4. A translator must be familiar with their subject area
Many translators are specialists in a particular subject. This allows them an in-depth understanding of more technical texts, which they can use to explain them well. A translator’s understanding of a document goes far beyond what a normal reader would pick up from reading it through. They analyze each sentence one at a time to make sure it is clear in their heads exactly what it means. This may raise questions that the average reader may never have considered. It also highlights ambiguity which must be queried, as often in translation one must commit to a specific meaning.
5. A translator is a research whiz
There will always be areas where the translator is uncertain or not familiar enough with a particular detail in the text. This means that they have to be excellent and efficient at research. Dictionaries yes, but this goes far beyond. It includes going through materials in both languages to get a complete picture of what is going on. The translator will have to be able to analyze possible translations for a term and determine which ones will work for the particular context and then decide on which of those is most suitable in the particular case.
Translation goes far beyond being able to see it and say it in another language. To be able to translate well requires the ability to go deep into the words on the page and extract the author’s intent in the context of their culture, and then communicate that intent well in the new language.