Borbala Kemeny
Professional Hungarian Translator in Spain

Borbala Kemeny Hungarian Translator in Spain

Do you hold a degree in translation?
Yes, I have an MA in translation and interpreting.


What languages do you work with?
I work with Hungarian, English, German, Spanish, Russian and Catalan.


How long have you been in the business?
I started translating for a living in 1999 and I still love it.

Do you only translate into your mother tongue?
Yes... for most fields, including transcreation, UI/UX, marketing translations etc., I prefer translating into Hungarian. However, there are cases when I translate into my other working languages, for example, for back translations in linguistic validation projects and other non-client-facing materials.


What are some examples of the clients you work with?
I work with a diverse range of clients, including fashion brands, mass customization websites, online marketplaces, fin-tech start-ups, content research organizations, international institutions, educational software, retail platforms, dating and networking apps, among many others.


Do you have an office?
I have a designated workspace within my home. It is equipped with a standing desk, an extra monitor, an ergonomic chair, and even a Pilates ball and a foam roller.


Where are you based?
I have been living in Spain for about 15 years and currently reside in Barcelona.


Is your business environmentally sustainable?
Far from being a digital nomad, I pride myself on minimizing my carbon footprint, running a low-emission, energy-efficient business and prioritizing collaboration with companies working towards environmental sustainability. 


What types of documents do you typically translate?
I provide localization for mobile applications and websites, including operational content (help centre, support), product content, ads, as well as the translation of legal documents, including terms and conditions, articles of association, contracts, agreements, etc.


Do you use CAT tools?
Yes, I use Trados Studio, MemoQ, Phrase, and Smartling daily, and I am familiar with most online CAT tools.


Can you provide me with any testimonials?
Certainly. You can find my testimonials here, here and here.


Are you a member of a professional association?
Yes, I am an active member of several professional associations, including the Spanish Association of Translators (ASETRAD) and the Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters of Catalonia (Aptic).


Do you outsource any of your translation work?
No, I handle all translations personally and do not outsource any work. You can rest assured of the quality of my personal attention to your project.


When working on a translation, do you make suggestions or recommendations to the original copy?
Yes, translating a text involves reading it thoroughly several times, which inevitably results in spotting any typos or discrepancies.


Can you execute linguistic validation projects involving cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews?
Yes, I have more than 10 years of experience in linguistic validation projects including conducting CD interviews and clinician reviews.


Do you always meet deadlines?
Yes, by all means. You can review the referrals I have received from my translation clients here, here and here.


How do you maintain your target language (Hungarian) skills despite being an expat?
I live in a Hungarian-speaking family, so I use the language on a daily basis. Additionally, I regularly travel to Hungary and receive visits. To keep both my written and spoken Hungarian sharp, I engage in activities such as reading contemporary Hungarian novels and watching Hungarian TV shows and films. And, of course, being a full-time translator contributes to the continuous refinement of my language skills in a variety of fields.


Where and what have you studied?
I studied English philology (MA in literature, linguistics and pedagogy), followed by translation and interpreting (MA).

And finally, business with a focus on marketing and EU studies (BBS). As part of my academic journey, I completed an internship at the European Parliament in Luxembourg. For more information, kindly review the details here.


Can you send me your resume?
Absolutely, you are welcome to get in touch with me and I will gladly email it to you.