International Translation Day is celebrated every year on 30 September, the feast of Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin and is regarded as the patron saint of translators. The International Federation of Translators marked the date from the 1990s, and in 2017 the UN gave it official status. On this day we greet translators and interpreters, simultaneous interpreters, literary and military translators, editors and language teachers. Below are short and formal Translation Day wishes, messages for colleagues, funny lines, poems and gift ideas.

Holidays for people of words: Ukrainian Language Day wishes, Journalists Day wishes, Library Day wishes.

Professions celebrating International Translation Day

Short Translation Day wishes

Happy Translation Day! Precise words, interesting texts and generous clients.
Congratulations on your professional holiday! May every translation sound as if it had been written in that language.
Happy 30 September! Easy deadlines and grateful clients.
Thank you for helping the world understand itself. Happy holiday!

For fellow translators

Colleagues, happy holiday! May dictionaries open on the right page and terminology be approved the first time.
Steady nerves and clear sound to the interpreters, inspiration and friendly file formats to the translators.

For language teachers

Thank you for opening the door to other languages and cultures. May your students make you proud and your lessons inspire.
Happy Translation Day! Your work raises those who will become bridges between countries tomorrow.

Formal wishes

Dear translators, please accept our sincere congratulations on International Translation Day. Your skill helps Ukraine speak to the world in diplomacy, culture, science and defence.
We wish you good health, professional success, interesting projects and peace.

Funny wishes

May "urgent" always mean "next week" and "a short text" actually be short!
May your fees only ever translate upwards. Happy Translation Day!

Translation Day poems

You build a bridge from word to word,
You hear what lies between the lines;
May every voice you speak be heard
And every day bring happy signs!

May every phrase fall into place,
May every text flow like a song,
May deadlines move at gentle pace
And clients stay with you lifelong!

Gift ideas for a translator

Translators appreciate gifts for work and inspiration: quality headphones, a nice notebook, a book in the original, a dictionary or software subscription. Flowers are welcome too: a gentle designer bouquet or a hydrangea and rose arrangement brightens up any desk.

Florist designed bouquet — A designer bouquet for someone who values nuance

See flowers for a colleague and hydrangea bouquets.

Lavender Morning hydrangeas and yellow roses — Hydrangeas and roses to brighten a desk

FAQ

When is International Translation Day?

Every year on 30 September.

Why 30 September?

It is the feast of Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin and is the patron saint of translators.

When did the UN recognise the day?

In 2017 the UN General Assembly gave it official status.

Embassy interpreters can also be greeted on 22 December, Diplomat Day.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Translation Day Wishes