Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
1,2,3 (
English Literature Study Program Flores Universit.
antaclarita@gmail.
samagratiana@gmail.
melkar076@gmail.
ronimarianus@gmail.
ABSTRAK: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji strategi penerjemahan ungkapan idiomatik pada subtitle film The Intern dengan menggunakan teori Baker .
mengenai strategi penerjemahan ungkapan idiomatik yang mencakup empat strategi, yaitu penggunaan idiom dengan makna dan bentuk yang sama, penggunaan idiom dengan makna sama tetapi bentuk berbeda, penerjemahan melalui parafrasa, dan penerjemahan dengan Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan sumber data berupa subtitle bahasa Inggris dan terjemahan bahasa Indonesianya.
Dari 25 data idiom, ditemukan tiga strategi yang digunakan: penggunaan idiom dengan makna dan bentuk sama .
, penggunaan idiom dengan makna sama tetapi bentuk berbeda .
, serta penerjemahan melalui parafrasa .
Strategi penghilangan tidak Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi parafrasa paling dominan karena dinilai lebih fleksibel dalam penyesuaian konteks bahasa sasaran.
Penelitian selanjutnya diharapkan menganalisis objek berbeda dan mempertimbangkan aspek prosedur serta kualitas terjemahan.
Kata kunci: Terjemahan, ungkapan idiomatik, strategi, subtitle.
ABSTRACT: This study aims to examine the translation strategies of idiomatic expressions in the subtitles of the film The Intern using Baker's .
theory of idiomatic expression translation strategies, which includes four strategies: using idioms with the same meaning and form, using idioms with the same meaning but different forms, translating through paraphrasing, and translating through omission.
The research method used was descriptive qualitative with data sources in the form of English subtitles and their Indonesian translations.
From 25 idiom data, three strategies were found to be used: the use of idioms with the same meaning and form .
, the use of idioms with the same meaning but different forms .
, and translation through paraphrasing .
The omission strategy was not found.
The results of the study show that the paraphrasing strategy is the most dominant because it is considered more flexible in adjusting to the target language context.
Further research is expected to analyze different objects and consider aspects of procedure and translation quality.
Keywords: Translation, idiomatic expression, strategy, subtitle.
INTRODUCTION
Translation is a crucial activity in transferring meaning from a source language into a target language in order to produce an equivalent and comprehensible message.
Beyond academic and scientific texts, translation also plays an essential role in rendering literary and audiovisual works such Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
as novels, short stories, and especially films into languages accessible to wider audiences.
In the current era of global media circulation.
English-language films reach Indonesian viewers primarily through subtitling.
Subtitling, as defined by Gambier .
n Ratusmanga & Napu 2.
AuSubtitling represents one of the two ways of translating film dialogue, in which the original audio remains unchanged while the translated text appears at the bottom of the screen.
Ay Within this process, translators are required to transform spoken language into concise written text under spatial and temporal constraints.
The task becomes more complex when the dialogue contains idiomatic expressions, whose figurative meanings cannot be directly inferred from their literal components.
Idiomatic expressions are fixed combinations of words that carry culturally embedded and context-dependent meanings.
According to Baker .
, translating idioms requires specific strategies, such as using an idiom of similar meaning and form, using an idiom of similar meaning but different form, paraphrase, or omission.
Since idioms often lack direct equivalents in the target language, translators frequently employ paraphrase to convey the intended meaning naturally and In film subtitling, this strategic choice must also consider brevity, readability, and cultural Therefore, translating idiomatic expressions in subtitles demands not only linguistic competence but also cultural sensitivity to ensure that the message, tone, and pragmatic effect of the original dialogue are preserved in Indonesian.
Although numerous studies have explored the translation of idiomatic expressions in audiovisual media, research specifically examining idiom translation strategies from English into Indonesian in film subtitling remains limited.
Previous studies, such as Nuraini .
and Suriadi and Kirana .
, mainly focused on identifying strategies and measuring translation accuracy in the subtitles of Soul and the Wednesday series using different theoretical frameworks.
However, these studies do not provide a focused analysis based on Mona BakerAos classification of idiom translation Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
strategies within a single contemporary film.
Therefore, this study offers a more specific contribution by analyzing the strategies used to translate idiomatic expressions in the Indonesian subtitles of The Intern, aiming to identify the dominant strategies applied by the translator and to explain how idiomatic meanings are conveyed under the constraints of subtitling.
RESEARCH METHODS
This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, which aims to analyze and describe findings in detail based on real data without statistical measurement.
