This paper reports on an empirical experiment in which a group of MA student translators justified their translation solutions. The aim of the work was to determine to what extent students rely on their theoretical knowledge of translation in their justifications and use the metalanguage of the field. The data consists of transcribed retrospections which were carried out immediately after the students had completed the translation task, with screen recordings of translation processes as the cue. In the retrospection, students commented on their translation processes. The results indicate that approximately one third of all justifications are based on a gut feeling, and the use of metalanguage is scarce. The results point to the need to practice the skill of justifying one's solutions orally during translator training.