Sight translation is a hybrid between translation and interpretation, as it involves aspects from both. From translation, it has a text as the source.  From interpretation, it involves translating verbally into the target language, so the interpreter must take care of fluency, intonation, and grammar.

Sight translation is often used in negotiations, arbitrations, oral trials, or medical interpreting. It is for this reason that it must be performed by a qualified interpreter with the certification required in the corresponding jurisdiction.