Smartling’s 2024 State of Translation Report revealed that translation volumes are up 30% year over year. With the massive demands of globalization, many businesses are turning to technological solutions to save time and money.

Translation memory (TM) is an essential component of modern translation management systems that has made this growth in volume possible. Translation memory automatically recognizes and reuses previously translated words, reducing the translation workload while providing cost savings and increased efficiency for clients.

This guide will explain translation memory, how it works, and the benefits of leveraging it in your translation management system.

 

What is translation memory?

Translation memory is a terminology management tool that stores previously translated text. When similar or identical text appears again, the system retrieves the saved translation, minimizing redundant work.

TM is useful for businesses handling large volumes of content, such as product manuals, websites, and legal documents. Reusing translated segments accelerates the translation process, improves consistency, and lowers costs.

 

How does translation memory work?

Translation memory works by breaking translated text into smaller sections, called segments, and storing them in a database. As a translator (or automated translation) works on new content, the system searches for matches between the text and previously translated segments. These matches are categorized as either perfect matches (100% identical to a stored segment) or fuzzy matches (similar but not exact, requiring minor edits).

In human translation or editing, the translator can accept, modify, or replace any detected match. New or updated translations are then saved for future use. Translators often use TM within a computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool, which helps manage and reuse translations efficiently. TM is also often leveraged in a translation management system (TMS), a platform that streamlines translation workflows for large-scale projects.

 

Translation memory vs. machine translation

Translation memory and machine translation (MT) both speed up the translation process, and they can be used together, but they serve different purposes.

Machine translation automatically translates text without human involvement. Machine translation engines use neural machine translation, which relies on artificial intelligence and deep learning to analyze language patterns and generate translations.

Machine translation provides fast content translation that communicates the general meaning of a document, but it could lack accuracy, especially with complex language or specialized terminology. Some MT solutions use translation memory to get around this issue. The user can set thresholds that dictate when the system automatically applies saved translations to fuzzy matches. Any content that is not matched via translation memory would then be run through a machine translation engine.

Human translators, MT engines, and AI translation solutions can all use translation memory to find matches between new text and previously translated content. This helps them maintain consistency and accuracy, especially for technical or industry-specific content. Plus, the use of translation memory can provide a large cost savings opportunity for companies.

 

4 benefits of translation memory

The longer businesses and translators use translation memory, the more it will improve the translation process. Here is how it can help:

  • Lower translation costs: Translation memory reduces the need for retranslating repeated content, meaning businesses save money by minimizing translator workloads or cost of machine translation. Databases with more content will yield greater long-term cost savings.
  • Accelerated delivery times and time to market: Translation memory speeds up the translation process. Businesses can roll out multilingual content more efficiently and shorten their time to market. This is especially useful in e-commerce, software, and global manufacturing industries, where speedy updates and product launches can make all the difference.
  • Enhanced translator productivity: Translators work more efficiently with access to a database of prior translations. This increased productivity expedites project completion and allows them to handle more work.
  • Improved translation quality: Translation memory standardizes terminology, phrases, and brand voice across documents and projects. This consistency is especially beneficial in high-precision industries, like healthcare, legal, and technical fields. When translators, reviewers, and content specialists work from the same set of translations, they avoid inconsistencies that could confuse their audience.

Smartling’s Translation Memory delivers all of these benefits in one centralized platform, but it also goes a step further. Here’s what makes Smartling’s translation memory different:

  • Cloud-based: Stored translations update in real time, so translators always have access to the most accurate and recently saved versions.
  • Full ownership and flexibility: Unlike other language service providers (LSPs), Smartling lets you import, export, and consolidate TM entries in the the industry-standard .tmx format whenever needed, giving you complete control. You can reuse past work without starting from scratch.
  • Adaptive translation memory: This powerful tool leverages Large Language Model technology to adapt saved translations so that more of the translation memory can be applied.
  • Smarter search capabilities: Translators can quickly locate and refine stored translations in the database without sorting through spreadsheets, making TM management more efficient.
  • Better translation quality over time: Project managers and linguists can update and improve TM entries to maintain brand consistency, tone, and accuracy across all content.

