In modern Translation Studies, the so-called ‘functional’ approach is constantly gaining ground. It claims that every translation process should be guided by the function the target text is intended to achieve in the target culture. This function is fixed by the translator according to the ‘translating instructions’ given by the customer or client when ordering the translation. On the other hand, normal users of translations (i.e. initiators of translations and readers of translated texts) seem to cling to the traditional view that the main function of a translation is to give the meaning of the original. This paper examines if there is any possible link between these two standpoints, or how we can come to grips with the apparent discrepancy of the two models in translation.