Technical Translation | Definition, Uses & Examples

Technical translation is a type of specialized translation used to convert technical documents from one language to another. It’s commonly used in industries like software, engineering, and pharmaceuticals.

What is technical translation?

Technical translation is the translation of documents that contain technical terminology and highly detailed information about a specific topic (e.g., user manuals or patient information leaflets). The main objective of technical translation is accuracy, so translators must have subject matter knowledge on top of proficiency in the source and target languages.

Technical translation also differs from other types of specialized translation. For example, literary translation focuses on artistic expression and employs creative writing techniques like figurative language and literary devices, while scientific translation handles academic writing and research and relies on a formal tone and complex language.

Technical translation is more practical and utilitarian, prioritizing function and usability over style. However, depending on the subject matter and objective, these different types of translation are sometimes used side-by-side. The following example is fictitious, but can give you an idea of how this may work.

Some common approaches to technical translation are:

• Human translation by subject matter experts
• Machine translation for rapid, high-volume translations
• Machine translation post-editing (MTPE), a hybrid model where humans review and edit translations completed by AI

When humans perform technical translations, they often rely on Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools to help them maintain accuracy and consistency. A few key features of CAT tools are listed below.

• Translation memory is a database that stores previously translated segments along with the source text. When the translator comes across a similar or identical segment of text, the program suggests a translation based on what is stored in its memory.
• Terminology management allows translators to create a “termbase” or glossary of industry-specific terms. This ensures consistency among the terms used throughout the translation. It also allows translators to blacklist certain terms, ensuring that they avoid language the client does not want to use.
• Tag handling lets translators preserve non-content elements (e.g., XML or HTML tags) so that the translated document mirrors the same format and file type as the original.
• Quality assurance checks for errors, like missing values, inconsistent terminology, and formatting discrepancies. While these details may not seem like a big deal, they are of the utmost importance in technical translation.

What is technical translation used for?

Technical translation is used across a variety of industries, even if the main objective of a company or individual isn’t technical. For example, a global toy company would need a technical translator to translate user manuals, assembly instructions, and safety warnings.

That said, some of the most common use cases of technical translation are:

• Patents –  Legal documents protecting inventions require exact translations of highly technical language.
• Health and safety documents – As these documents include protocols, hazard assessments, and compliance guidelines, it’s important that they’re accurate and easy to understand.
• Knowledge bases – Online help articles, FAQs, and internal customer support documentation are often translated as part of the broader localization process, making it easier for global teams and users to interact with this information.
• Software documentation – The complex, industry-specific language of APIs and developer resources requires technical translation with specialized knowledge.
• User manuals – Technical translation ensures that users can easily access assembly instructions, product maintenance guidelines, and warranty information, regardless of where they’re located.
• Product descriptions – Global e-commerce businesses need to translate their product descriptions into various languages. Technical translation maintains meaning and terminology across languages, making a smoother shopping experience for consumers worldwide.
• Patient information leaflets – Technical translations ensure that patients understand dosage, side effects, and usage instructions exactly as provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions about technical translation

What’s the difference between scientific and technical translation?

Scientific and technical translation are both types of specialized translation, but differ in their source texts, target audiences, and language used.

Scientific translation is used for more theoretical or academic texts (e.g., dissertations), while technical translation is used to translate practical texts (e.g., user manuals). Because of this context, their target audiences are also different.

Further, scientific translation often involves more formal language than technical translation, which, despite being technical, strives to be clear and accessible.

Try QuillBot Translate for free for your translations.

What is terminology management?

Terminology management is the process of maintaining a standardized set of terms to be used in translations.

Terminology management helps keep translations consistent and helps translators avoid terms the client doesn’t want used. It’s often used in technical translation, which prioritizes accuracy.

For example, a project management software probably includes the term “due date” in its interface. When translating to Spanish, terminology management can let the translator know that the preferred term is “fecha de vencimiento” and not “fecha límite,” which is too vague.

For your translations, try QuillBot Translate, which supports 50 languages.