 

How to create an effective translation memory

When used correctly, translation memory helps you produce consistent and high-quality translations. Here are several tips to maximize the effectiveness of your translation memory:

 

Find a reliable language service provider

Choosing a suitable LSP based on your business needs will pay dividends in the long term. Consider factors like domain expertise, translator qualifications, and responsiveness to feedback. Ideally, your LSP should provide translators who understand the unique nuances of your industry to ensure accurate and authoritative results.

 

Maintain translation memory hygiene

With a well-maintained translation memory, translation becomes more efficient. Perform regular translation memory clean-ups to remove outdated entries, merge duplicates, and reformat text to match language preferences. Systems that track TM updates will help you spot entries that require review or deletion.

 

Give translators adequate context

Stored segments are only useful when translators know how to use them. When working with human translators, you can help them choose the right translation by providing context via screenshots, style guides, or notes about where the text will appear. This info ensures translators better understand your needs and match your desired tone and style.

 

Lock high-score segments

When your CAT tool’s TM suggests a translation that perfectly matches new content, you can lock it to prevent changes. This practice avoids accidental edits and maintains consistency, which is especially important in industries where every word matters, such as legal or pharmaceutical sectors.

 

Perform automated quality checks

Quality assurance tools flag missing translations, formatting errors, and inconsistent terminology so you can fix problems early. For example, if a measurement unit is translated differently across documents, an automated check can spot the error before publication.

 

Incorporate linguistic quality assurance

Machine translation tools, such as Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator, have varying accuracy depending on the language pair. They may need human assistance to avoid costly mistakes.

Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) tasks human linguists with evaluating translations based on a list of error categories. If LQA checks uncover frequent terminology errors, these linguists can update your translation glossary. Reviews refine your translation memory, making it a more reliable resource for future projects.

 

Smarter, faster, and more scalable translations with Smartling

Smartling’s AI-driven translation memory and machine translation tools are changing the way businesses approach localization. As the industry’s leading translation management system, Smartling combines cutting-edge AI with expert human oversight to deliver high-quality translations at scale without the typical time and cost barriers.

Smartling uses automated workflows, seamless integrations, and real-time translation memory optimization to help companies localize content efficiently and accurately. Linguists can review, refine, and approve stored translations directly in Smartling’s CAT tool, maintaining consistency across every project.

Want to get the most out of AI-powered translation? Watch our informative webinar, “How you can turn asset management into a localization multiplier,” to elevate your asset management and improve your localization.

Smartling’s 2024 State of Translation Report revealed that translation volumes are up 30% year over year. With the massive demands of globalization, many businesses are turning to technological solutions to save time and money.

Translation memory (TM) is an essential component of modern translation management systems that has made this growth in volume possible. Translation memory automatically recognizes and reuses previously translated words, reducing the translation workload while providing cost savings and increased efficiency for clients.

This guide will explain translation memory, how it works, and the benefits of leveraging it in your translation management system.

What is translation memory?

Translation memory is a terminology management tool that stores previously translated text. When similar or identical text appears again, the system retrieves the saved translation, minimizing redundant work.

TM is useful for businesses handling large volumes of content, such as product manuals, websites, and legal documents. Reusing translated segments accelerates the translation process, improves consistency, and lowers costs.

How does translation memory work?

Translation memory works by breaking translated text into smaller sections, called segments, and storing them in a database. As a translator (or automated translation) works on new content, the system searches for matches between the text and previously translated segments. These matches are categorized as either perfect matches (100% identical to a stored segment) or fuzzy matches (similar but not exact, requiring minor edits).

In human translation or editing, the translator can accept, modify, or replace any detected match. New or updated translations are then saved for future use. Translators often use TM within a computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool, which helps manage and reuse translations efficiently. TM is also often leveraged in a translation management system (TMS), a platform that streamlines translation workflows for large-scale projects.

