Translation error categories

A framework distinguishing meaning transfer, omissions and additions, terminology, grammar and style to explain the grounds for translation revisions.

Framework · Writing and publishing

Core concepts

• Meaning transfer: check that source information and relationships are preserved
• Target-language expression: grammar, usage and consistency
• Over-explicitation: adding information unsupported by the context

Application

Reviewers can distinguish differences in preference from errors of meaning and explain proposed corrections.

Limitations and jurisdiction

The categories originate in the ATA certification examination. They do not reduce every aesthetic judgment in literary translation to a score.

Editorial perspectives

• Source fidelity: minimize changes to information and form.
• Reader communication: choose natural expression within the permitted scope.

Sources

American Translators Association · Official explanation of error categories

Context: US ATA translation examination context

Source checked: 2026-10-07

Independent editorial summary and source link; the original text is not republished.

Related personas

Translation status

Editorial English translation of the Korean edition. No professional translation or occupational expert review has been completed. Translation does not change the source jurisdiction.

Translation prepared: 2026-10-09 · Source fingerprint: kb-528f9c2c57e6a878

API