Plain-English definitions for the interpretation terminology you'll encounter when hiring, briefing, or working alongside interpreters. Bilingual KO/EN. Updated continuously.
Modes of interpretation
Simultaneous Interpretation
A mode where the interpreter renders the speech in the target language as the speaker is still speaking, with a ~3–5 second lag. Requires intense cognitive load — interpreters work in booth pairs and swap every 20–30 minutes. Used for conferences, formal speeches, multilateral meetings, and any event where consecutive interpretation's doubled timing is impractical.
When it applies: Conference (100+ attendees), multi-language meetings (3+ languages), time-constrained executive meetings, live broadcasts. Requires booths (or whisper/IFB for small audiences) + minimum 2 interpreters per language pair.
Consecutive Interpretation
A mode where the speaker pauses every 30 seconds to 2 minutes and the interpreter delivers the equivalent in the target language. The interpreter uses note-taking techniques (symbolic shorthand) to capture meaning, structure, and key terminology. Effectively doubles meeting time but enables maximum precision — every concept can be carefully constructed in the target language.
When it applies: Best for business meetings (5–10 participants), M&A negotiations, legal depositions, journalist interviews, formal speeches with Q&A. Wrong choice for large conferences (the doubled time becomes impractical with 100+ attendees).
Chuchotage (Whisper Interpretation)
A form of simultaneous interpretation where the interpreter sits or stands beside 1–2 listeners and whispers the interpretation in real time. Used when most participants speak the source language but a small minority needs interpretation. Limited to 2 hours per interpreter due to vocal strain.
When it applies: Common in board meetings (1–2 foreign directors), legal depositions (1–2 foreign attorneys), VIP delegations (executive + spouse), or hybrid settings where booth equipment isn't practical. Beyond 2-3 listeners, a portable whisper interpretation system (wireless transmitter + headsets) is more practical.
Escort Interpretation (수행통역)
A mode where an interpreter accompanies a client throughout a multi-stop engagement — airport pickup, hotel check-in, business meetings, factory tour, business dinner. The interpreter handles all spoken communication needs across the day. Less formal than conference interpretation; closer to bilingual personal assistance with interpretation as the core skill.
When it applies: Foreign executive inbound visits to Korea/Japan/Singapore, multi-day factory site visits, business delegation tours, VIP hospitality engagements. Typically priced as a flat day rate (₩400,000–₩1,200,000/day) rather than hourly.
Relay Interpretation
When direct interpretation between two languages isn't available, a “relay” interpreter routes through a bridge language. Example: a Vietnamese-only attendee at a Korean conference where no KO-VN interpreter is available — the Vietnamese interpreter relays through English, listening to a KO-EN interpreter and re-interpreting from EN to VN. Adds latency and accuracy risk.
When it applies: Multi-language conferences where direct interpreter pairs aren't available for every combination. Acceptable for general content; risky for technical or high-stakes content (relay through 2 interpretations doubles modality compression risk).
OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpretation)
Audio-only interpretation via phone bridge, typically for short-duration ad-hoc engagements (customer service calls, hospital intake interviews, emergency response). Distinct from VRI (video remote interpretation) and RSI (conference simultaneous remote). Billed per-minute, usually $1.50–$3.50/min depending on language rarity.
When it applies: Best for unplanned 5–30 minute conversations where in-person or pre-arranged matching isn't feasible. Common in healthcare, customer support, and emergency services. Not appropriate for high-stakes negotiations or technical reviews where the interpreter needs context + materials.
VRI (Video Remote Interpretation)
Video-based interpretation typically used in healthcare, education, and customer service settings. The interpreter joins a video call (often via a dedicated VRI platform like Boostlingo or LanguageLine) to provide consecutive interpretation. Distinct from RSI (which is conference-scale simultaneous) and OPI (audio-only).
When it applies: Hospital patient consultations, parent-teacher conferences, social services interviews, customer support escalations. Best for short-duration (15–60 minute) engagements where video provides important visual context (medical examinations, document review, etc.).