Translation memory vs. machine translation

Translation memory and machine translation (MT) both speed up the translation process, and they can be used together, but they serve different purposes.

Machine translation automatically translates text without human involvement. Machine translation engines use neural machine translation, which relies on artificial intelligence and deep learning to analyze language patterns and generate translations.

Machine translation provides fast content translation that communicates the general meaning of a document, but it could lack accuracy, especially with complex language or specialized terminology. Some MT solutions use translation memory to get around this issue. The user can set thresholds that dictate when the system automatically applies saved translations to fuzzy matches. Any content that is not matched via translation memory would then be run through a machine translation engine.

Human translators, MT engines, and AI translation solutions can all use translation memory to find matches between new text and previously translated content. This helps them maintain consistency and accuracy, especially for technical or industry-specific content. Plus, the use of translation memory can provide a large cost savings opportunity for companies.

4 benefits of translation memory

The longer businesses and translators use translation memory, the more it will improve the translation process. Here is how it can help:

  • Lower translation costs: Translation memory reduces the need for retranslating repeated content, meaning businesses save money by minimizing translator workloads or cost of machine translation. Databases with more content will yield greater long-term cost savings.
  • Accelerated delivery times and time to market: Translation memory speeds up the translation process. Businesses can roll out multilingual content more efficiently and shorten their time to market. This is especially useful in e-commerce, software, and global manufacturing industries, where speedy updates and product launches can make all the difference.
  • Enhanced translator productivity: Translators work more efficiently with access to a database of prior translations. This increased productivity expedites project completion and allows them to handle more work.
  • Improved translation quality: Translation memory standardizes terminology, phrases, and brand voice across documents and projects. This consistency is especially beneficial in high-precision industries, like healthcare, legal, and technical fields. When translators, reviewers, and content specialists work from the same set of translations, they avoid inconsistencies that could confuse their audience.

Smartling’s Translation Memory delivers all of these benefits in one centralized platform, but it also goes a step further. Here’s what makes Smartling’s translation memory different:

  • Cloud-based: Stored translations update in real time, so translators always have access to the most accurate and recently saved versions.
  • Full ownership and flexibility: Unlike other language service providers (LSPs), Smartling lets you import, export, and consolidate TM entries in the the industry-standard .tmx format whenever needed, giving you complete control. You can reuse past work without starting from scratch.
  • Adaptive translation memory: This powerful tool leverages Large Language Model technology to adapt saved translations so that more of the translation memory can be applied.
  • Smarter search capabilities: Translators can quickly locate and refine stored translations in the database without sorting through spreadsheets, making TM management more efficient.
  • Better translation quality over time: Project managers and linguists can update and improve TM entries to maintain brand consistency, tone, and accuracy across all content.

How to create an effective translation memory

When used correctly, translation memory helps you produce consistent and high-quality translations. Here are several tips to maximize the effectiveness of your translation memory:

Find a reliable language service provider

Choosing a suitable LSP based on your business needs will pay dividends in the long term. Consider factors like domain expertise, translator qualifications, and responsiveness to feedback. Ideally, your LSP should provide translators who understand the unique nuances of your industry to ensure accurate and authoritative results.

Maintain translation memory hygiene

With a well-maintained translation memory, translation becomes more efficient. Perform regular translation memory clean-ups to remove outdated entries, merge duplicates, and reformat text to match language preferences. Systems that track TM updates will help you spot entries that require review or deletion.

Give translators adequate context

Stored segments are only useful when translators know how to use them. When working with human translators, you can help them choose the right translation by providing context via screenshots, style guides, or notes about where the text will appear. This info ensures translators better understand your needs and match your desired tone and style.

Lock high-score segments

When your CAT tool’s TM suggests a translation that perfectly matches new content, you can lock it to prevent changes. This practice avoids accidental edits and maintains consistency, which is especially important in industries where every word matters, such as legal or pharmaceutical sectors.