This approach aligns with CreswellAos .
n Nuraini, et al, 2.
view that qualitative research relies on text-based analysis, making it suitable for examining translation strategies used for idiomatic expressions in the subtitles of The Intern.
The data source consists of the English and Indonesian subtitle versions of the film, focusing on idiomatic expressions found in words, phrases, and sentences.
Data were collected by repeatedly watching the film, observing both subtitle versions while listening to the dialogue, identifying potential idiomatic expressions, and confirming them using reliable idiom dictionaries such as WebsterAos and Oxford.
After collection, each idiom was classified according to BakerAos theory.
The final step involved analyzing how meaning was transferred from the SL to the TL and draw conclusions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After analyzing the research data based on Baker's theory on The Intern film subtitle, the researcher found 25 cases of translation strategy of idiomatic expressions.
Specifically, using an idiom of similar meaning and similar form was found in four .
idioms, using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form appeared in nine .
idioms, and translation by paraphrase was applied in twelve .
Furthermore, the strategy of translation by omission was not found in the data, showing that the translator translated all idiomatic expressions without leaving any untranslated.
Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
The discussion based on the BakerAos theory.
Several data of translation strategy of idiomatic expressions are presented as follows:
Similar Meaning and Similar Form SL: AuCome rain or shine.
IAom at my starbucks by 7:15Ay.
TL: AuWalaupun hujan atau panas.
Aku selalu ada di starbucks pukul 7:15Ay.
:01:52Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase come rain or shine is translated into Indonesian as walaupun hujan atau According to Webster Idiom Dictionary, the phrase come rain or shine means a strong commitment or consistency in doing something.
The phrase walaupun hujan atau panas in the target language has a connotative meaning that emphasizes steadfastness, consistency, and resilience in facing various conditions.
The word walaupun is essential in capturing this figurative force.
According to the Great Dictionary the Indonesian Language the word walaupun means even though, despite, or even if, and is used to indicate that a certain condition does not prevent another action or event from Literally, hujan and panas refer to weather conditions, but in idiomatic context, they represent a range of situations or challenges a person might face in daily life.
In this case, the phrase walaupun hujan atau panas indicates that regardless of the circumstances whether facing obstacles, a busy schedule, or unsupportive conditions the action .
eing at Starbucks at 7:.
still takes place The translator chose the phrase walaupun hujan atau panas because it is idiomatically acceptable and familiar in the target language, allowing the message to be conveyed naturally and clearly without sounding forced or awkward.
This translation aligns with BakerAos strategy of similar meaning and similar form, in which the target idiom conveys the same meaning as the source idiom and consists of equivalent lexical items.
In this case, hujan corresponds to rain and panas corresponds to shine .
eferring to sunny or hot Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
, while atau mirrors the conjunction or.
Moreover, the word come in the source idiom implies certainty and determination that the action will happen regardless of the situation, which is effectively represented by the word walaupun in the target idiom, as it signals that no condition or obstacle can prevent the action from occurring.
SL: AuBecause you have to set the toneAy.
TL: AuKarena kau harus mengatur ritmeAy.
:12:06Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase set the tone is translated as mengatur ritme in the target language.
According to Webster Idiom Dictionary the phrase set the tone means to establish a quality, feeling or attitude by a manner of speaking or writing.
In the context of the film, the idiomatic expression refers to the moment when Cameron responds to JulesAo question about why she should work with a senior intern.
Jules had previously expressed his discomfort by saying.
AuFirst of all.
IAom not great with older people.
You know how IAom with my parents,Ay .
:12:00A.
revealing his hesitation and uncertainty.
Cameron's use of the phrase Auset the toneAy directly responded to this moment, encouraging her to take the initiative and create the professional atmosphere she desired.
In the target language, the phrase mengatur ritme carries a connotative meaning related to initiating and managing the direction or flow of a situation.
According to the Great Dictionary the Indonesian Language, the word mengatur means to make or arrange something in a more orderly or neat manner, while the word ritme though originally referring to regular patterns in music suggests a sense of tempo, sequence, or flow.
In this context, the word ritme is understood more broadly as the pacing or momentum of actions and interactions in a professional setting.
In translating the phrase set the tone as mengatur ritme, the translator applied BakerAos strategy of similar meaning and similar form, in which the target idiom conveys the same meaning as the source idiom and consists of equivalent lexical items.
In this case, mengatur corresponds to set as a Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
verb meaning Auto arrange or organize,Ay and ritme corresponds to tone in the sense of controlling the tempo or atmosphere.
The definite article the in the source phrase functions only grammatically and is omitted in Indonesian without altering meaning.
