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A2 noun 9 min de lecture

口译

kouyi
Exemples Notes et astuces 口译 en 30 secondes
Explication 口译 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you might not use the word '口译' (kǒuyì) very often, but you will understand the basic concept of 'translation' (翻译). At this stage, you should know that '口' means mouth, and '译' means to change words from one language to another. You might use the word to describe someone who helps you talk to a Chinese speaker, like a friend who '口译' for you at a restaurant. It's a useful word to know if you need to ask for help: '你会口译吗？' (Can you interpret?). Even though it's a bit technical, the literal 'mouth-translate' makes it easy to remember. You are just beginning to see how Chinese combines simple characters to make specific professional terms.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to distinguish between '口译' (oral interpretation) and '笔译' (written translation). You will likely encounter this word when talking about jobs or skills. For example, '我弟弟在做口译' (My younger brother is doing interpretation). You can use it to describe a service you need or a skill you are practicing. At this level, focus on the noun usage, such as '口译员' (interpreter). You should understand that when you are speaking and someone is translating for you, they are performing '口译'. This is a step up from the general '翻译' because it shows you are aware of the medium of communication (speech vs. writing).
By B1, you can use '口译' in more complex sentences and understand its role in business or travel contexts. You might talk about the difficulty of interpretation: '口译比笔译压力大' (Interpretation is more stressful than written translation). You should be able to use collocations like '提供口译' (provide interpretation) and '现场口译' (on-site interpretation). You are also starting to learn about the different settings where '口译' happens, such as '商务口译' (business interpretation) or '导游口译' (tour guide interpretation). You can express your opinions about whether AI will replace human '口译' in the future, using this specific term to sound more professional.
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At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the professional standards of '口译'. You might discuss the CATTI exams or other certification processes. You should understand the difference between '交替传译' (consecutive interpretation) and '同声传译' (simultaneous interpretation), which are both types of '口译'. You can use the word in formal debates or essays about language learning. For example, '口译不仅需要语言能力，还需要心理素质' (Interpretation requires not only language ability but also psychological resilience). You should be comfortable using '口译' as a verb with objects like '讲话' (speech) or '内容' (content). Your understanding of the word now includes the nuances of register and the professional ethics involved.
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At the C1 level, '口译' is a word you use to discuss the intricacies of linguistics and cognitive science. You might read academic papers about '口译策略' (interpretation strategies) or '口译中的记忆遗忘' (memory loss in interpretation). You understand the cultural mediation role of a '口译员' and how they must bridge the gap between different worldviews, not just words. You can use the word to describe high-level diplomatic maneuvers, such as '外交口译' (diplomatic interpretation). You are aware of the history of the word and how interpretation has evolved in China from the ancient '舌人' (tongue people) to the modern professional '口译员'. Your vocabulary includes highly specific terms like '视译' (sight translation), which is a hybrid of '口译' and '笔译'.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term '口译' and its theoretical underpinnings. You can engage in high-level discourse about the 'relevance theory' in interpretation or the 'deverbalization' process in the mind of a '口译员'. You might even be a practitioner yourself, discussing the 'fidelity' (忠实性) and 'fluency' (流畅性) of a specific '口译' performance at a global summit. You understand the subtle political implications of how a '口译' is handled in sensitive negotiations. For you, '口译' is no longer just a word for 'talking in another language'; it is a complex field of human endeavor involving neurobiology, sociology, and international relations. You can critique the style of different famous '口译' masters in Chinese history.
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Exemples Notes et astuces

口译 en 30 secondes

  • 口译 refers to oral interpretation, distinguishing it from written translation (笔译).
  • It acts as both a noun (interpretation) and a verb (to interpret orally).
  • Commonly used in professional, diplomatic, and business contexts for real-time communication.
  • The word literally combines 'mouth' (口) and 'translate' (译).

