A translator is a person or a tool that translates written or spoken language from one language to another. The primary purpose of a translator is to facilitate communication between individuals or groups who do not speak the same language. A translator may work in a variety of settings, such as in a business, government, or educational environment. They may also specialize in a specific type of translation, such as legal, medical, or technical translation. In recent years, with the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, there are also computer programs that can perform automated translation, called machine translation. However, while these tools can be useful, they are not yet as accurate and reliable as human translators in many cases.
Translators play an important role in global communication, enabling people from different cultures and backgrounds to communicate with each other. They are skilled in both the source language (the language being translated from) and the target language (the language being translated into), as well as the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions that are unique to each language.

In addition to being fluent in multiple languages, translators must also possess strong writing and editing skills to ensure that the translation is accurate and effective in conveying the intended message. They must also be detail-oriented and possess a high degree of accuracy, as even small errors or omissions can have significant consequences in certain contexts, such as in legal or medical translations.

The role of translators has become increasingly important in our globalized world, where businesses, organizations, and individuals often need to communicate with people from different countries and language backgrounds. Translators may work independently as freelancers or for organizations such as translation agencies, government agencies, or multinational corporations.

Overall, translators play a crucial role in facilitating cross-cultural communication and understanding, and their expertise is highly valued in a wide range of industries and contexts.