A Guest Left an Airbnb Review in a Foreign Language — What Do I Do?

By ReviewRescueCross-checked against Airbnb's official Reviews PolicyUpdated August 5, 2026Not affiliated with Airbnb
The short answer

A review in a language you can't read isn't removable just for that reason. Translate it first — Airbnb shows a translation, or use a translation tool — then assess it against the six grounds. If it contains profanity, threats, or private info, request removal quoting the offending part; if it's genuine criticism, respond.

Translate before you judge

You can't assess — or respond to — what you can't read. Airbnb usually offers a “Translate” option on reviews; otherwise paste the text into a translation tool. Only then can you tell whether it's harmless criticism or something removable.

The language itself is never a ground. What the words say is what matters — so get an accurate translation before deciding anything.

Then apply the grounds

  1. 1Translate the full review.
  2. 2Check it against the six grounds — profanity/threats, private info, extortion, irrelevance, fake, or genuine retaliation.
  3. 3If it breaks one, request removal and quote the offending part (with your translation). If not, reply — ideally in the guest's language and English.

Check your review in ~30 seconds — free

Paste the review. We'll tell you honestly whether Airbnb's policy makes it removable — and give you the exact words if it is. No login, no account access.

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Frequently asked questions

The translation shows a slur. Removable?

Yes — profanity, slurs, or threats violate the content policy regardless of language. Request removal, quote the offending words, and include an accurate translation so the support agent can see the violation.

Should I respond in the guest's language?

A short reply in their language (plus English for future guests) reads as considerate and reassures a global audience. Keep the same calm, brief formula you'd use in English.

Can I get it removed just because most of my guests won't understand it?

No — a review isn't removable for being in another language. It only comes down if the translated content breaks a policy ground.

Sources

This guide reflects Airbnb's own published policies. Verify against the primary source, as Airbnb can update its policy:

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