What is a Translation Memory?

A translation memory (TM) is a database that stores text segments in a source language and their corresponding translations in one or more target languages. These segments can be sentences, paragraphs, or even simple phrases. The primary goal of a translation memory is to reuse previous translations to increase efficiency, consistency, and speed in the translation process.

This avoids retranslating the same sentences, which is very useful when updating a manual or when the same information is translated across different media (documentation, website).

There are two types of matches:

• 100% Matches
• Fuzzy Matches

100% Matches

A 100% match, also known as a perfect match, occurs when a text segment in the current document is identical to a segment already stored in the translation memory. This means the sentence or segment was translated before, and its translation can be reused without any modification.

A perfect match was found in the memory

In this example, the source sentence exactly matches an entry in the translation memory, allowing for the direct reuse of the translation.

Fuzzy Matches

Fuzzy matches occur when the text segment to be translated resembles a segment already present in the translation memory but with some differences. These differences may be minor, such as word changes, additions, or deletions. Fuzzy matches are usually accompanied by a percentage indicating the similarity to the stored segment. The higher the percentage, the greater the similarity.

A similar phrase already translated was found in the translation memory

In this example, although the source text is not identical to that in the translation memory, it is very similar. Wordscope can propose the stored translation as a starting point, and the translator will need to adjust it to account for the differences (“In many regions” and “et glaces” in this example).

Translation memories are particularly useful for translating technical, legal documents, or any other content where consistency and efficiency are crucial. They significantly reduce translation time and costs by avoiding retranslation of identical or similar segments.

Note: Wordcope revolutionizes the translation process by offering multiple MT suggestions, empowering translators to achieve higher-quality translations with greater efficiency and precision.

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