# 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
[Explanation of Error Categories](https://www.atanet.org/certification/how-the-exam-is-graded/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
  [Editor](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/editor) · [Translator](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/translator) · [Korean–English translation reviewer](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/translation-reviewer)

## 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
[Korean source](https://personawiki.app/knowledge/translation-errors)

## API
[JSON document](https://personawiki.app/api/v1/knowledge/translation-errors?lang=en)