있었고, 전문 통역사를 통해 그 의미가 청중에게 명확히 전달되었습니다.
Translation Hint: His lecture had philosophical depth, and its meaning was clearly conveyed to the audience through a professional interpreter.
Image Prompt: An intellectual lecture being delivered and interpreted.
Grammar Note: '전달되었습니다' means was conveyed (passive voice).

5. Picture: A debate in a parliamentary setting.
Sentence: 의회 토론에서는 다양한 정치적 견해가 충돌하며, 이를 정확하게 통역하는 과정이 필수적입니다.
Translation Hint: In parliamentary debates, various political views clash, and the process of accurately interpreting them is essential.
Image Prompt: A lively parliamentary debate requiring precise interpretation.
Grammar Note: '견해' means view/opinion. '충돌하며' means clash.

6. Picture: A translator working on a technical manual.
Sentence: 기술 문서의 경우, 내용의 정확성이 생명이므로 번역은 통역보다 더 많은 시간을 필요로 합니다.
Translation Hint: For technical documents, accuracy of content is vital, so translation requires more time than interpretation.
Image Prompt: A translator meticulously working on a complex technical document.
Grammar Note: Compares time/effort for translation vs. interpretation.

7. Picture: A person analyzing a piece of art.
Sentence: 비평가는 작품의 상징적 의미를 심층적으로 해석하여 대중에게 설명했습니다.
Translation Hint: The critic deeply interpreted the symbolic meaning of the artwork and explained it to the public.
Image Prompt: An art critic discussing the deeper meanings of a painting.
Grammar Note: Uses '해석' (interpret meaning) and '설명' (explain).

8. Picture: A scene from a historical drama.
Sentence: 역사적 인물의 대사를 재현할 때, 당시의 언어적 뉘앙스를 살려 통역하는 것이 중요합니다.
Translation Hint: When recreating the lines of historical figures, it is important to interpret them while preserving the linguistic nuances of the time.
Image Prompt: Actors in historical costumes speaking dialogue that needs careful interpretation.
Grammar Note: Focuses on historical linguistic accuracy in interpretation.

C2 Examples

1. Picture: A linguist presenting research on cross-cultural communication.
Sentence: 문화적 맥락의 차이가 구두 전달 과정에서 오해를 야기하지 않도록, 통역사는 언어 자체뿐만 아니라 문화적 배경까지 고려하여 통역해야 합니다.
Translation Hint: To prevent misunderstandings arising from differences in cultural context during oral communication, interpreters must interpret not only the language itself but also consider the cultural background.
Image Prompt: A scholar presenting complex linguistic theories about interpretation.
Grammar Note: Emphasizes cultural context in interpretation.

2. Picture: A translator working on a literary masterpiece.
Sentence: 문학 작품의 경우, 원작의 예술적 표현과 감성을 살리기 위해 번역가는 작가의 의도를 심층적으로 해석하고 재창조하는 과정을 거칩니다.
Translation Hint: For literary works, translators go through a process of deeply interpreting and recreating the author's intent to preserve the original artistic expression and emotion.
Image Prompt: A translator deeply engrossed in a classic novel, aiming for artistic fidelity.
Grammar Note: Focuses on 'interpretation' and 'recreation' in literary translation.

3. Picture: A negotiator in a high-stakes international crisis.
Sentence: 극도로 민감한 외교적 협상에서, 통역사의 발언 하나하나가 국가 간의 관계에 지대한 영향을 미칠 수 있기에, 그들은 신중하게 단어를 선택하고 맥락을 정확히 통역해야 합니다.
Translation Hint: In extremely sensitive diplomatic negotiations, each word spoken by the interpreter can have a profound impact on relations between countries, so they must carefully choose words and accurately interpret the context.
Image Prompt: A tense diplomatic negotiation where the interpreter's role is crucial.
Grammar Note: Highlights the critical impact of interpretation in sensitive situations.

4. Picture: A philosopher discussing abstract concepts.
Sentence: 추상적인 철학적 개념을 구체적인 언어로 설명하는 것은 단순히 단어를 바꾸는 것이 아니라, 그 의미 체계를 재구성하는 과정입니다.
Translation Hint: Explaining abstract philosophical concepts into concrete language is not merely changing words but a process of reconstructing their meaning system.
Image Prompt: A philosopher illustrating complex ideas with clear explanations.
Grammar Note: Discusses the complexity of explaining abstract ideas.