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI)
Simultaneous interpretation delivered via dedicated remote platforms (Interprefy, KUDO, Zoom interpretation feature, Webex, Teams) where interpreters work from home offices or dedicated “hub” studios rather than on-site booths. Scaled rapidly during 2020+ pandemic; now standard for conferences with distributed audiences.
When it applies: Multi-time-zone events, cost-sensitive conferences (saves travel + booth rental), distributed-audience webinars, hybrid events where some participants attend remotely. Less ideal for high-stakes in-person engagements (no body language reading, latency adds friction, no relationship-building presence).
Fixer-Interpreter
A hybrid role combining interpretation with on-the-ground logistical, cultural, and access support — typical in international journalism, executive country visits, and complex multi-country deal travel. The “fixer” arranges meetings, navigates local protocol, anticipates cultural sensitivities, while also serving as the interpreter.
When it applies: Foreign journalists covering Korean / Japanese / SE Asian stories, executive scouting trips to new markets, complex multi-stakeholder negotiations requiring local context (e.g., Korean conglomerate organizational chart navigation). Premium pricing applies (50–100% above standard interpretation rates).
Dedicated Interpreter (One Interpreter per Side)
A pattern in cross-border negotiations where each party brings its own interpreter, both interpreters work in parallel, and the interpreters cross-check each other's renditions in real time. Increases accuracy + neutrality at the cost of doubled interpreter fees. Common in high-stakes M&A, joint venture negotiations, and government bilateral meetings.
When it applies: Engagements where neutrality of interpretation is contested (acquisition negotiations, divorce mediations, regulatory hearings). Engagements where deal value justifies the doubled cost. Engagements where one party doesn't trust the other party's interpreter.
Closed-Group Discussion vs Public-Audience Format
Two distinct interpretation contexts requiring different interpreter approaches. Closed-group (board meetings, negotiations, internal training) allows pauses, clarification questions, and relationship-building. Public-audience (conferences, broadcasts, press conferences) requires uninterrupted flow without interpreter-initiated clarifications. Interpreters strong in one are not necessarily strong in the other.
When it applies: Specify format when booking. Negotiation-style interpreters fit closed-group; conference-trained interpreters fit public-audience. Mismatch is a common failure mode — a conference interpreter in a small board meeting may feel rushed and miss nuance; a negotiation interpreter on a public stage may pace too slowly for the audience.
Certifications & credentials
AIIC (Association Internationale des Interprètes de Conférence)
AIIC is the international professional association for conference interpreters, founded in 1953. Members must demonstrate at minimum 150 days of conference interpretation experience plus endorsements from three active AIIC members. AIIC publishes industry standards including the minimum 2-interpreter requirement for simultaneous booths, daily working hour limits, and language classification (A/B/C language designations).
When it applies: AIIC membership is often used as a credential signal in tender processes for international conferences, multilateral organization events, and government-level engagements. Membership does not test domain-specific skill — an AIIC member experienced in EU policy may not have medical or M&A vocabulary depth. For domain-specific accuracy, per-engagement skill testing complements AIIC membership rather than replaces it.
Sworn / Certified Interpreter
Interpreters legally certified by a national authority for use in court proceedings, immigration interviews, or other official contexts. Different jurisdictions have different requirements: Korea has no single national sworn-interpreter certification (courts appoint from internal lists); Japan has 法廷通訳 (court interpreter) registration; US has Federal Court Interpreter Certification (FCICE) for Spanish; specific state bar certifications for others.
When it applies: Required for official court proceedings (criminal trials, certain civil hearings), immigration/asylum interviews, sworn translation of legal documents. NOT required for pre-litigation depositions, arbitration (typically party-appointed), or business meetings.
Language Combination (A / B / C)
AIIC classification of an interpreter's working languages. A-language is the interpreter's native or near-native language (works into A from any other language). B-language is a near-native second language (interprets into B from one or more other languages). C-language is a passive language (interprets FROM C INTO their A or B, but not into C). A Korean-A / English-B interpreter is fully bidirectional KO↔EN; a Korean-A / English-C interpreter only works EN→KO.
