It may sound counterintuitive, but hiring a student from your local university’s language department for your quality Japanese translation isn’t the money-saving solution you think it is.

You might be tempted, as students often charge lower rates, but the truth is, the true cost of using inexperienced translators could be much higher than you anticipate.
Why Students Aren’t Professional Translators
Here’s the thing: students are still learning. They’re working hard to become professional linguists, but they aren’t there yet. Entrusting important documents, marketing materials, or legal contracts to students might save you money upfront, but the quality of your Japanese translation could suffer greatly.
This isn’t just a minor risk—it can have serious consequences. Poor-quality translations can result in:
- Lost business opportunities
- Penalties for failing to meet regulations in your target market
- Legal problems arising from translation errors
Does this sound too extreme? Think again. According to an influential industry report,
80% of international businesses lose revenue due to poor quality translations.
That’s a staggering statistic that shows just how much is at stake when you skimp on professional translation services.
Translation is Not the Same as Teaching or Studying a Language
It’s important to remember that just because someone is studying a language doesn’t mean they can translate it professionally. Translation requires more than knowing vocabulary—it demands an understanding of cultural nuances, specialized terminology, and the ability to convey meaning accurately.
Would you hire a student from the university’s technical department to program your corporate website? Of course not! Translation works the same way. It’s a highly skilled job that requires experience and expertise, not just basic knowledge of a language.
Invest in Professional Translation
The bottom line is simple: spending money on professional Japanese translation is an investment that pays off in the long run. Professional translators offer:
- Expertise in language and culture
- Accuracy in translation, even for complex or specialized documents
- A higher quality service that minimizes the risk of costly mistakes
When you choose to work with a professional translator, you’re not just getting words translated—you’re ensuring your message is communicated clearly and correctly.
Save yourself the headaches, the lost revenue, and the risks. Contact professional Japanese translators in Tokyo today, and make sure your translations are done right.
About the Author
Ivan Vandermerwe is the CEO of SAECULII YK, owner of Japan, Tokyo based Professional Japanese Translator Visit SAECULII for the latest professional case studies, articles and news on Japanese Translation Services
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