The pairing of verb noun in both phrases preserves the original lexical structure while maintaining idiomatic naturalness in the target language.
This translation sounds natural and acceptable in the target language because the phrase Aumengatur ritmeAy is commonly used and effectively delivers the intended figurative meaning without sounding forced or awkward.
SL: AuWell, better late than never.
Do you want some help?Ay.
TL: AuLebih baik terlambat dari pada tidak.
Kau ingin bantuan?Ay.
:53:12Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase better late than never is translated into Indonesian as lebih baik terlambat dari pada tidak.
According to Oxford Idiom Dictionary the phrase better late than never means itAos preferable for something to happen or be done belatedly than not at all.
In the context of the film, this phrase is used by Jules when Ben says he just joined Facebook 10 minutes ago.
Jules replies with the phrase to reassure him that although he joined late, itAos still a good step rather than not joining at all.
The Indonesian phrase lebih baik terlambat daripada tidak is also idiomatic and conveys the same figurative meaning as the original.
It is commonly used in everyday Indonesian and is easily understood by native speakers.
However, it omits the word sama sekali, which is commonly used in the complete Indonesian version: lebih baik terlambat dari pada tidak sama sekali.
While the translation version lebih baik terlambat dari pada tidak remains understandable and contextually appropriate, the omission slightly weakens the emphasis of the original idiom.
This omission slightly changes the level of emphasis.
The word tidak in Indonesian only indicates simple negation, meaning not doing something.
Meanwhile, in the original English idiom, the word never carries a stronger, absolute negation, meaning not at any time or not at all.
If the translator had used the phrase lebih baik Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
terlambat daripada tidak sama sekali, it would more accurately reflect the full meaning and emphasis of the original idiom.
In translating the idiomatic phrase the translator applied BakerAos strategy of similar meaning and similar form.
Both idioms convey the same figurative meaning and consist of equivalent lexical items, with matching comparative construction .
etter/lebih bai.
, adjective .
ate/terlamba.
, and contrasting clause .
han never/daripada tida.
Although the Indonesian version omits sama sekali, it maintains the core idiomatic sense and fits naturally within the casual tone of the scene.
The equivalence is evident as lebih baik terlambat daripada tidak can be translated back into better late than never with similar meaning and similar form.
Similar Meaning but Dissimilar Form TL: AuI bust my ass for her 14 hours a dayAy.
SL: AuAku membanting tulang untuk dia 14 jam sehariAy .
:02:04Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase bust my ass is translated into membanting tulang in the target language.
According to Oxford Idiom Dictionary the phrase bust my ass means try very hard to do something.
In the context of the film, this expression shows Becky's disappointment because she works very hard for 14 hours a day but feels unappreciated and ignored by her boss.
Jules.
The translation membanting tulang is an Indonesian idiomatic expression that also means to work very hard or with great effort, often to the point of exhaustion.
It serves as an appropriate idiomatic equivalent in Indonesian, as it captures the meaning of hard work and sacrifice contained in the original phrase, highlighting Becky's exhaustion and the lack of appreciation she receives for her efforts.
This shows that the translator uses BakerAos strategy of using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form.
As Baker states.
AuIt is often possible to find an idiom or fixed expression in the target language which has a similar meaning to that of the source idiom or expression, but which consists of Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
different lexical items.
Ay In this case, while bust my ass and membanting tulang convey the same meaning: working hard with full effort.
Structurally, bust my ass uses a verb pronoun noun with informal, slightly vulgar imagery, while membanting tulang follows an affixed verb noun pattern rooted in traditional metaphor.
The expression membanting tulang is idiomatically and culturally appropriate in Indonesian, making the meaning easily understood by the target audience.
SL: AuHow in one generation, have men gone from guys like Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford to.
Take Ben here, a dying breed you know?Ay TL: AuBagaimana dalam satu generasi, punya lelaki yang berawal dari pria seperti Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford sampai.
Misal Ben disini, jenis yang terancam punah kau tahu?Ay .
:17:11Ao The Inter.
According to Oxford Idiom Dictionary, the phrase a dying breed means a types of person or thing that is becoming rare.
The idiomatic phrase a dying breed translated into jenis yang terancam punah in the target language.
In The Intern, the phrase a dying breed refers to the moment when Jules praises Ben as a rare kind of gentleman who represents old-fashioned values and class that are disappearing in modern times.
She compares him to iconic figures like Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford, highlighting how men like Ben are hard to find in todayAos generation.
The word jenis means kind in English.
According to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language, the word terancam means in a state of danger, and the word punah means completely gone or nothing left.
