Does Google see translated content as duplicate content?

[BigSumo]

Hi All,

Does Google perceive translated content as duplicate content--therefore, up for penalty?

I tried searching for this on the web and here on WebmasterWorld but couldn't find any recent material.

Thanks in advance!

[edited by: BigSumo at 7:24 pm (utc) on Aug 6, 2015]

[netmeg]

[support.google.com...]

[Robert Charlton]

BigSumo - Welcome to WebmasterWorld. netmeg has given you the detailed answer. ;)

Additionally, note that #1 in Google for this query...
[translated content on google]
...returns a much simpler but less complete answer from Matt Cutts...

Does translated content cause a duplicate content issue?
Matt Cutts - Google Webmasters - trt 2:16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDg2AGRGjLQ [youtube.com]

Matt says...

The simple answer is no.

He goes on to elaborate that text, say, in French, is obviously going to be different than the same material in English. Also, he warns, do not simply run the copy through Google Translate or other translation software and post that as the material in another language. That is likely to be treated as spam.

Also, searching WebmasterWorld for this information returns 468 threads....

[is translated content seen as duplicate site:webmasterworld.com]

Top result here...

Is translated copy considered duplicate content?
https://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4230148.htm [webmasterworld.com]

When the text is translated it is definitely NOT considered duplicate content, even when other non-text elements on the page are the same.

Much depends also on where in your site you intend to use this content. That's where netmeg's answer is an important reference.

[lucy24]

<tangent>
It would be pretty nervy of Google to issue detailed instructions on how to set up alternate hreflang links ... and then turn around and penalize people who followed their instructions ;)
</tangent>

That is likely to be treated as spam.

It is also likely to be perceived by the human visitor as worthless gibberish. So there's that.