Japanese Translation Issues with Google Translate

In summary, Japanese translation issues with Google Translate often stem from the complexities of the Japanese language, including its unique grammar, syntax, and context-dependent meanings. The tool struggles with nuances such as honorifics, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references, leading to inaccurate or awkward translations. Additionally, the lack of context can result in misleading interpretations, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in translations to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
  • #1
Hornbein
2,654
2,220
Japanese is a challenge for Google Translate. "Jazz club" was translated to "Cannabis." Hmm, maybe they've got something there.

They also produced this:

"Space networks have a strange gravity
I'm starting to think after I graduated with an amusing horse"
 
  • Haha
Likes berkeman and fresh_42
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
I just found out that Russian ain't much better.



I observed an interesting side effect. After I looked up some words in a different dictionary, an abbreviation on Wikipedia, and returned to Google Translate again, it actually had the correct translation that time. AI involved or just the usual espionage from Google?

Edit: It wasn't so surprising that the second attempt gave a better translation. But that it resolved MGU correctly as Moscow State university after I looked it up on Wikipedia was what puzzled me!
 
Last edited:
  • Wow
  • Like
Likes Hornbein and berkeman
  • #3
Unlike humans. Now I am going to drink a tall cool glass of Pocari Sweat.
 
  • #4
Riyoko Takagi on Flight of the Bumble Bee, in translation:

"High-speed and superior skills for arranging tall wood"
 
  • Haha
Likes fresh_42
  • #5
Anything that has inflection is going to be tough for static translators. Try GPT.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
34
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top