When it applies: When booking interpretation, confirm whether you need bidirectional (A↔A or A↔B) or one-way (A from C). For high-stakes engagements, A↔B is the gold standard; A↔A pairs (two native-language interpreters covering one pair) is rare and premium-priced.
Domain Specialization
The principle that interpretation skill is not uniform across topic areas. An interpreter who excels at IR roadshow Q&A may struggle with medical regulatory hearings — different vocabulary, different stakes, different professional registers. Quality interpretation platforms test for domain-specific competency rather than treating “experienced interpreter” as a single category.
When it applies: When matching interpreters to engagements, specify the domain explicitly (legal / medical / finance / tech / M&A) so the matching system can filter for tested domain competency. Generalist matches may suffice for low-stakes engagements but underperform on technical or high-stakes ones.
Equipment & technical
Booth (Interpretation Booth)
A soundproof enclosure where simultaneous interpreters work during conferences. Standard ISO 4043 booths fit 2 interpreters with a console (audio in from the floor + audio out to listeners), monitor (for slide visibility), and ventilation. Required for any simultaneous interpretation session longer than 30 minutes.
When it applies: Conference organizers need to budget for booth rental ($800–1,500/day) separately from interpreter fees. Multi-language conferences require one booth per language pair (3 languages = 3 booths minimum). Some venues have permanent booths; most require rental.
IFB (Interpreter Feedback Bus / In-Ear Monitor)
A small in-ear receiver used by simultaneous interpreters to monitor either the original audio (when working without a booth) or a feedback mix that includes their own voice (so they can self-monitor delivery). Standard equipment for remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) where interpreters work from home offices or dedicated hubs.
When it applies: Mention IFB when ordering interpreter equipment for hybrid events (in-room + remote interpreters), professional RSI productions, or broadcast-style multilingual events.
Source Language / Target Language
The “source language” is the language being spoken by the original speaker. The “target language” is the language the interpreter is rendering into. A Korean executive speaks (source: KO) and the interpreter delivers in English (target: EN). Interpretation can be unidirectional (interpreter only works KO→EN) or bidirectional (KO↔EN both directions).
When it applies: When booking interpretation, specify both languages and whether you need bidirectional coverage. For meetings where both sides speak (typical negotiations), bidirectional is standard. For one-way settings (foreign expert lecture), unidirectional may suffice.
Cabin / Pivot
Conference interpretation jargon. A “cabin” refers to a specific language booth (e.g., “the Korean cabin handles KO↔EN routing”). The “pivot” cabin is the booth other interpreters relay through when their direct pair isn't covered (typically the English cabin in international conferences). Pivot interpreters carry extra cognitive load because errors propagate to all downstream relay booths.
When it applies: Multi-language conference scheduling. Conference organizers should pay attention to pivot cabin assignment — putting the most experienced interpreter team in the pivot booth.
Bridge Language
A third language used to mediate between two parties when no direct interpretation between their native languages is available. English is the most common bridge language in international business. Bridge-language interpretation adds latency and accuracy risk because every meaning passes through two interpretations.
When it applies: Multi-language conferences where direct pairs aren't always available. Multi-stakeholder deals where one party's native language has limited interpreter pool. Generally preferable to avoid for high-stakes content if direct interpretation is achievable.
Pricing & operational terms
Cancellation Policy
The compensation owed when a client cancels an interpretation engagement after match confirmation. Industry-standard windows are 30% (4–7 days before), 40% (2–3 days before), 50% (day before), 100% (day of). These windows reflect interpreter opportunity cost — interpreters typically decline other bookings once committed to a confirmed engagement.
When it applies: Cancellation fees apply to the full engagement quote. Specific windows can be customized for recurring partner contracts. For force majeure (genuine emergencies, regulatory shutdowns), platforms typically waive day-of fees on case-by-case basis.
Recording Fees
Additional compensation owed to interpreters when their interpretation will be recorded or broadcast beyond the live audience. Industry standard: +50% to interpreter fee for internal-use recording, +100% for external distribution or live broadcast. Reflects the additional usage rights being granted beyond the live engagement.
