Idiom习语
An idiom is a fixed expression whose overall meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. In translation and localization, idioms occur frequently in marketing copy, dialogue, and UI microcopy, and they usually require a culturally appropriate equivalent expression or a clear paraphrase in the target language rather than a word-for-word rendering that would sound unnatural.
Angel Translation editorial reference · Confirm the rendering against your source and approved project terminology.
Check source meaning → confirm the preferred term → record approved variants and references.
Where this term appears
Idioms appear in slogans, game dialogue, video scripts, and app error messages where a literal translation would sound unnatural or misleading. Translators identify the intended meaning, then choose a target-language idiom with similar impact, or they replace it with plain language when no equivalent expression exists in the target culture.
Translation checks
The most common mistake is translating idioms literally, which can create confusing or comic text in the target language. Another error is using a target-language idiom that has the wrong connotation or register, so the text may often be fluent but convey a different emotional tone or subtle cultural message.
Keep the term aligned across your files
Creative and consumer content needs accurate meaning as well as tone and context. Subtitles, interfaces and voice scripts also require checks for timing, character limits and pronunciation.
Provide approved terms and previous translations with the source files. Agree how variants, ambiguous wording and revisions will be reviewed. Terminology maintenance and any termbase handback are confirmed in the project scope. See the 8-step AI + expert workflow.
Related document experience
Kraft Foods
Transcription + dubbingEmployee-training video transcription and dubbing.
Read the published project →
Alexander Wang (Shanghai)
English ⇄ ChineseBrand documentation.
Read the published project →Published scope shows related industry experience; it does not confirm that this specific term was used or reviewed in the project.
Working on content globalization documentation?
Include the source and target languages, file types, intended use, deadline and any approved termbase. Agree handling before sending sensitive files. Acknowledged in 4 hours, quoted in 24.
Prepare an inquiry email →Content Globalization solutions →File handling →A glossary entry is not an official standard or evidence of regulatory acceptance. Confirm current requirements for your project separately.