Why movies and TV shows don’t translate foreign languages in subtitles (Explained)
- Ananya
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
Ever noticed a scene where someone speaks another language and the subtitle just says “speaking French”? Here’s why that’s not accidental.
Is the above image a little too familiar? Yeah, we’ve all been there! 😂
First, let us understand the difference between subtitles, translations and captions because they aren’t the same thing.
Subtitles
Purpose: Help viewers understand dialogue that’s spoken on screen.
Language: Usually in the same language as the audio (for clarity) or a different language (for translation).
Example: When an English movie shows English subtitles for clarity or Spanish subtitles for Spanish audiences.
Translations
Purpose: Convey the meaning of spoken dialogue from one language to another.
Language: Always in a different language than the original audio.
Example: An English film translated into French subtitles.
Captions (Closed Captions)
Purpose: Designed for the hearing impaired; include all audio cues—not just dialogue.
Content: Shows sounds, music, speaker names, and other non-verbal elements.
Example: “(door creaks)” or “♪ music playing ♪”.
Now that we know the difference between subtitles, translations, and captions, let’s take a closer look at those mysterious lines.
Why subtitles are not translated: The actual reason explained.
In the official subtitles, if there are no translations, it is called creative intent and not meant for the viewers to understand.
When translations are necessary for viewer to understand, only then it is included in subtitles.
Yes, it is done on purpose!!
It is a creative and artistic choice.
It is meant to make the audience feel like they are in the same boat with the character who doesn't understand.
That feeling of confusion adds to the scene. This is a storytelling concept called "linguistic distancing". It is when filmmakers keep dialogue in a foreign language (without translation) to make the audience feel a bit “out of the loop” and heighten tension, mystery, or cultural distance.
Classic Examples
Stranger Things
Remember when the Russians in Stranger Things were plotting in secret, speaking Russian, and the subtitles just said:
“(speaking Russian)”?
Exactly. We didn’t know what they were plotting… the characters didn’t know either. Later, when Alexei spills the beans in broken English, it’s like a cinematic “aha!” moment and your patience (and curiosity) is rewarded.
Breaking Bad
When cartel members speak Spanish, sometimes the subtitles just say “(speaking Spanish)”.
This is linguistic distancing in action, you feel just as lost (and slightly terrified) as Walter and Jesse, which makes every cartel scene that much more tense… and hilarious if you try to guess what’s happening.
Inglourious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino loves to mess with your head. In Inglourious Basterds, German, French, and English all appear in the same scene, sometimes with subtitles, sometimes without.
You feel just as paranoid as the characters: one wrong word and, boom, your life (or theirs) could be in danger. This keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Technical Reasons (Optional, But Still Hilarious)
Sometimes, your streaming service just didn’t bother.
You accidentally clicked closed captions instead of full subtitles. That’s why you get:
“(speaking French aggressively)”…instead of the important dialogue.
Subtitles can only fit a few words per second. Translating long foreign lines can clutter the screen.
Different regions may get different subtitle tracks and some versions might skip foreign translations altogether.
Translating every small bit of foreign dialogue costs money and time, especially in multilingual scenes. Small budget projects might avoid these extra costs.
So next time you see “(speaking Japanese)” or “(in Korean)”, don’t groan, don't roast, embrace it.
You’re part of the story, feeling tension, confusion, and suspense exactly like the characters. Sometimes, not understanding is the best plot twist of all.
Why just read subtitles when you can understand the drama, the jokes, and the plot twists yourself? Learn a new language with LearnningTree and level up your binge-watching game!