5. Picture: A historical archive with old recordings.
Sentence: 역사적 연설이나 기록을 통역하거나 번역할 때는 당시의 시대적 배경과 언어적 관습을 깊이 이해하는 것이 필수적입니다.
Translation Hint: When interpreting or translating historical speeches or records, a deep understanding of the era's background and linguistic customs is essential.
Image Prompt: An archivist meticulously handling historical audio recordings.
Grammar Note: Emphasizes historical context for both interpretation and translation.

6. Picture: A translator receiving an award for their work.
Sentence: 그의 탁월한 번역은 원작의 문학적 가치를 훼손하지 않으면서도, 새로운 독자층에게 작품을 성공적으로 소개했습니다.
Translation Hint: His excellent translation successfully introduced the work to a new readership without compromising the original's literary value.
Image Prompt: A translator being honored for their contribution to literature.
Grammar Note: Focuses on the success of 'introducing' a work through translation.

7. Picture: A debate on artificial intelligence in translation.
Sentence: 인공지능 기반의 번역 및 통역 기술이 발전하면서, 인간 통역사의 역할은 더욱 정교한 감정적, 문화적 맥락을 해석하고 전달하는 데 집중될 것입니다.
Translation Hint: As AI-based translation and interpretation technologies advance, the role of human interpreters will increasingly focus on interpreting and conveying more sophisticated emotional and cultural contexts.
Image Prompt: A futuristic depiction of AI assisting human interpreters.
Grammar Note: Discusses the evolving role of human interpreters alongside AI.

8. Picture: A scene of cultural exchange, perhaps a festival.
Sentence: 서로 다른 문화권의 사람들이 만나 소통할 때, 언어의 장벽을 넘어 문화적 이해를 증진시키는 통역 및 번역의 역할은 매우 중요합니다.
Translation Hint: When people from different cultures meet and communicate, the role of interpretation and translation in overcoming language barriers and promoting cultural understanding is extremely important.
Image Prompt: A vibrant scene of intercultural communication and understanding.
Grammar Note: Holistic view on interpretation and translation's role in cultural exchange.

Simple

To translate spoken words from one language to another.

For Learners

To speak and convey the meaning of words or sentences from one language into another language, typically in real-time during a conversation or speech.

Detailed

The act of conveying spoken communication from a source language to a target language, involving understanding the spoken message and re-expressing it orally in the target language, often in real-time or with minimal delay.

Academic

To perform oral rendition of utterances from a source language into a target language, requiring comprehension of spoken discourse and production of equivalent spoken output, typically in simultaneous or consecutive modes.

French

Traduire oralement un discours d'une langue à une autre.

Un interprète doit pouvoir traduire les propos du conférencier en temps réel.

German

Gesprochene Worte von einer Sprache in eine andere mündlich übertragen.

Der Dolmetscher war in der Lage, die Rede fließend zu übertragen.

Spanish

Traducir oralmente palabras de un idioma a otro.

El traductor oral facilitó la comunicación entre los delegados.

Arabic

ترجمة الكلمات المنطوقة شفهياً من لغة إلى أخرى.

المترجم الفوري قام بترجمة خطاب الرئيس ببراعة.

Japanese

話された言葉を口頭で別の言語に翻訳する。

彼は会議で通訳を務めました。

Korean

말해진 단어를 구두로 한 언어에서 다른 언어로 옮기다.

국제 회의에서 전문 통역사가 연설을 정확하게 통역했습니다.

Portuguese

Traduzir oralmente palavras de um idioma para outro.

O intérprete ajudou a traduzir o discurso do embaixador.

Chinese

口头地将一种语言的口语翻译成另一种语言。

口译员在会议上将演讲翻译成英语。

Hindi

बोले गए शब्दों को मौखिक रूप से एक भाषा से दूसरी भाषा में अनुवाद करना।

दुभाषिया ने भाषण का अनुवाद किया।

Persian

کلمات گفتہ شدہ را بہ صورت شفاہی از یک زبان بہ زبان دیگر ترجمہ کردن.

مترجم صحبت‌های سفیر را ترجمہ کرد.

통역하다 means to interpret spoken words from one language to another.

It is distinct from 번역하다, which is for written text.

Commonly used in international meetings, diplomacy, and tourism.

Focuses on real-time, oral communication.

The Korean verb 통역하다 (tongyeokhada) is exclusively used for the oral translation of spoken words between languages. It signifies the dynamic, real-time process of conveying messages verbally, differentiating it clearly from 번역하다 (beonyeokhada), which pertains to the translation of written text. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate communication, whether you are discussing diplomatic summits, international business, or simply helping a tourist find their way.