Perform automated quality checks

Quality assurance tools flag missing translations, formatting errors, and inconsistent terminology so you can fix problems early. For example, if a measurement unit is translated differently across documents, an automated check can spot the error before publication.

Incorporate linguistic quality assurance

Machine translation tools, such as Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator, have varying accuracy depending on the language pair. They may need human assistance to avoid costly mistakes.

Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) tasks human linguists with evaluating translations based on a list of error categories. If LQA checks uncover frequent terminology errors, these linguists can update your translation glossary. Reviews refine your translation memory, making it a more reliable resource for future projects.

Smarter, faster, and more scalable translations with Smartling

Smartling’s AI-driven translation memory and machine translation tools are changing the way businesses approach localization. As the industry’s leading translation management system, Smartling combines cutting-edge AI with expert human oversight to deliver high-quality translations at scale without the typical time and cost barriers.

Smartling uses automated workflows, seamless integrations, and real-time translation memory optimization to help companies localize content efficiently and accurately. Linguists can review, refine, and approve stored translations directly in Smartling’s CAT tool, maintaining consistency across every project.

Want to get the most out of AI-powered translation? Watch our informative webinar, “How you can turn asset management into a localization multiplier,” to elevate your asset management and improve your localization.

Smartling’s 2024 State of Translation Report revealed that translation volumes are up 30% year over year. With the massive demands of globalization, many businesses are turning to technological solutions to save time and money.

Translation memory (TM) is an essential component of modern translation management systems that has made this growth in volume possible. Translation memory automatically recognizes and reuses previously translated words, reducing the translation workload while providing cost savings and increased efficiency for clients.

This guide will explain translation memory, how it works, and the benefits of leveraging it in your translation management system.

What is translation memory?

Translation memory is a terminology management tool that stores previously translated text. When similar or identical text appears again, the system retrieves the saved translation, minimizing redundant work.

TM is useful for businesses handling large volumes of content, such as product manuals, websites, and legal documents. Reusing translated segments accelerates the translation process, improves consistency, and lowers costs.

How does translation memory work?

Translation memory works by breaking translated text into smaller sections, called segments, and storing them in a database. As a translator (or automated translation) works on new content, the system searches for matches between the text and previously translated segments. These matches are categorized as either perfect matches (100% identical to a stored segment) or fuzzy matches (similar but not exact, requiring minor edits).

In human translation or editing, the translator can accept, modify, or replace any detected match. New or updated translations are then saved for future use. Translators often use TM within a computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool, which helps manage and reuse translations efficiently. TM is also often leveraged in a translation management system (TMS), a platform that streamlines translation workflows for large-scale projects.

Translation memory vs. machine translation

Translation memory and machine translation (MT) both speed up the translation process, and they can be used together, but they serve different purposes.

Machine translation automatically translates text without human involvement. Machine translation engines use neural machine translation, which relies on artificial intelligence and deep learning to analyze language patterns and generate translations.

Machine translation provides fast content translation that communicates the general meaning of a document, but it could lack accuracy, especially with complex language or specialized terminology. Some MT solutions use translation memory to get around this issue. The user can set thresholds that dictate when the system automatically applies saved translations to fuzzy matches. Any content that is not matched via translation memory would then be run through a machine translation engine.

Human translators, MT engines, and AI translation solutions can all use translation memory to find matches between new text and previously translated content. This helps them maintain consistency and accuracy, especially for technical or industry-specific content. Plus, the use of translation memory can provide a large cost savings opportunity for companies.

