Top 7 Common Mistakes in English to Spanish Translation – And How to Fix Them
English to Spanish translation may seem simple at first, but even experienced translators often make mistakes. These errors can change the meaning of your translation, make it sound unnatural, or even offend readers.
In this article, we’ll reveal the 7 most common mistakes in English to Spanish translation — and how you can avoid them to produce clear, accurate, and culturally correct translations.
Why Avoiding Translation Mistakes Matters
Mistakes in translation can:
- Distort the meaning of your message
- Confuse or mislead your audience
- Harm your credibility if you’re translating for work or business
By learning to spot and fix these common errors, you’ll become a better translator and communicator.
Mistake #1: Literal Translation
What’s the problem?
Translating word-for-word often results in awkward or meaningless sentences in Spanish.
Example:
- English: It’s raining cats and dogs.
- Literal Spanish: Está lloviendo gatos y perros. ❌
- Natural Spanish: Está lloviendo a cántaros. ✅
How to fix it:
Focus on the meaning, not the words. Learn Spanish equivalents of common English expressions.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Gender and Agreement
Spanish nouns and adjectives must match in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
Example:
- Incorrect: El casa es bonito. ❌
- Correct: La casa es bonita. ✅
How to fix it:
Always check the gender of nouns and make sure adjectives and articles agree.
Mistake #3: Misusing False Friends
False friends are words that look similar in English and Spanish but mean something different.
Examples:
| English Word | Looks Like | Spanish Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Actually | Actualmente | Currently |
| Library | Librería | Bookstore |
| Embarassed | Embarazada | Pregnant |
How to fix it:
Create a list of common false friends and double-check them when translating.
Mistake #4: Missing Cultural Context
Some English phrases don’t make sense in Spanish without cultural adaptation.
Example:
English: Break a leg.
Literal Spanish: Rompe una pierna. ❌
Natural Spanish: ¡Mucha suerte! ✅
How to fix it:
Think about the intended meaning of the phrase, not the literal words. Adjust your translation for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Mistake #5: Poor Sentence Structure
English and Spanish sentences differ in structure and flow. Translating English sentence structure directly can sound unnatural in Spanish.
Example:
- English: I only speak Spanish when I travel.
- Word-for-word Spanish: Yo solo hablo español cuando yo viajo. ❌
- Natural Spanish: Solo hablo español cuando viajo. ✅
How to fix it:
Read your translation aloud. If it sounds awkward, revise the sentence order to match natural Spanish flow.
Mistake #6: Overcomplicating or Oversimplifying
Some translators try to sound too formal or use unnecessary complex vocabulary. Others oversimplify and lose meaning.
Example:
English: She’s feeling under the weather.
Spanish (too formal): Ella está sintiendo indisposición. ❌
Natural Spanish: Ella no se siente bien. ✅
How to fix it:
Use clear, natural language appropriate for your audience and context.
Mistake #7: Not Reviewing the Translation
Even experienced translators make small mistakes:
- Spelling errors
- Grammar mistakes
- Missing words
- Inconsistent style
How to fix it:
Always review and edit your translation.
Pro Tip: Read it out loud to catch awkward phrases.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
1. Review Techniques
- Read your translation multiple times.
- Compare it to the original text to ensure meaning is preserved.
2. Get Feedback
Ask a native Spanish speaker or another translator to review your work.
3. Use SubEasy's Proofreading Tools
SubEasy’s AI-powered platform can help you:
- Detect common translation errors
- Suggest better alternatives
- Maintain consistency in tone and style
Real-World Example
English Sentence:
She’s going to call you back in a minute.
Common Mistake Translation:
Ella va a llamarte atrás en un minuto. ❌
(Back → atrás is a literal translation but incorrect)
Correct Translation:
Ella te va a devolver la llamada en un minuto. ✅
Key Takeaways
✅ Avoid literal translation — focus on meaning
✅ Always check gender and agreement
✅ Watch out for false friends
✅ Consider cultural context
✅ Adjust sentence structure naturally
✅ Use clear, appropriate language
✅ Always review and edit your work
FAQ
What is a literal translation?
A literal translation translates each word directly without considering meaning or context. It often sounds unnatural in Spanish.
How can I avoid false friends in translation?
Keep a list of common false friends and check them when translating. Practice and experience will help you recognize them quickly.
Is it okay to use Google Translate for English to Spanish translation?
For casual use, yes. But for professional, formal, or accurate translation, manual review is essential. SubEasy offers more reliable, context-aware translation.
How can SubEasy help me improve my translations?
SubEasy's proofreading tools and context-aware AI help detect and fix common translation mistakes, making your work clearer and more accurate.
Can I become a professional translator without formal education?
Yes, with consistent practice, feedback, and the right tools, many translators become skilled without formal degrees.