Problems in translation are observed from the perspective of an employer of translators working in public health education in Australia for consideration by those involved in devising and applying training courses for translators. The author describes how the Health Translation Service (HTS) in the NSW Health Department produces health information for the public, and organizes its translation and publication in major languages. Each language version is worked on by two equally competent translators, working collaboratively, who are also involved with proofreading before final printing and distribution. Health workers and members of the ethnic communities concerned are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on the quality and usefulness of translated material to its intended readers. A case history is presented, problems confronting translators when dealing with specialized terminology are discussed. It is suggested that errors can be made even by experienced translators when specialized terms are included.