4 benefits of translation memory

The longer businesses and translators use translation memory, the more it will improve the translation process. Here is how it can help:

  • Lower translation costs: Translation memory reduces the need for retranslating repeated content, meaning businesses save money by minimizing translator workloads or cost of machine translation. Databases with more content will yield greater long-term cost savings.
  • Accelerated delivery times and time to market: Translation memory speeds up the translation process. Businesses can roll out multilingual content more efficiently and shorten their time to market. This is especially useful in e-commerce, software, and global manufacturing industries, where speedy updates and product launches can make all the difference.
  • Enhanced translator productivity: Translators work more efficiently with access to a database of prior translations. This increased productivity expedites project completion and allows them to handle more work.
  • Improved translation quality: Translation memory standardizes terminology, phrases, and brand voice across documents and projects. This consistency is especially beneficial in high-precision industries, like healthcare, legal, and technical fields. When translators, reviewers, and content specialists work from the same set of translations, they avoid inconsistencies that could confuse their audience.

Smartling’s Translation Memory delivers all of these benefits in one centralized platform, but it also goes a step further. Here’s what makes Smartling’s translation memory different:

  • Cloud-based: Stored translations update in real time, so translators always have access to the most accurate and recently saved versions.
  • Full ownership and flexibility: Unlike other language service providers (LSPs), Smartling lets you import, export, and consolidate TM entries in the the industry-standard .tmx format whenever needed, giving you complete control. You can reuse past work without starting from scratch.
  • Adaptive translation memory: This powerful tool leverages Large Language Model technology to adapt saved translations so that more of the translation memory can be applied.
  • Smarter search capabilities: Translators can quickly locate and refine stored translations in the database without sorting through spreadsheets, making TM management more efficient.
  • Better translation quality over time: Project managers and linguists can update and improve TM entries to maintain brand consistency, tone, and accuracy across all content.

How to create an effective translation memory

When used correctly, translation memory helps you produce consistent and high-quality translations. Here are several tips to maximize the effectiveness of your translation memory:

Find a reliable language service provider

Choosing a suitable LSP based on your business needs will pay dividends in the long term. Consider factors like domain expertise, translator qualifications, and responsiveness to feedback. Ideally, your LSP should provide translators who understand the unique nuances of your industry to ensure accurate and authoritative results.

Maintain translation memory hygiene

With a well-maintained translation memory, translation becomes more efficient. Perform regular translation memory clean-ups to remove outdated entries, merge duplicates, and reformat text to match language preferences. Systems that track TM updates will help you spot entries that require review or deletion.

Give translators adequate context

Stored segments are only useful when translators know how to use them. When working with human translators, you can help them choose the right translation by providing context via screenshots, style guides, or notes about where the text will appear. This info ensures translators better understand your needs and match your desired tone and style.

Lock high-score segments

When your CAT tool’s TM suggests a translation that perfectly matches new content, you can lock it to prevent changes. This practice avoids accidental edits and maintains consistency, which is especially important in industries where every word matters, such as legal or pharmaceutical sectors.

Perform automated quality checks

Quality assurance tools flag missing translations, formatting errors, and inconsistent terminology so you can fix problems early. For example, if a measurement unit is translated differently across documents, an automated check can spot the error before publication.

Incorporate linguistic quality assurance

Machine translation tools, such as Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator, have varying accuracy depending on the language pair. They may need human assistance to avoid costly mistakes.

Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) tasks human linguists with evaluating translations based on a list of error categories. If LQA checks uncover frequent terminology errors, these linguists can update your translation glossary. Reviews refine your translation memory, making it a more reliable resource for future projects.

Smarter, faster, and more scalable translations with Smartling

Smartling’s AI-driven translation memory and machine translation tools are changing the way businesses approach localization. As the industry’s leading translation management system, Smartling combines cutting-edge AI with expert human oversight to deliver high-quality translations at scale without the typical time and cost barriers.

Smartling uses automated workflows, seamless integrations, and real-time translation memory optimization to help companies localize content efficiently and accurately. Linguists can review, refine, and approve stored translations directly in Smartling’s CAT tool, maintaining consistency across every project.

Want to get the most out of AI-powered translation? Watch our informative webinar, “How you can turn asset management into a localization multiplier,” to elevate your asset management and improve your localization.

Tags: Cloud Translation Features Human Translation

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