Translation as an act has been described differently in Chinese and Western languages. Most of these descriptions could express only part of its significance and no single word or phrase can cover all possible meanings, because translating is actually a very complicated activity. This study starts from etymology, trying to explore the origin of the term ”translate.” Through the exploration, three basic meanings are concluded as ”carry across,” ”speak across,” and ”change.” Some examples are provided and analyzed as evidences of the concepts lying behind these meanings. Finally, from the postmodern point of view, this term has been added a new meaning: to translate is also to differ.