In Chinese culture, the role of a 译者 has historically been held in high esteem, far beyond that of a mere technician who swaps words. Great translators are seen as crucial cultural bridges and artists in their own right. For centuries, translators were responsible for introducing vital foreign concepts into China, from Buddhist scriptures in ancient times to Western science, philosophy, and literature in the modern era. A famous Qing dynasty scholar and translator, Yan Fu (严复), proposed the three cardinal principles of translation: 信 (xìn) - fidelity, 达 (dá) - expressiveness, and 雅 (yǎ) - elegance. These principles are still influential today and highlight the expectation that a good translation should not only be accurate but also beautifully written and accessible. This contrasts with some Western perspectives where translation can be viewed as a more secondary or derivative act. In China, a celebrated 译者 who translates a major literary work is often given prominent credit, sometimes appearing on the book cover with the original author. They are revered for their deep understanding of both cultures and their ability to recreate the original's artistic spirit.
译者 (yì zhě) is a formal and precise term used most often in written and professional contexts.
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 译者 (yì zhě) and 翻译 (fānyì).