Transcreation
Transcreation (Translation + Creation) is the process of adapting a message from one language to another while maintaining its intent, style, tone, and emotional impact. Used primarily in marketing and advertising where literal translation often fails to capture the "punch" of a slogan or campaign.
When Translation Kills Your Brand Voice
Literal translation destroys marketing. Haribo's English jingle "Kids and grown-ups love it so..." is completely rewritten in every language to maintain rhythm and rhyme, not translated word-for-word. KFC's "Finger-lickin' good" became "Eat your fingers off" in Chinese when literally translated—a PR disaster. Transcreation ensures your brand voice travels by hiring creative copywriters who understand both languages' cultures and write new copy that achieves the same emotional response. It's more expensive than translation (charged per project, not per word) but essential for taglines, ad campaigns, and brand messaging.
Translation vs. Transcreation
Real-World Impact
Brand translates slogan "Think Different" literally to German
"Denke Anders" (grammatically awkward, loses impact)
Campaign flops, brand looks amateurish
Transcreation adapts concept for German cultural context
"Denk neu" (Think anew - captures innovative spirit)
Campaign resonates, drives 28% brand lift