Language differences in qualitative research can affect the interpretation and representation of meanings, potentially leading to loss of validity. This article discusses challenges of translation when participants and the main researcher share a non-English native language, and the data are translated into English for publication. Interpretation is central to qualitative research, and translation, as an interpretive process, may result in meaning loss. The article highlights that language influences how meanings are constructed and expressed, and that cultural differences can affect understanding. In qualitative research, meanings are derived from subjective experiences, and language plays a key role in expressing and interpreting these. Translation challenges arise not only in the initial translation of data but also in the interpretation and representation of findings. For example, translating metaphors or culturally specific expressions can lead to misunderstandings. The article provides examples where translation issues affected the accuracy of meaning, such as when translating Dutch terms for walking, which had multiple meanings in the source language. The article recommends that researchers use professional translators when translating significant parts of their findings, such as titles or themes, to ensure accurate representation of meanings. It also suggests that discussions about interpretations should be conducted in the original language as much as possible to maintain the integrity of the meaning. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of using fluid descriptions of meanings in discussions and providing detailed explanations of translation processes to enhance the validity of the research. The article concludes that translation issues are often overlooked in method sections of English articles, but they should be discussed to ensure that potential meaning losses are minimized. It recommends that researchers take steps to ensure that translations are accurate and that the meanings conveyed in the findings are preserved. These recommendations aim to improve the validity and quality of qualitative research involving non-English data.Language differences in qualitative research can affect the interpretation and representation of meanings, potentially leading to loss of validity. This article discusses challenges of translation when participants and the main researcher share a non-English native language, and the data are translated into English for publication. Interpretation is central to qualitative research, and translation, as an interpretive process, may result in meaning loss. The article highlights that language influences how meanings are constructed and expressed, and that cultural differences can affect understanding. In qualitative research, meanings are derived from subjective experiences, and language plays a key role in expressing and interpreting these. Translation challenges arise not only in the initial translation of data but also in the interpretation and representation of findings. For example, translating metaphors or culturally specific expressions can lead to misunderstandings. The article provides examples where translation issues affected the accuracy of meaning, such as when translating Dutch terms for walking, which had multiple meanings in the source language. The article recommends that researchers use professional translators when translating significant parts of their findings, such as titles or themes, to ensure accurate representation of meanings. It also suggests that discussions about interpretations should be conducted in the original language as much as possible to maintain the integrity of the meaning. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of using fluid descriptions of meanings in discussions and providing detailed explanations of translation processes to enhance the validity of the research. The article concludes that translation issues are often overlooked in method sections of English articles, but they should be discussed to ensure that potential meaning losses are minimized. It recommends that researchers take steps to ensure that translations are accurate and that the meanings conveyed in the findings are preserved. These recommendations aim to improve the validity and quality of qualitative research involving non-English data.