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. Other professional dates for the year are in our calendar of professional holidays in Ukraine.
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!
How to celebrate with the team
Thanks and certificates — recognise everyone's contribution, even with a few words at a team meeting.
Morning flowers for the office — a bouquet for the team or small arrangements on each desk set a festive mood.
A team photo — take a group picture to hang in the office or post on the website.
A wishes board — everyone leaves a few kind words for colleagues on sticky notes.
An informal get-together — lunch, a picnic or a board-game evening after work.
Toasts for the team celebration
Colleagues, here's to our profession! May our work bring not only a salary but also pride in what we do.
A toast to a team that isn't afraid of deadlines, inspections or Mondays. Cheers!
To the experience of those who've been here for years and the energy of those who've just joined. Together we're strong!
Here's to celebrating next year's professional holiday with new achievements and the same wonderful team!
What to write on a card with flowers
Happy birthday! May this bouquet remind you how many people love you.
For the best moments of the year — flowers, sincere words and hugs.
May every day be as bright as this bouquet.
Happy birthday! Wishing you health, peace and joy in the little things.
Sign the card by hand: even two lines in your handwriting mean more than a long printed message.
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.
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.
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.
Birthday
Hydrangeas