Translation memory

What is translation memory

Translation memory (TM) is a technology used in computer-assisted translation (CAT) software to store translations of sentences or phrases in a database. The idea behind TM is that many phrases and sentences are repeated in different texts, and by storing these translations in a database, a CAT software can suggest the previously translated version when the same phrase or sentence is encountered again.

In other words, TM is a database that stores translations of sentences or phrases and suggests them when the same phrase or sentence is encountered again. It's used to increase consistency, efficiency and productivity in the translation process. A TM is a database that stores sentences or sentence-like units (headings, titles or elements in a list) that have previously been translated, in order to aid human translators.



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How can translation memory help translators

When a translator is working on a new text, the CAT tool compares the text to the translations stored in the TM and suggests matches. The translator can then choose to accept the suggested translation, edit it, or enter a new translation. This helps to increase consistency and efficiency in the translation process, as well as reducing the time and effort required to translate repetitive phrases.

Translation memory is also useful for maintaining translations when the original source text is updated. The translator can use the TM to quickly identify and update the translations that have changed, rather than having to start the translation process from scratch.

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How translation memory is generated in Termsoup

When a human translator uses Termsoup to work on a text, translating it sentence by sentence, the source and target segments are automatically saved in the Termsoup's TM database.

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How to use translation memory in Termsoup

On the translation page,

- Click on the "Translation Memory panel" on the right-hand side of the page to open the panel.
- Place your cursor in the text area of the sentence for which you want to retrieve a saved translation. If a match is found, the TM will appear in the panel.
- Click on the TM you want to use (shown in green).
- The selected TM will then be inserted into the text area.



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TMs are ordered by similarity. TM with the highest similarity will be listed first.

Updated on: 02/14/2023