Home › Learn › Transcription vs Translation — What Is the Difference?
Transcription and translation are often confused but they serve different purposes. Transcription converts speech to text in the same language. Translation converts text from one language to another.
Key differences
Transcription: converts spoken audio to written text in the same language
Translation: converts written text from one language to another
Transcription + translation: transcribe first, then translate the transcript
AI transcription: automated, fast, supports 25+ languages
AI translation: automated, fast, but less accurate than professional translation
Transcription with Talk2Memo
Talk2Memo transcribes audio in 25+ languages automatically. Record in any language and get a full transcript with speaker labels. The AI summary is generated in the same language as the recording.
Try multilingual transcription free
Transcribe in 25+ languages. Free plan: 200 minutes per month.
Start Free — No Card Required