How does one properly indicate a translator's explanation of a word within a translated passage I have a paper with one or two multi-sentence translations from classical Chinese.  How do I explain certain things in the text that are assumed by the author but would not be known by modern readers? I have seen where a translator presents within his translation comments or explanations; however, I don't know the proper way to format and mark these.  Is it (xxxxxx xx xxxx x, tr.)?
Any time you need to give additional information for readers, and you do not want to interrupt the flow of reading, footnotes are generally considered the best way.

This is common for translation notes or any other information which the reader might need for a fuller understanding of your text.