AI and translators: friend or foe?

For more than six years, I have been co-hosting and producing a podcast about translation called En pantuflas (Spanish for In Slippers). The podcast aims to give a voice to and highlight the value of professional translators. I’ve had the honor of interviewing more than two hundred translators, and we end each season’s episodes with a reflective question. This year’s question is, not surprisingly, about the role of AI in translation: is it a compinche or a contrincante? In other words, is AI a threat to translators or a new ally in our craft? A friend or a foe? What has emerged is a nuanced and deeply human perspective.

The consensus is far from monolithic; some see AI as a valuable partner, others approach it with skepticism or even indifference. But all agree on one thing: the relationship between translators and AI is not black and white. It demands reflection, adaptation, and, above all, an active role in shaping the future.

Embracing AI as a "Compinche" (Friend)

Many translators spoke positively about AI’s potential when used wisely. Nuria Gómez Belart, an expert linguist, editor, and author of “Manual de lenguaje claro” (Manual of Clear Language), highlighted the historical continuity of technological disruption in our field, reminding us that every technological advancement, from the typewriter to the computer, was once seen as a threat. AI, she says, "can be a great ally, a useful tool if you know how to use it." Like previous technological leaps, it demands reinvention rather than resignation.

Andy Benzo, a consultant and lecturer in translation and President-Elect of the American Translators’ Association, echoed this sentiment, framing the arrival of AI as part of an unstoppable evolution. "Once a technological revolution starts, it doesn’t go backwards," she said. For her, resistance is futile and counterproductive. The challenge lies in integrating AI into workflows to amplify, not diminish, our skills.

Similarly, Frederic Chaume, Professor of Audiovisual Translation at Universitat Jaume I and University College London, emphasized that AI alone is not capable of translating and adapting creative audiovisual content, and is unlikely to be able to do so in the short or medium term. He asserted that the only viable solution is to integrate “the human in the loop” into the process, as this integration will be key to maintaining quality standards in audiovisual translation. Far from replacing translators, he envisions AI as a tool that, when properly combined with human expertise, can lead to even better outcomes and create new jobs that will require skills different from those currently held by translators.

Paula Safar, linguist and professor, and Belén Agulló, multimedia localization consultant and researcher, agreed, insisting that tools are only as good as how we use them. "Everyone has access to the same tools," Paula noted, "but we don't all produce the same quality work." Human expertise, judgment, and creativity remain irreplaceable.

Skepticism and Caution

Not all voices were enthusiastic. Some translators approached AI with considerable skepticism or outright indifference.

Mónica Caldeiro, medical translator and writer, admitted bluntly, "I have zero interest in AI." For her, AI is only a real threat to those who already produce mechanical, low-quality translations. For skilled professionals, she believes, AI will not be a replacement. However, she expressed concern that unscrupulous use of AI could exacerbate the precarity already present in the translation industry.

Virginia Cavanillas, literary translator specializing in LGBTQ+ romance novels, shared her frustration with how poorly AI translations often handle nuanced, sensitive texts. "Today," she said, "I can't get through the first page without having to reread it." She would love for AI to become a reliable assistant, but fears its misuse could damage quality and trust.

A Balanced View: Neither Friend nor Enemy

Other translators opted for a more balanced perspective.

Silvia Firmenich Montserrat, PhD candidate at Jaume I University with research areas in translation pedagogy and translation assessment, categorized AI not as a friend or foe, but as a tool to be leveraged thoughtfully. While AI performs adequately at the linguistic -and even thematic-level, she argued, it still struggles with cultural nuances—an area where human translators are irreplaceable.

Juan José Martínez Sierra, professor of written and audiovisual translation and intercultural communication at Universitat de València, compared the situation to the ancient Numantine resistance: either translators resist AI and risk being sidelined, or they adapt strategically, insisting on fair remuneration and responsible implementation. Universities, associations, and professional organizations, he stressed, have a key role in ensuring that the adoption of AI enhances, not erodes, working conditions.

Xosé Castro, localization expert and cultural and linguistic consultant, pointed out that AI will be both "compinche y enemigo," (friend AND foe) depending on how it is used and regulated. He underscored the urgent need for legislation to protect creators’ rights, warning that much AI training has been fueled by unchecked scraping of online content.

Where Do We Stand as Translators?

Translators’ relationship with AI is complex. It can be a powerful friend, a competitive adversary, or simply another tool, depending on how it is integrated into our workflows and how ethically it is deployed across the industry.

"I can't imagine a future where translations are done magically by ChatGPT and nobody bothers to check them.

The overwhelming takeaway from these conversations is that translators are not powerless in this transformation. Our expertise, creativity, and judgment are our enduring strengths. AI, for all its capabilities, still cannot replicate the deep cultural intuition, empathy, and contextual understanding that human translators bring to the table.

As Belén Agulló wisely put it, "I can't imagine a future where translations are done magically by ChatGPT and nobody bothers to check them." Neither can most of us. And that's precisely why the future of translation still very much belongs to human translators, smartly partnered with technology, not replaced by it.