This is the first monograph to examine the notion of a translator's competence from the perspective of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, an aspect not yet given rigorous critical attention either by translatologists or philosophers. The study's main objective is to not only depict different conceptualizations of translation as based on Hans-Georg Gadamer's philosophy of understanding, but also develop a theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences, a unique approach as contrasted with the main trends and tendencies in modern translation studies. It also delves into Gadamer's reflections on understanding, history, text and interpretation. Finally, this monograph proves that translation studies and hermeneutics are more complementary upon closer inspection than one could think.