Spanish to English translation

Spanish to English translation is one of the most requested language combinations: Spanish has around 485M speakers and is official in Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Bolivia.

Decide early between European and Latin American Spanish (vosotros, vocabulary, spelling of loanwords). Formal usted vs informal tú affects tone throughout, and gender agreement makes UI strings with variables tricky.

Indicative freelance rates for major western european languages run from about $0.08 to $0.16 per word for general commercial work; specialised, certified and urgent jobs cost more, and literary translation is usually paid per 1,000 words.

In the US, 42,869,908 people speak Spanish at home and 17,218,782 speak English less than "very well", which drives steady demand for Spanish–English translation and interpreting in healthcare, legal and public services.

Indicative rates

Per-word band for general commercial work in the major western european group. Real quotes depend on subject, volume, deadline and experience.

Tips for Spanish → English projects

• English output is usually 15–30% shorter than the Spanish source — budget by source words.
• Agree on formality (formal vs informal address) for Spanish before translation starts and record it in the style guide.
• Decide on US or UK English spelling and punctuation conventions up front.
• For official documents (birth certificates, diplomas) into English, US agencies usually accept a translator's signed certification; check the receiving institution.
• Send reference material and a glossary of brand or series terms; it saves revision rounds and money.