One thing I’ve come to realize through my work as a translator is just how crucial it is to grasp context accurately. Even if each sentence is technically translated correctly, if the flow of the surrounding text is ignored, the final translation can end up feeling disjointed and difficult to read. In some cases, the result may be a sentence that, although written in natural-sounding Japanese, leaves the reader confused after just one read.
A good translation requires more than just replacing words from one language to another-it demands a thorough understanding of the surrounding context and factual relationships. Translators need to grasp the meaning and intent behind the original text, and carefully consider how each part fits into the bigger picture.
Human logical thinking involves abilities such as:
1) Intentionally constructing logical flow,
2) Structuring problems in an organized way,
3) Supporting ideas with clear reasoning,
4) Recognizing and correcting mistakes.
In contrast, generative AI-despite appearing to “think” like a human-works in a fundamentally different way:
1) Predicts the statistically most likely words to follow,
2) Learns patterns from vast amounts of structured example sentences,
3) Reproduces forms that sound like reasoning based on past data,
4) Attempts to avoid contradictions, though not always successfully.
When you understand this distinction, it becomes clear why translations done by humans and those by AI are naturally different. If a human translator can only produce translations that are indistinguishable from AI-generated ones, that’s a sign they may only be working at the same level as the AI.
I believe in the value of human logical thinking-the ability to connect ideas with intention and clarity. That’s what I strive to bring to every project I take on.