Posted on January 22, 2026
Career Pathway
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"Harder than any language would probably be yours" If you've ever wondered if "love" can be translated into a language? The new series from Netflix, Can This Love Be Translated? or in Thai, ยากชะมัด รักภาษาอะไร, might have the answer for you.
Joo Ho-jin (played by Kim Sun-ho) is a young genius interpreter fluent in English, Japanese, and Italian, to the point where there's hardly a word he can't translate. His once-simple life takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned to be the personal interpreter for Cha Mu-hee (played by Go Yoon-jung), a global superstar actress who is traveling to film a variety show in several countries around the world.
Throughout their journey, which takes them to encounter various cultures and people, during the translation of conversations, business meetings, and interviews for Mu-hee, Ho-jin discovers that even though they communicate in the same language, the "feelings" that begin to develop in their hearts become the hardest things to interpret and translate into words.
Their relationship slowly develops as Ho-jin faces the reality that the language of love does not exist in any dictionary and cannot be translated with any grammar. Will he find the answer to the "love" hidden in Mu-hee's heart? And when love begins to bloom, will being just a "translator standing beside" still be satisfactory?
Additionally, there is Hiro Kurosawa (played by Sota Fukushi), a handsome young top star from Japan known as the "Prince of Romantic Series," who joins the show with Mu-hee, making the situation even more confusing and tense.
Understanding the Interpreter ProfessionThis series not only tells a captivating love story but also presents an interesting perspective on the profession of "interpreter," a career that many may overlook but actually plays a crucial role in a borderless connected world.
An interpreter is a language expert who translates spoken words from one language to another instantly, without using written text, unlike a translator who works with written text and has time to review their work. Interpreters must have the skills to listen, understand, and convey meanings accurately and quickly within fractions of a second.
Interpreters can be divided into several types, such as:
Consecutive Interpreting - Listening to the speaker finish before translating.
Simultaneous Interpreting - Translating while the speaker is speaking, often used in high-level meetings.
Whisper Interpreting - Whispering translations to a small audience or in small group meetings.
Personal Interpreter - Like Ho-jin in the series, working closely with important individuals.
The profession of interpreter is considered one of the high-income careers, especially for interpreters who specialize in rare languages or languages in high demand.
New interpreters earn an average of 25,000-35,000 baht per month.
Interpreters with 3-5 years of experience earn 40,000-70,000 baht per month.
Senior interpreters or freelance interpreters can earn up to 80,000-150,000 baht per month or more.
Freelance interpreters' pay per job (Per Day Rate) ranges from 8,000-25,000 baht per day, depending on the language and the difficulty of the job.
Interpreters in the United States earn an average of about $50,000-$80,000 per year (1.7-2.8 million baht per year).
High-level interpreters working for the United Nations or global institutions can earn up to $100,000-$150,000 per year (3.5-5.3 million baht per year).
Interpreters of rare languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, often receive higher compensation than general language interpreters.
Becoming an interpreter is not just about speaking multiple languages; it requires continuous skill and experience development.
Start by seriously studying foreign languages, whether through a bachelor's degree in languages, translation and interpretation, or intercultural communication.
Undergo specialized training in interpreting, such as consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting courses from accredited institutions.
Regularly practice listening, memorization, and language conveying skills.
2. Gaining ExperienceStart with general interpreting jobs, such as seminars, business meetings, or document translation.
Gradually build a portfolio and network in the industry
Develop expertise in specific fields such as medicine, law, technology, or politics
Obtain certification from professional organizations such as AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) or NRPSI in the United Kingdom
In Thailand, you can apply for membership in the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Thailand
Work as a freelance interpreter or work full-time with international organizations, embassies, or multinational companies
Stay updated on news and knowledge in various fields because interpreters need to understand the context of the material they are translating
Learn additional languages; the more languages you speak, the more job opportunities you will have
Develop soft skills such as confidence, stress management, and working under pressure
1. Building bridges for communication Interpreters act as intermediaries that allow people who speak different languages to understand each other, whether in government meetings, business negotiations, or even healthcare services
2. Maintaining accuracy and neutrality Professional interpreters must translate straightforwardly and without personal opinions. This is crucial in international negotiations, legal proceedings, or meetings of international organizations
3. Opening up business and tourism opportunities Interpreters help multinational businesses expand their markets abroad more easily and enhance tourists' experiences when traveling to countries with different languages
4. Promoting cross-cultural understanding Interpreters do not just translate language; they also need to understand cultural contexts, customs, and differences in communication to ensure that the conveyed meaning is accurate and does not lead to misunderstandings
5. Playing a role in significant global events From summits of world leaders, the Olympic Games, to United Nations meetings, interpreters are the ones who make communication at these global venues possible
This series reflects the real challenges of being an interpreter, which is not just about translating words but understanding and conveying the feelings, emotions, and contexts hidden behind the language
Just as Ho Jin discovered that "love" is difficult to translate, not because there are no words, but because it is a feeling too profound for any language to fully describe
Can This Love Be Translated? (So Hard, What Language is Love) is now airing on Netflix with Thai subtitles and dubbing, guaranteed to be fun and thrilling
If you are interested in the interpreting profession or other careers related to language and communication but are unsure how to start or want to know which profession suits you best
Start exploring your dream career at Jobcadu now
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