doslov

Doslov is a term used in several Slavic language contexts to denote a literal, word-for-word translation of a text. It refers to a rendering that aims to reproduce the source text’s lexical items and grammatical structure as closely as possible, often at the expense of naturalness in the target language.

In translation studies and dictionaries, doslov is expressed through phrases such as doslovný překlad (Czech), doslovný preklad (Slovak), doslovni prijevod (Croatian/Serbian), and doslovni prevod (Slovenian). These terms indicate a literal translation, in contrast to freer or more idiomatic renderings that prioritize meaning or readability over exact wording.

The doslov approach can be useful for linguistic analysis, lexicographical work, or studying the original form of a text. However, it can yield awkward or unnatural phrasing in the target language, which is why many translators prefer a dynamic or idiomatic translation for general readers. Some publishers or translators explicitly label a section as a doslov to signal close adherence to the source text, while others avoid the label and simply present a literal translation as one of several possible renderings.

See also: literal translation, word-for-word translation, translation studies.