The word yang functions as a relative pronoun that links the noun jenis with the descriptive clause terancam punah.
This reinforces the figurative meaning of the idiom a dying breed, as the phrase jenis yang terancam punah conveys the idea of a kind of person who is gradually disappearing effectively capturing the original idiomAos tone, emotional weight, and implied rarity.
This exemplifies BakerAos strategy of similar meaning but dissimilar form: the meaning is the Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
same referring to a type that is becoming rare while the lexical form shifts.
English uses a compact adjective noun unit dying breed, whereas Indonesian uses a fuller structure: noun, relative clause, and adjective jenis, yang terancam, punah.
The structure changes, but the message is preserved.
Despite the different lexical form, the core message that Ben represents a rare and disappearing type of man is clearly and correctly delivered in the target language.
SL: AuWell, itAos a brave new world.
Ay TL: AuIni dunia baru yang menantang.
Ay .
:28:41Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic expression brave new world is translated into dunia baru yang menantang in the target language.
According to Webster Idiom Dictionary, the phrase brave new world means a future world, situation or development.
also a recent development or recently changed situation.
The Intern, this expression appears when Ben responds to Fiona after she comments that itAos cool for someone like him to become an intern.
Ben uses the phrase to describe the modern workplace he has entered something unfamiliar.
According to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language, the word dunia means environment or sphere of life.
In the context of the film, it refers to the workplace environment Ben is entering an entirely new field of experience in his later years.
The word baru means never existed or seen before this matches the novelty of the situation Ben is facing, as he steps into a modern startup company that is completely different from what he was used to.
The relative pronoun yang serves to link the noun dunia baru with the adjective menantang, forming a descriptive The word menantang means to confront or to oppose.
These meanings, when combined in the phrase dunia baru yang menantang, convey the idea of entering a new, unfamiliar world that requires courage and adaptability an interpretation that aligns with the meaning of the idiomatic expression brave new world.
The translator applied BakerAos strategy of similar meaning but dissimilar form, as both Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
expressions convey the same idea.
The idea conveyed in both expressions is about facing a new and unfamiliar environment that brings certain challenges capturing BenAos situation as he adjusts to a modern workplace.
In terms of structure, the source phrase brave new world consists of an adjective .
modifying a noun phrase .
ew worl.
, where new functions as an adjective and world is the head noun.
In the target phrase dunia baru yang menantang, dunia serves as the noun, and yang menantang is a relative clause, with yang functioning as the relative pronoun and menantang as the predicate that describes the noun.
The context supports that Ben is referring to changes in his work environment something new, different, and challenging and this translation maintains the casual and adaptive tone of the original expression.
Translation by Paraphrase SL: AuI used all the miles I'd saved and traveled the globe.
The problem was, no matter where I went, as soon as I got home, the nowhere to be thing hit me like a ton of bricksAy.
TL: AuAku gunakan semua simpnanku dan berkeliling dunia.
Masalahnya adalah kemanapun aku pergi, secepat pula aku sampai rumah, bahwa rasa bosan itu lama-lama membunuhkuAy.
:01:42Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase a ton of bricks is translated into membunuhku in the target language.
According to Webster Idiom Dictionary, the idiomatic phrase a ton of bricks means very hard or The idiom is used by Ben as he explains that after retiring and losing his wife, his routine travels left him feeling empty and hit him hard like a ton of bricks.
The idiom is used by Ben as he explains that after retiring and losing his wife, his routine travels left him feeling empty and hit him hard like a ton of bricks.
In the target language, the translator expresses the emotional intensity of the idiom through the word membunuhku, which means "killed me" and is used metaphorically to convey Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
a strong emotional burden.
Based on the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language, the word membunuh means taking or extinguishing a life meanwhile, the suffix -ku is a possessive pronoun meaning me or my, which adds a personal impact to the expression and it reflects the same emotional impact as the source idiom.
Although the translation does not maintain the original imagery of a ton of bricks, it still delivers the same meaning and intensity, making it a suitable and natural expression in the target language.
Thus, the phrase lama-lama membunuhku conveys the idea of something that slowly but severely drains or overwhelms a person capturing the emotional weight and severity expressed by the idiom a ton of bricks.
This indicates the application of BakerAos paraphrase strategy, where the idiomatic meaning is retained by using a different expression in the target language because there is no natural or culturally equivalent idiom in Indonesian.
Therefore, the use of membunuhku effectively conveys the original message and emotional intensity in a natural and impactful way within the target language context.
