Sõnasõnalt

Sõnasõnalt is an Estonian phrase that directly translates to "word for word" or "literally" in English. It is commonly used in various contexts to emphasize that something is being conveyed or understood exactly as it was originally stated or written, without any alteration, interpretation, or deviation.

In linguistic analysis, sõnasõnalt is used to describe a translation that aims to preserve the precise wording and grammatical structure of the source text, even if it results in a less natural or idiomatic expression in the target language. This contrasts with a more idiomatic translation, which prioritizes conveying the meaning and spirit of the original text in a way that sounds natural in the target language.

In everyday conversation, using sõnasõnalt can signal a high degree of accuracy or a refusal to paraphrase. For example, someone might say they are recounting a story sõnasõnalt to indicate they are not omitting any details or changing the sequence of events. It can also be used to highlight a very precise meaning or definition of a word or concept. The phrase underscores a commitment to fidelity to the original source, whether it be a spoken statement, a written document, or a legal text.