Get accurate translations with context, nuance, and cultural notes for any language
I need help translating something with attention to nuance and cultural context. Translate from [SOURCE_LANGUAGE] to [TARGET_LANGUAGE]. The text to translate is: [TEXT_TO_TRANSLATE] The context for this translation is [CONTEXT:select:formal business or professional,casual conversation,legal or technical document,creative or literary,marketing or advertising,personal correspondence,academic or educational,travel phrases]. The intended audience is [AUDIENCE:select:native speakers,language learners,formal setting,informal setting,mixed audience]. Specific concerns or nuances I want to preserve: [CONCERNS?] Provide the translation along with an explanation of any nuances or choices made. If there are multiple ways to translate something, explain the differences. Note any cultural considerations or phrases that do not translate directly. Include pronunciation guidance if helpful for spoken use. Flag any parts where the meaning might shift or where literal translation would sound unnatural. If the context matters for word choice, explain how. Suggest alternative phrasings if the first translation might not fit all situations.
Use this prompt anywhere
10,000+ expert prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and wherever you use AI.
Get Early AccessGoogle Translate gives you words. It does not give you meaning. When you need to translate a business email, a legal document, or a heartfelt letter, word-for-word output misses the tone, cultural context, and subtle choices that make translation accurate.
This helper produces translations that account for nuance. Specify your [SOURCE_LANGUAGE] and [TARGET_LANGUAGE], provide the [TEXT_TO_TRANSLATE], and describe the context (business, legal, creative, casual) along with your intended audience. The AI translates the text and then explains its choices: why it picked one word over another, where the meaning might shift, and what cultural considerations apply.
For phrases that do not translate directly, you get the closest equivalent along with an explanation of what gets lost. If multiple translations are possible, the AI presents options with the differences between them. It also flags sections where a literal translation would sound unnatural in the target language.
If you are learning a language and want practice rather than a finished translation, the Language Learning Helper is built for that. Refine your translations in the Dock Editor to compare versions side by side.
Copy this template into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the Dock Editor to get started.
Replace [SOURCE_LANGUAGE] and [TARGET_LANGUAGE] with the languages you need. Be specific if there are regional variants: 'Brazilian Portuguese' is different from 'European Portuguese.' 'Latin American Spanish' differs from 'Castilian Spanish.'
Enter your text in [TEXT_TO_TRANSLATE] and choose [CONTEXT] carefully. A marketing tagline needs creative adaptation. A legal document needs precision. The AI adjusts its approach based on this choice.
Set [AUDIENCE] to shape the register and formality. A translation for native speakers uses natural idioms. A translation for language learners simplifies vocabulary. A formal setting gets honorifics and professional phrasing.
Read through the translator's notes. If a section has multiple options, pick the one that fits your specific situation. Use the cultural notes to avoid misunderstandings, especially in business or personal contexts.
Translate emails, proposals, and presentations for international colleagues. Set [CONTEXT] to 'formal business or professional' and [AUDIENCE] to 'formal setting' for polished, culturally appropriate output.
Translate common phrases, signs, and menus with pronunciation guidance. Set [CONTEXT] to 'travel phrases' and [AUDIENCE] to 'native speakers' to sound natural rather than textbook-perfect.
Translate academic texts with attention to technical terminology. Set [CONTEXT] to 'academic or educational' for translations that preserve precise meaning over readability.
Translate creative content where tone and rhythm matter as much as meaning. Set [CONTEXT] to 'creative or literary' and note specific concerns in [CONCERNS?] like preserving humor, wordplay, or emotional impact.
Discover more prompts that could help with your workflow.
Get clear, simple explanations of complex topics at any level of depth you need
Get personalized language practice, explanations, and study strategies for any language
Create a comprehensive summary of any book with key takeaways, insights, and actionable lessons
10,000+ expert-curated prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and wherever you use AI. Our extension helps any prompt deliver better results.