Word for word Meaning in English
expression
ˈwɝd/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈwɝd
WURD-for-WURD
wˈɜːd/ /fˈɔː/ /wˈɜːd
WURD-faw-WURD
Definition
If you repeat or translate something word for word, you use exactly the same words, without changing anything.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in academic, legal, or translation contexts to emphasize exact repetition or translation. Often appears in instructions, e.g., 'Translate this word for word.' Less common in informal speech.
Spanish: palabra por palabra - literalmentePortuguese (BR): palavra por palavra - literalmentePortuguese (PT): palavra por palavra - literalmenteChinese (Simplified): 逐字地 - 一字一句Chinese (Traditional): 逐字地 - 一字一句Hindi: शब्दशः - एकदम वैसे हीArabic: كلمة بكلمة - حرفياًBengali: হুবহু - শব্দে শব্দেRussian: дословно - слово в словоJapanese: 一語一句 - 一字一句Vietnamese: nguyên văn - từng chữ mộtKorean: 한 글자도 빠짐없이 - 한 단어도 틀리지 않게Turkish: kelimesi kelimesineUrdu: لفظ بہ لفظIndonesian: kata demi kata - persis sama
Example Sentences
She translated the story word for word from French.
basic
Please repeat after me, word for word.
basic
He copied the text word for word into his notes.
basic
Don’t just translate that idiom word for word—it won’t make sense.
natural
She recalled my message word for word to her boss.
natural
If you quote someone word for word, you must be accurate.
natural