The Chinese term 口译 (kǒuyì) is a specialized noun and verb that specifically refers to the act of oral interpretation. In the linguistic world, translation is broadly divided into two categories: 笔译 (bǐyì), which refers to written translation, and 口译 (kǒuyì), which refers to spoken or oral translation. The character 口 (kǒu) means 'mouth,' and 译 (yì) means 'to translate' or 'to interpret.' Therefore, the literal meaning is 'mouth translation,' a very logical and descriptive way to define interpretation. This word is used in professional settings, such as international conferences, business meetings, legal proceedings, and medical appointments where parties do not share a common language.

Professional Context
In a professional setting, 口译 refers to the service provided by an interpreter. This can be consecutive (where the speaker pauses) or simultaneous (where the interpreter speaks at the same time as the source speaker).
Everyday Context
While often professional, it can also describe the informal act of helping someone understand a spoken conversation, though in casual speech, people might just use the general term 翻译 (fānyì).

他在联合国担任中英口译员。(He works as a Chinese-English oral interpreter at the United Nations.)

Using the word correctly requires understanding that it is more specific than the general term 翻译 (fānyì). While 翻译 can cover both written and spoken language, 口译 is strictly reserved for the spoken word. When a student says they want to study 'interpretation' as a career, they should use 口译. If they are talking about translating a book, they must use 笔译. This distinction is crucial in academic and professional Chinese environments. Professionals in this field are often referred to as 口译员 (kǒuyìyuán) or 口译工作者 (kǒuyì gōngzuòzhě).

这种场合需要专业的口译服务。(This occasion requires professional interpretation services.)

The complexity of 口译 stems from its real-time nature. Unlike written translation, where one has time to consult dictionaries and refine the prose, an interpreter must process the source language and produce the target language almost instantly. This requires not only linguistic fluency but also immense cognitive load management, short-term memory capacity, and deep cultural knowledge. In Chinese culture, high-level interpreters are highly respected because of the intense mental discipline required for the task. You will often see them sitting in booths with headsets at major summits like the G20 or the Belt and Road Forum.

会议提供中、英、法三种语言的口译。(The conference provides interpretation in Chinese, English, and French.)

Linguistic nuance
The character '译' (yì) contains the 'speech' radical (讠), indicating its connection to communication and language. The right side '译' (yì) provides the sound and also carries the sense of 'unfolding' or 'explaining' the meaning of words.

他正在为外宾做现场口译。(He is doing on-site interpretation for foreign guests.)

Using 口译 (kǒuyì) in sentences requires an understanding of its role as both a noun (interpretation) and a verb (to interpret). When used as a noun, it often follows verbs like 做 (zuò - to do), 担任 (dānrèn - to serve as), or 提供 (tígōng - to provide). For example, '提供口译' means 'to provide interpretation services.' When used as a verb, it describes the action of interpreting from one language to another.

我打算学习口译专业。(I plan to major in interpretation.)

When specifying the languages involved, the structure is usually [Language A] [Language B] 口译. For instance, 中英口译 (Zhōng Yīng kǒuyì) means Chinese-English interpretation. If you want to say someone is interpreting for a specific person, you can use the structure 为 (wèi - for) + [Person] + 口译. This highlights the service aspect of the task.

Verb Usage
Example: '他把教授的话口译成中文。' (He interpreted the professor's words into Chinese.) Here, 口译 acts as the action verb.
Noun Usage
Example: '口译是一项艰苦的工作。' (Interpretation is a hard job.) Here, it serves as the subject of the sentence.

请为我们安排一名口译员。(Please arrange an interpreter for us.)

In formal documents or news reports, you might see 传译 (chuányì), which is a slightly more formal synonym often used in Hong Kong or in specific diplomatic contexts, but 口译 remains the standard term in Mainland China. Another important distinction is the type of interpretation: 同声传译 (tóngshēng chuányì) is simultaneous interpretation, while 交替传译 (jiāotì chuányì) is consecutive interpretation. Both fall under the broad umbrella of 口译.

他的口译非常准确。(His interpretation is very accurate.)

Furthermore, in the context of technology, you might hear about 机器口译 (jīqì kǒuyì) or 人工智能口译 (réngōng zhìnéng kǒuyì), referring to AI-powered speech-to-speech translation devices. While these tools are becoming common for travelers, the term 口译 still carries a connotation of professional human skill in most serious discussions.

