- Literal translation often indicates lack of experience
- Failing to adapt the text to cultural context
- When foreign influences spoil the text – examples of macaronisms
- Incorrect sentence structures in English
- Technical vocabulary – accuracy is crucial
Translating from English into Polish may not seem that difficult due to the prevalence and apparent simplicity of the former. However, although it sounds like a paradox, the more familiar we are with a given language, the more aware we are of the various pitfalls that lie in wait for us. What appears to be a simple substitution of words turns out to be much more complex in practice. Translators have to deal with a multitude of non-obvious difficulties – mistakes in English are common, even for experienced translators. It is therefore worth learning about the most common mistakes in order to avoid them and create texts that sound really good, rather than being mere linguistic carbon copies.
Literal translation is usually a sign of inexperience
The most frequent error is excessive literalism. Word-for-word translation, or a calque, ignores structural and stylistic differences between languages, making the text sound unnatural. Examples of calques include:
- “make a decision” translated as “zrobić decyzję” instead of the correct “podjąć decyzję.”
- “apply for a job” as “aplikować o pracę” instead of “ubiegać się o pracę.”
- “the weather doesn’t cooperate” as “pogoda nie współpracuje” instead of “pogoda nie dopisuje.”
This also applies to punctuation, where differences between English and Polish rules can lead to significant errors.
Failing to adapt the text to cultural context
A good translator understands the cultural context and the audience’s mindset. English often favours directness, while Polish prefers a more polite and balanced tone. Translating without considering these subtleties can make a text seem unnatural and foreign. This is especially risky in marketing, advertising and official documents, where a lack of cultural nuance can be a major blunder.
When macaronisms slip in – examples
Sometimes translations include so-called macaronisms – unnecessary borrowings from foreign languages that could easily be replaced with a proper Polish term. Examples include feedback instead of odpowiedź zwrotna or benefity instead of dodatki do pensji. While these terms are widely used and often acceptable, each case should be evaluated carefully to ensure the text does not appear poorly translated.
Incorrect sentence structures in English
Another classic error is the incorrect sentence structure. English often uses short, simple sentences, whereas Polish naturally favours more complex sentences. Blindly transplanting English syntax gives the Polish version an unnatural, choppy rhythm. Instead of a mechanical translation, it’s better to adapt the sentence’s structure to Polish norms—sometimes by shortening it, other times by combining two or three English sentences into one Polish one, all while maintaining clarity and natural flow.
Technical vocabulary – precision is essential
Specialised texts follow their own rules. In fields like technology or medicine, every term has a specific meaning, and even a small error can change the entire sense of the text. A translator’s lack of knowledge of technical vocabulary is a direct path to inaccuracy and embarrassing mistakes. A simple dictionary isn’t enough; industry jargon is full of metaphors, acronyms, and set phrases. The translator must have a solid understanding of the subject matter, as an incompetent translation can lead to the use of inappropriate terms.