interpreter

interpreter — noun

1. A person who translates spoken words from one language into another, allowing pe

1.名詞B1
釋義

A person who translates spoken words from one language into another, allowing people who speak different languages to communicate with each other.

例句

Mayumi worked as an interpreter for the Japanese delegation at the trade summit.

work as an interpreter — professional role collocation

The hospital called in an interpreter to discuss treatment options with the Mandarin-speaking patient.

call in an interpreter — collocation for arranging services

同義詞
  • translator

    works with written texts, not spoken language

  • linguist

    broader term for someone skilled in languages, not specifically a speech translator

文法句型

countable noun

work as an interpreter

act as an interpreter

用法筆記

An interpreter works with spoken language in real time, while a translator works with written documents. The two terms describe different professional skills and should not be used interchangeably.

常見錯誤

❌The interpreter translated the contract from French to English.
✅The translator translated the contract from French to English.
💡Interpreters handle spoken language; translators handle written text.

2. A type of computer program that reads and runs instructions in a programming lan

2.名詞C1
釋義

A type of computer program that reads and runs instructions in a programming language one step at a time, without first converting the whole program into machine code.

例句

Python uses an interpreter to run code one line at a time rather than compiling it first.

one line at a time — key feature distinguishing interpreters from compilers

The interpreter stopped running when it found a typo in line seven of Harold's script.

同義詞
  • runtime

    broader term for the environment where code executes, not the specific translation mechanism

  • command shell

    a specific type of interactive interpreter found in operating systems

反義詞
  • compiler

    translates the entire program before execution rather than running it line by line

文法句型

countable noun

the [language] interpreter

[language] interpreter

用法筆記

Frequently appears as part of a compound noun with a programming language name (e.g. 'Python interpreter', 'Ruby interpreter'). The key difference from a compiler is that an interpreter executes instructions immediately without a separate build step.

常見錯誤

❌The compiler runs the code line by line.
✅The interpreter runs the code line by line.
💡A compiler translates the entire program at once; only an interpreter works line by line.

3. A performer — particularly a musician or actor — who expresses a personal view o

3.名詞B2
釋義

A performer — particularly a musician or actor — who expresses a personal view of the music they play or the character they portray.

例句

Élise is widely regarded as a sensitive interpreter of Chopin's piano compositions.

sensitive interpreter of [composer] — characteristic collocation in music criticism

Critics praised Naoko as the finest interpreter of that Shakespearean role in over a decade.

同義詞
  • performer

    broader term covering any type of live presentation

  • artist

    emphasizes creative expression rather than faithful reproduction

文法句型

countable noun

interpreter of + [composer/work/role]

sensitive interpreter of

用法筆記

Most common in formal reviews, criticism, and academic discussions of the arts. Takes the structure 'interpreter of + work or creator' (e.g. 'an interpreter of Mozart', 'an interpreter of the lead role'). Does not refer to casual or everyday performances.

常見錯誤

❌She is a great interpreter of pop songs at karaoke.
✅She is a great interpreter of Schubert's lieder.
💡This sense is used for formal or artistic interpretation, not casual performance.