他在商务谈判中负责口译。(He is responsible for interpretation during business negotiations.)

Compound words
口译室 (kǒuyìshì - interpretation booth), 口译证书 (kǒuyì zhèngshù - interpretation certificate), 口译技巧 (kǒuyì jìqiǎo - interpretation skills).

You will encounter the word 口译 (kǒuyì) most frequently in environments involving cross-cultural communication. If you are a student in China, you might hear it when discussing the CATTI (China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters), which is the national standard for certifying professionals. Teachers will often ask students if they prefer '笔译' or '口译' as their career path.

你想考口译证书吗？(Do you want to take the interpretation certificate exam?)

In the business world, during a factory tour or a contract signing, a manager might say, '我们需要找一个懂日语的口译' (We need to find an interpreter who knows Japanese). Here, the word is used as a shorthand for the person (the interpreter). In the news, during coverage of the Two Sessions (Lianghui) in Beijing, the interpreters sitting next to the leaders are a constant subject of public interest, and the media will frequently use the term 口译 to describe their performance and the difficulty of their work.

News & Media
Reports on diplomatic meetings often mention '现场口译' (on-site interpretation) to emphasize the immediacy of the communication.
Academic Settings
University departments of foreign languages will have specific '口译课' (interpretation classes) where students practice listening and speaking simultaneously.

由于没有口译，沟通变得很困难。(Communication became difficult because there was no interpretation.)

Another place you'll hear this word is in the tourism industry. While a '导游' (tour guide) handles the logistics, a specialized '陪同口译' (escort interpreter) might be hired for high-end clients who need precise communication during their travels. In hospitals in major cities like Shanghai or Beijing, you might see signs for '医疗口译' (medical interpretation) to assist foreign patients.

他在这次国际峰会上负责同声口译。(He was responsible for simultaneous interpretation at this international summit.)

Finally, in legal settings, 法庭口译 (fǎtíng kǒuyì) is a formal term used in courts. Whether you are watching a legal drama or reading about a real trial involving international parties, this term will appear to describe the person ensuring the defendant and the judge understand each other. It highlights the high stakes and precision associated with the word 口译.

The most common mistake learners make is using 口译 (kǒuyì) when they should use 笔译 (bǐyì) or the general 翻译 (fānyì). Remember, 口译 is only for spoken language. If you say '我正在口译这篇小说' (I am interpreting this novel), it sounds like you are reading the novel aloud and translating it as you go, which is a very specific and rare activity. For translating a book, you must use '笔译' or just '翻译'.

Mistake: Over-reliance on '翻译'
While '翻译' is correct for oral interpretation, using '口译' is more professional and precise. If you are in a professional setting, using '口译' shows you understand the industry terminology.
Mistake: Confusing '口译' with '口语'
'口语' (kǒuyǔ) means 'spoken language' or 'oral English/Chinese.' Some learners say '我的口译很好' when they mean 'my speaking skills are good.' You should say '我的口语很好.'

❌ 我想口译一封信。(I want to interpret a letter.)
✅ 我想翻译一封信。

Another mistake involves the measure words. When referring to an interpreter (the person), you should use 名 (míng) or 位 (wèi) for a polite touch, such as '一位口译员.' Using '个' (gè) is acceptable in casual speech but less professional. Also, be careful with the verb 口译. You cannot '口译' a person; you '为' (for) a person '口译' or '口译' their '话' (words).

❌ 他在口译他的朋友。(He is interpreting his friend.)
✅ 他在为他的朋友口译。

Finally, some learners confuse 口译 with 传译 (chuányì). While they mean the same thing, '传译' is more common in formal titles or certain regions like Hong Kong. In Mainland China, '口译' is the go-to term for all oral translation activities. Avoid using '传译' in casual conversation as it may sound overly stiff or regional.

To truly master 口译 (kǒuyì), you should understand how it compares to related terms. The most obvious comparison is with 笔译 (bǐyì). While 口译 is oral, 笔译 is written. Together, they make up the field of 翻译 (fānyì).

