It’s often the case with viewers that they’re watching a movie dubbed into Spanish and the video subtitles don’t say exactly the same thing. This discrepancy may seem like a mistake, but there are actually some very specific linguistic and technical reasons behind it. Within the field of audiovisual translation, dubbing and subtitling are two different processes, with their own particular aims and limitations affecting the end result.
The technical limitations behind dubbing and subtitling
Dubbing seeks to synchronize the translated voice with the actors’ lip movements, while at the same time maintaining the naturalness of the dialogue. This involves adapting sentences, changing grammatical structures and even changing idiomatic expressions to make them fit in the time available. As a result, the dubbed text is rarely a literal translation.
On the other hand, video subtitling services operate under different restrictions: the space on the screen and the viewer’s reading time. A subtitle cannot include more than two lines, and it must be visible for the right amount of time to be understood without distracting from the action. This forces the translator to condense the information and prioritize the meaning over the form. That’s why, even though dubbing and subtitles come from the same script, each version is notably different.
What’s more, video subtitling retains the original audio, so the actors’ accents, intonation and pauses are respected. Dubbing, on the other hand, replaces those voices, aiming for a more fluid auditory experience for those who prefer not to read. It is that difference in approach that explains why one particular scene can be “said” differently in each mode.
How this affects the viewer’s experience
Recent studies on audiovisual consumption show that the viewer’s perception varies depending on the format. Those who choose dubbing usually value comfort and immersion, whereas subtitle users highlight authenticity and a connection with the original. In terms of understanding, both options are effective, but each one leads to a different emotional experience.
These differences don’t mean that one is better than the other, rather that they pursue different aims: dubbing prioritizes fluidity and familiarity whereas subtitling emphasizes loyalty and the cultural context. So, it’s perfectly normal that they don’t match word for word.
The value of a specialized agency
A professional audiovisual translation agency understands these particularities and adapts each project to the audience and broadcasting method. At Blarlo, we have a team of experts in audiovisual translation services and subtitling services that is able to offer coherent, natural results adapted to each format.
