How do you format foreign-language dialogue in a screenplay?

The most common method is to write the dialogue in English and add a note that it's spoken in another language and subtitled — for example a parenthetical (in Spanish; subtitled) or an italicized bracket. You can also note SUBTITLE: with the translated line. Consistency across the script is the key rule.

Should I write foreign dialogue in the actual language?

Usually no. Write it in English so any reader can follow, and flag that it's spoken in another language and subtitled. Writing long passages in a language the reader may not know defeats the purpose of a readable script.

How do you show that dialogue is subtitled?

Signal it once at the start of the scene or on each line with a note like (subtitled) or SUBTITLE:, then write the translated dialogue normally. Mark clearly when characters switch back to the primary language.

Subtitles in Screenplays: How to Format Foreign-Language Dialogue

How to format foreign-language dialogue and subtitles in a screenplay. The main methods for writing bilingual scenes clearly for readers and production.

Bilingual and subtitled scenes are common in modern film and TV, but screenplay format wasn't designed for them — so writers invent inconsistent workarounds that confuse readers. The goal is simple: the reader should always know what language is being spoken, that it's subtitled, and what the line means. Here are the accepted methods.

Method 1: English + a language note (most readable)

Write the dialogue in English so anyone can read it, and flag the language with a parenthetical:

                    MATEO
                (in Spanish; subtitled)
          You shouldn't have come here.

For a whole scene in another language, state it once at the top instead of on every line:

INT. MADRID CAFÉ - DAY

The following scene is in Spanish, subtitled in English.

                    MATEO
          You shouldn't have come here.

This keeps the script readable — the reason we don't write long passages in a language the reader may not speak.

Method 2: SUBTITLE cue

When you want to emphasize that specific translated text appears on screen:

                    MATEO
          (speaks in Spanish)

          SUBTITLE: "You shouldn't have come here."

Useful when only some lines are subtitled, or when the subtitle itself is a story element.

Handling language switches

If a character switches languages mid-scene — common in bilingual stories — mark the switch clearly:

                    MATEO
                (switching to English)
          Fine. We do it your way.

The reader should never guess which language a line is in.

The rules that matter

Prioritize readability. English-plus-a-note beats pages the reader can't parse.
Be consistent. One method, applied the same way throughout.
Flag every switch. Make language changes explicit.
Think of production. These notes tell casting, the actors, and post exactly what's spoken and what's subtitled.

Keep the notes clean

Language notes live in parentheticals and action lines — elements a screenwriting tool formats automatically, so bilingual scenes stay as tidy as any other. Scriptease applies these elements for you, keeping subtitled sequences legible through revisions.