口译 vs. 笔译
口译: Real-time, spoken, requires high pressure and quick thinking.
笔译: Delayed, written, requires high precision and research skills.
口译 vs. 翻译
口译: Specific to oral work.
翻译: General term for all translation and interpretation. You can always use '翻译' as a fallback.

这两种翻译形式（口译和笔译）都很重要。(Both forms of translation—interpretation and written translation—are important.)

Inside the world of interpretation, you have 同传 (tóngchuán), short for 同声传译 (simultaneous interpretation), and 交传 (jiāochuán), short for 交替传译 (consecutive interpretation). 同传 is considered the 'pinnacle' of the profession because the interpreter speaks while listening. 交传 is common in diplomatic meetings where the speaker pauses every few sentences to let the interpreter speak.

由于难度极大，同传的薪水通常很高。(Due to the extreme difficulty, the salary for simultaneous interpretation is usually very high.)

Another related word is 转述 (zhuǎnshù), which means 'to recount' or 'to repeat what someone said.' This is not professional translation, but rather just telling someone else what was said in the same or a different language. Finally, 意译 (yìyì) refers to 'free translation' or 'paraphrasing,' which is a technique often used in 口译 to convey the meaning rather than the literal words.

Summary of Alternatives
1. 翻译 (General)
2. 传译 (Formal/Regional)
3. 同传/交传 (Specific types)
4. 笔译 (The opposite - written).

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient China, interpreters were sometimes called '舌人' (shérén), which literally means 'tongue people.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /kəʊˈjiː/
US /koʊˈji/
The stress is equal on both characters, but the tones provide the rhythmic structure.
Rime avec
走 (zǒu) 狗 (gǒu) 手 (shǒu) 意 (yì) 力 (lì) 记 (jì) 气 (qì) 地 (dì)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'kǒu' as 'kū' (confusing with mouth vs cry).
  • Using the wrong tone for 'yì' (it should be 4th tone, not 1st).
  • Mumbling the 'y' sound in 'yì'.
  • Confusing 'kǒu' with 'gǒu' (dog).
  • Failing to make the falling-rising dip in 'kǒu'.
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Exemples par niveau

1

他在帮我口译。

He is helping me interpret.

Subject + 帮 (help) + Object + Verb.

2

我不懂口译。

I don't understand interpretation.

Negative form using 不 (bù).

3

你会口译吗？

Can you interpret?

Question using 吗 (ma).

4

口译很难。

Interpretation is hard.

Adjective predicate sentence.

5

他是口译员。

He is an interpreter.

Noun + 是 + Noun.

6

请帮我口译一下。

Please interpret for a bit.

Use of 一下 (yíxià) for a short duration.

7

口译很有趣。

Interpretation is very interesting.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

8

这是口译机。

This is an interpretation machine.

Demonstrative pronoun + 是 + Noun.

1

我需要一名口译。

I need an interpreter.

Measure word 名 (míng) for professionals.

2

他在会议上做口译。

He is doing interpretation at the meeting.

Location + Verb (做).

3

口译和笔译不同。

Interpretation and written translation are different.

A 和 B 不同 (A and B are different).

4

她学过口译。

She has studied interpretation.

Verb + 过 (guò) for past experience.

5

口译员的工作很累。

The interpreter's work is very tiring.

Possessive particle 的 (de).

6

我想要找个口译。

I want to find an interpreter.

Verb + 个 (gè) in casual speech.

7

他在学习中英口译。

He is studying Chinese-English interpretation.

Specific language combination.

8

这个口译很准确。

This interpretation is very accurate.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

1

公司为我们提供了口译服务。

The company provided interpretation services for us.

为 (wèi) + Person + 提供 (tígōng) + Service.

2

口译需要很快的反应速度。

Interpretation requires a very fast reaction speed.

Noun + 需要 (xūyào) + Noun phrase.

3

他在商务谈判中担任口译。

He served as the interpreter in the business negotiation.

担任 (dānrèn) meaning 'to hold the post of'.

4

如果你不懂中文，我可以帮你口译。

If you don't understand Chinese, I can interpret for you.

Conditional sentence using 如果 (rúguǒ).