Although the translator did not use idiomatic expression in the target language, the use of paraphrasing successfully captured the intended meaning in the source language and conveyed it naturally in SL: AuBut okay if we take a rain check?Ay TL: AuApa taka apa jika kita tunda dulu?Ay .
:04:20Ao The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase a rain check is translated into tunda dulu in the target language.
According to Oxford Idiom Dictionary, the idiomatic phrase a rain check means said when politely refusing an offer, with the implication that you may take it up a later date.
The idiom refers to the context of the film when Patty invites Ben to have dinner with her that night, but Ben declines and suggests having dinner another time.
According to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language the word tunda means postpone meanwhile, the word dulu adds the nuance of doing it for now or Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
temporarily, suggesting that the action may still happen later.
Thus, the phrase tunda dulu expresses the idea of polite delay something with the possibility of rescheduling just as rain check implies in English.
Therefore, the translation conveys the original meaning accurately and aligns well with the The translator applies BakerAos strategy of paraphrase, as the original idiom has no direct or natural equivalent in Indonesian.
Rather than translating it literally, the meaning is rephrased into a more neutral and culturally appropriate expression that effectively delivers the same idea of polite The message in the source language is clearly and fully conveyed into the target language without any ambiguity.
In the context where Patty invites Ben to have dinner.
Ben politely declines and suggests postponing it to another time.
SL: Aubecause I am gonna save your assAy.
TL: Aukarena aku akan membantumuAy.
:04:36' The Inter.
The idiomatic phrase save your ass is translated into membantumu in the target language.
According to Webster Idiom Dictionary the phrase save your ass is a variation of save oneAos ass, which means to help someone else in an important way.
In the context of the film, this expression is used when Ben offers help to Davis by letting him stay at his house while Davis looks for an apartment, showing support in a difficult situation.
According to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), the word membantu means providing support or assistance to make something stronger, more stable, or The suffix -mu is a second-person possessive pronoun meaning your, which adds a personal and direct tone to the expression.
So, membantumu captures the intention behind the original idiom offering meaningful help and fits naturally within the context of the scene.
The translation follows BakerAos strategy of paraphrase, which, according to Baker, when a match cannot be found in the target language or when it seems inappropriate to use idiomatic language Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
in the target text due to differences in stylistic preferences between the source language and target In this case, the idiom save your ass in the source language is translated into the nonidiomatic expression membantumu, which conveys the same intended meaning in a form that is natural and culturally acceptable for Indonesian audiences.
SL: AuItAos kind of a big deal, right?Ay.
TL: AuIni cukup penting, benar?Ay.
:06:49' The Inter.
The phrase a big deal is translated into penting in the target language.
According to Oxford Idiom Dictionary the phrase a big deal means a thing considered important.
In the context of the film the idiomatic exprssion spoken by Matt to show that his presence in the classroom with Paige holds significant meaning and should not be taken lightly.
According to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI) the word penting or important in the target language means essential.
very important, which matches the context of the film where Matt sees being with Paige as snack leader as meaningful.
also reflects the idiomatic meaning something considered important or special making the translation appropriate both contextually and culturally.
The translation strategy is in lining with BakerAos theory of paraphrase, instead of translating a big deal literally, the translator chose penting, a natural and contextually appropriate word that preserves the intended meaning and emotional tone of the scene.
The word penting appropriately represent the importance expressed by the speaker without distortion of meaning.
CONCLUSION
This study explored how idiomatic expressions in The Intern were translated into Indonesian, focusing on the strategies applied by the translator.
Using BakerAos framework, the analysis identified three main strategies: translation by paraphrase .
, using an idiom of similar meaning but Paulina Mariela Charita1.
Gratiana Sama2.
Yuliana M.
DAoKarmel Kara3.
Marianus Roni4
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE INTERN FILM SUBTITLE
Journal of Language and Literature p-ISSN 2502-5473 | e-ISSN 2808-0106- | Vol.
12 Nomor 1 Maret 2026 http://e-journal.
id/index.
php/lantern/index lanternsasing@gmail.
dissimilar form .
, and using an idiom of similar meaning and similar form .
Among these, translation by paraphrase was the most frequently applied, showing that the translator often adapts expressions when no direct equivalent exists in Indonesian.
These findings indicate the need for further refinement in both theoretical application and analytical scope in future research.
Future studies are encouraged to expand the scope by applying more recent or varied theoretical perspectives on idiom translation to enrich analytical depth.
It is also recommended that researchers utilize reliable idiom dictionaries in both languages to ensure more precise equivalence and stronger translation accuracy.
REFERENCES