In addition to near-native source language proficiency, translators need other skills too; probably the most important are excellent writing skills in their target language, in-depth knowledge in one or more areas of specialization, and business management skills Some would-be translators are in practice not very successful because they have weak writing skills in their target language, making their translations difficult or unpleasant to read

Not counting body style and trim variations, there are over 150 different car and light truck models to choose from during any given model year Once the models of interest have been chosen, one still has to think of engines, options, colours

Being multilingual isn't the only skill a translator needs, but it's certainly the most important Translators learn their languages in many different ways; many grew up in bilingual households or countries, some learned their second or third language in school and then pursued experience abroad, some took intensive language courses or worked in a foreign country for several years, and it is also quite common for translators to become freelancers after working as military or government linguists