5

这名口译员非常有经验。

This interpreter is very experienced.

非常 (fēicháng) as an intensifier.

6

口译是一门艺术。

Interpretation is an art.

Metaphorical usage.

7

他正在为外宾做现场口译。

He is doing on-site interpretation for foreign guests.

现场 (xiànchǎng) meaning 'on-site'.

8

我想考取口译证书。

I want to obtain an interpretation certificate.

考取 (kǎoqǔ) meaning 'to pass an exam for'.

1

同声口译是难度最高的一种。

Simultaneous interpretation is the most difficult kind.

Superlative using 最高 (zuìgāo).

2

口译时要保持冷静。

One must stay calm when interpreting.

口译时 (kǒuyì shí) meaning 'at the time of interpreting'.

3

他把演讲内容口译得很流畅。

He interpreted the speech content very fluently.

Verb + 得 (de) + Complement.

4

口译员必须具备良好的心理素质。

Interpreters must possess good psychological quality.

具备 (jùbèi) for abstract qualities.

5

口译不仅仅是语言的转换。

Interpretation is not just the conversion of languages.

不仅仅是 (bù jǐnjǐn shì) meaning 'not only'.

6

他在国际会议上负责口译工作。

He was responsible for the interpretation work at the international conference.

负责 (fùzé) + Work.

7

口译中会出现一些文化差异。

Some cultural differences will appear in interpretation.

出现 (chūxiàn) meaning 'to appear'.

8

我们需要一名懂法律的口译。

We need an interpreter who understands the law.

Relative clause using 懂法律的 (dǒng fǎlǜ de).

1

口译的忠实性一直是学术界讨论的热点。

The fidelity of interpretation has always been a hot topic in academia.

Abstract noun usage.

2

她擅长处理高难度的医学口译。

She is good at handling high-difficulty medical interpretation.

擅长 (shàncháng) meaning 'to be expert in'.

3

口译过程中的认知负荷非常大。

The cognitive load during the interpretation process is very large.

Technical term 认知负荷 (rènzhī fùhè).

4

口译员需要灵活运用各种翻译技巧。

Interpreters need to flexibly use various translation techniques.

灵活 (línghuó) as an adverb.

5

他在这次突发事件中表现出了卓越的口译能力。

He showed outstanding interpretation ability in this sudden event.

表现出 (biǎoxiàn chū) meaning 'to manifest'.

6

口译不仅仅是翻译，更是一种跨文化交际。

Interpretation is not just translation, but a form of intercultural communication.

不仅仅...更是... (not only... but even more...).

7

这次口译任务非常艰巨。

This interpretation task is very arduous.

艰巨 (jiānjù) for difficult tasks.

8

口译员的职业道德至关重要。

The professional ethics of an interpreter are crucial.

至关重要 (zhìguān zhòngyào) meaning 'extremely important'.

1

口译研究已经从语言学转向了社会学视角。

Interpretation research has shifted from a linguistic to a sociological perspective.

从...转向... (shift from... to...).

2

他在同声口译中实现了近乎完美的语义对等。

He achieved nearly perfect semantic equivalence in simultaneous interpretation.

Semantic term 语义对等 (yǔyì duìděng).

3

口译中的‘去语壳化’是释意派理论的核心。

'Deverbalization' in interpretation is the core of the interpretive theory.

Technical jargon '去语壳化' (qù yǔké huà).

4

口译员在外交场合中扮演着‘隐形桥梁’的角色。

Interpreters play the role of an 'invisible bridge' in diplomatic settings.

扮演...角色 (play the role of).

5

口译的即时性要求译员具备超凡的瞬时记忆力。

The immediacy of interpretation requires the interpreter to have extraordinary short-term memory.

即时性 (jíshí xìng) meaning 'immediacy'.

6

他在口译中巧妙地处理了源语中的双关语。

He skillfully handled the puns in the source language during interpretation.

巧妙 (qiǎomiào) as an adverb.

7

口译员的压力管理是职业素养的重要组成部分。

Stress management for interpreters is an important part of professional quality.

组成部分 (zǔchéng bùfèn) meaning 'component part'.