When it applies: Earnings calls (broadcast), IR roadshow recordings (internal use), conference video archives (varies), training/education materials (often +100% as licensed content). Pre-consent from interpreter is required — interpreters can decline if they're not comfortable with broadcast usage.
Travel Allowance / Per Diem
Fees paid to interpreters for engagements outside their home city, covering transportation, accommodation, meal stipend, and lost-opportunity-cost days. Industry standards in Asia: domestic travel ~₩400,000/day, international ~₩500,000/day, plus daily allowance ~₩200,000/day. Travel days (day before and after the engagement) typically billed at 50% of the engagement day rate.
When it applies: Engagements outside the interpreter's hub city (e.g., Seoul-based interpreter traveling to Busan or to Tokyo). Itemized in the quote separately from interpreter fee. For multi-city engagement tours, coordinate logistics with the matching platform.
Pre-Meeting Briefing
A short (15–60 minute) call or meeting between the matched interpreter and the client BEFORE the actual engagement, used to share agenda, terminology, participant background, and the client's goals for the meeting. Industry research shows pre-briefed interpreters deliver 30–50% more accurate interpretation than walk-in interpreters.
When it applies: Mandatory for high-stakes engagements (M&A, board meetings, regulatory examinations). Recommended for any engagement with proprietary terminology, sensitive content, or complex multi-stakeholder dynamics. Some platforms include first 30 min of briefing free; longer briefings billed hourly per interpreter.
Term Sheet / Glossary (Domain-Specific)
A pre-engagement document the client shares with the matched interpreter containing engagement-specific terminology, proper nouns, acronyms, technical concepts, and preferred translations. For complex engagements (M&A, technical product launches, medical conferences), this document materially improves interpretation accuracy by giving the interpreter calibration material before the engagement.
When it applies: Always recommended for technical engagements (engineering, medical, legal, finance). Share 2–5 days before the engagement so the interpreter can study + clarify questions in advance.
Engagement Brief vs Term Sheet
Two complementary pre-engagement documents. The engagement brief describes the meeting's agenda, participants, objectives, and operational context (location, format, language). The term sheet contains the technical vocabulary, proper nouns, acronyms, and preferred translations specific to the engagement. Together they enable the interpreter to prepare for both the situation (engagement brief) and the language (term sheet).
When it applies: Both should accompany every high-stakes engagement. Engagement brief for any non-trivial booking; term sheet specifically for technical / domain-heavy engagements.
Domain Reservation
A practice where an interpretation platform reserves an interpreter's calendar for a specific engagement BEFORE final quote acceptance, in exchange for a small reservation fee. Protects the interpreter's calendar (turning down conflicting bookings) while the client finalizes engagement scope. Standard in high-stakes engagements where lead time + interpreter selection matter more than negotiation flexibility.
When it applies: Multi-month deal cycles (M&A, large-vendor negotiations), conference team coordination requiring specific interpreter team (e.g., medical experts), executive visit planning where exact dates may slip.
Tech / AI / platform
Hreflang
An HTML metadata attribute (<link rel="alternate" hreflang="ko">) that tells search engines which language and region version of a page exists. Without hreflang, Google may serve the wrong-locale version to users (Korean buyer landing on EN page, US buyer landing on KO page). Critical for multi-locale platforms.
When it applies: Any website serving the same content in multiple languages or regional variants. MetaPret uses hreflang to map EN ↔ KO equivalents across all canonical pages (home, cities, industries, blog).
MetaPret's two-tier verification system. Layer 1 is a one-time general skill test all interpreters must pass to join the platform — covers consecutive interpretation, listening comprehension, and domain expression accuracy. Layer 2 is a per-engagement test generated for each client booking, calibrated to the specific domain and format of that engagement (medical / legal / M&A / etc.). Both layers scored by 2 evaluator-interpreters + AI Monitor against a published 15-point rubric. 13+/15 required to match.
When it applies: Layer 1 is invisible to clients (interpreter onboarding only). Layer 2 runs automatically when a client submits a request — only interpreters who pass Layer 2 for that specific engagement appear in the matching shortlist.
Verified Interpreter (MetaPret-specific)
MetaPret's public-facing designation for interpreters who have passed both Layer 1 (onboarding skill verification) and the Layer 2 test specific to the requesting client's engagement. The Verified status is a single abstraction shown to clients — internal scoring data and tier structure are operational data, not marketing assets. When a client sees “Verified” on an interpreter profile, it means that interpreter scored 13+/15 on the engagement-specific Layer 2 test.
When it applies: All MetaPret matchings. Buyers comparison-shopping multiple platforms can use “Verified” as MetaPret's verification claim — distinguishable from platforms that use “vetted” or “certified” without per-engagement testing.
Public-Tier vs Private-Tier Verification
A distinction between how platforms expose interpreter quality information. Public-tier verification displays specific scores, tier labels, or ranking publicly (e.g., “Gold tier interpreter”). Private-tier verification keeps internal scoring data operational but shows clients only a single binary “verified” status. MetaPret operates on private-tier — internal scoring data and tier structure (not client-facing).
When it applies: Comparing platforms with different transparency philosophies. Public-tier feels more transparent but anchors decisions on potentially-misleading single dimensions (a 14.5 vs 14.0 scoring interpreter may not be meaningfully different). Private-tier preserves the verification value without forcing buyers into score-comparison shopping.
LangOps / Language Operations
A relatively new role (popularized 2022+) at scaling SaaS + global services companies. LangOps manages the interpretation, translation, localization, and multilingual content stack as an operational discipline — similar to how DevOps manages engineering operations. Often the buyer of B2B interpretation services at mid-large multinational companies.
When it applies: When pitching interpretation services to companies with explicit LangOps roles, frame the conversation around: SLA, integration with existing translation memory + glossary tools, billing transparency, vendor management dashboard. LangOps buyers value operational consistency over individual interpreter relationship.
Cross-cultural
Modality Compression
A specific interpretation failure mode where modal/hedge language in the source (e.g., Korean “검토해 보겠습니다” or Japanese “難しいですね”) is rendered into target-language equivalents that sound more committal than the original. Particularly damaging in M&A, legal, and regulatory engagements where modal precision affects what counts as commitment.
When it applies: Buyers should explicitly screen for modality precision when hiring interpreters for high-stakes negotiations. Generic “experienced interpreter” credentials don't measure modality discrimination skill. MetaPret's Layer 2 for M&A and legal engagements explicitly tests this failure mode.
검토해 보겠습니다 (Korean Polite Refusal)
A Korean phrase that literally translates as “I will review and consider” but functions in most business contexts as a polite refusal or non-committal hedge. A common modality compression failure mode is rendering this as “we'll give it serious consideration” (which sounds committal in English) rather than “we'll consider it and let you know” (which preserves the modality).
When it applies: Cross-border negotiations with Korean counterparts. Western buyers should ask their interpreter to flag explicitly whether 검토 phrases land as commitment or deferral. MetaPret's M&A Layer 2 explicitly tests this failure mode.
難しいですね (Japanese Polite Refusal)
A Japanese phrase that literally translates as “that's difficult, isn't it” but functions in most business contexts as a polite refusal. A common modality compression failure mode is rendering this as “we're finding it difficult” (sounds like the negotiation may continue) rather than “we'll need to decline this” (which preserves the refusal).
When it applies: Cross-border negotiations with Japanese counterparts. Western buyers should pre-brief interpreters that 難しい phrases in business contexts typically mean “no” rather than “challenging but possible.” MetaPret's M&A and Tokyo-specific Layer 2 tests this failure mode.
Cultural Sensitivity Calibration
The interpreter's ability to navigate the cultural-pragmatic patterns specific to a market — knowing when Korean hierarchical address requires elevated honorifics, when Japanese hesitation signals deferral vs deliberation, when Gulf-region negotiation calls for relational sequencing before business. Generic language fluency doesn't guarantee cultural sensitivity calibration.
When it applies: Cross-cultural business engagements. Particularly important in: Korea (hierarchy + indirect refusal), Japan (group consensus + indirect signals), Gulf (relational pacing + Sharia awareness), Thai (relational deferral patterns), Vietnamese (collective negotiation context).