8

口译不仅是信息的传递，更是权力的博弈。

Interpretation is not just the transmission of information, but a game of power.

Metaphorical/Sociological usage.

Collocations courantes

担任口译
提供口译
现场口译
同声口译
口译员
口译证书
口译技巧
医学口译
陪同口译
口译质量

Phrases Courantes

口译专业

— Interpretation major in a university.

他大学读的是口译专业。

做口译

— To perform interpretation.

他周末经常去做口译。

口译练习

— Interpretation practice.

我每天进行一小时口译练习。

口译箱

— Interpretation booth (used in simultaneous interpretation).

口译员正坐在口译箱里。

口译耳机

— Interpretation headphones.

请戴上口译耳机。

中外口译

— Chinese-foreign language interpretation.

中外口译人才很短缺。

法律口译

— Legal interpretation.

法律口译必须非常严谨。

即时口译

— Instant interpretation.

这台设备可以做即时口译。

口译笔记

— Interpretation notes (specific symbols used by interpreters).

口译笔记很有讲究。

外事口译

— Foreign affairs interpretation.

他是外事口译专家。

Expressions idiomatiques

"舌灿莲花"

— To have a silver tongue; eloquent speech. Often used to praise great speakers or interpreters.

他的口译真是舌灿莲花。

Literary
"出口成章"

— To speak as if reading from a book; very eloquent. A desired trait for interpreters.

这位口译员出口成章。

Formal
"对答如流"

— To answer fluently and quickly. Crucial for consecutive interpretation.

她在口译时对答如流。

Neutral
"字斟句酌"

— To weigh every word. Though more common in writing, it describes the care taken in high-level interpretation.

口译时也需要字斟句酌。

Formal
"惟妙惟肖"

— To be remarkably true to life. Used to describe how well an interpreter captures the speaker's tone.

他把演讲者的语气口译得惟妙惟肖。

Literary
"妙语连珠"

— To sparkle with wit. Used when an interpreter handles humor well.

译员妙语连珠，活跃了气氛。

Neutral
"言必有据"

— To speak with evidence/basis. Important for accuracy in legal or technical interpretation.

口译必须言必有据。

Formal
"绘声绘色"

— Vivid and lively description. Used for excellent oral storytelling/interpretation.

她绘声绘色地进行了口译。

Neutral
"心领神会"

— To understand intuitively. The goal of an interpreter when listening to the source speaker.

译员与发言人之间心领神会。

Literary
"一语中的"

— To hit the nail on the head. Describing a precise interpretation.

他的口译一语中的。

Literary

Famille de mots

Noms

口译员 (Interpreter)
口译室 (Booth)
口译机 (Machine)

Verbes

译 (Translate)
口译 (Interpret)
翻译 (Translate/Interpret)

Adjectifs

口译的 (Interpretive)
现场的 (On-site)

Apparenté

笔译 (Written translation)
传译 (Interpretation)
同传 (Simultaneous)
交传 (Consecutive)
译文 (Translated text)
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Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a MOUTH (口) speaking and a bridge being built to another language (译). 'Mouth-bridge' = Oral Interpretation.

Association visuelle

Picture a person wearing a headset (口译员) sitting in a glass booth at the UN.

Word Web

口 译 语言 会议 沟通 中英 专业 翻译

Défi

Try to say 'I am interpreting' in Chinese three times fast: '我在做口译, 我在做口译, 我在做口译!'

Origine du mot

Composed of two characters: '口' (mouth) and '译' (translate). '口' is a pictograph of an open mouth. '译' contains the speech radical '讠' and the phonetic/semantic component '泽' (simplified to 译).

Sens originel : The character '译' historically meant to interpret or explain the words of distant tribes or foreign languages.

Sino-Tibetan.

Contexte culturel

Always respect the difficulty of the job; never assume an interpreter is just a 'walking dictionary'.

In the West, 'interpretation' is often confused with 'translation.' Chinese speakers are often more precise in distinguishing '口译' from '笔译'.

Zhang Lu (Famous Chinese diplomatic interpreter) The CATTI exams UN Simultaneous Interpreters
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