This article explains how segments of, the same or similar, text align with existing translations in a translation memory.
In the world of translation, particularly when using computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and translation management systems, understanding the different types of matches is crucial for optimizing the translation process. Here’s a breakdown of key terms: 100% Matches, Context Matches, Fuzzy Matches, Repetitions, and New Words.
1. 100% Matches
A 100% Match occurs when a segment of text in the document matches exactly with a segment stored in the translation memory (TM). This includes both the text and formatting. Since the match is exact, these segments can be reused directly without further translation, which saves time and reduces costs.
Example: If your TM contains the phrase "Submit your application by Friday," and the same phrase appears in your new document, it will be identified as a 100% Match.
Why It Matters: Using 100% Matches ensures consistency across documents and reduces the need for repeated translation efforts.
2. Context Matches (Perfect Matches)
Context Matches, also known as Perfect Matches, go a step beyond 100% Matches by considering the context in which the segment appears. These matches occur when the surrounding segments (before and after) also match exactly with the corresponding segments in the translation memory. This ensures that the repeated segment is being used in the same context as it was in previous translations.
Example: If the phrase "Click the 'Next' button" appears in a similar navigational instruction context as stored in the TM, it would be a context match.
Why It Matters: Context Matches increase translation accuracy by ensuring that segments are reused in the appropriate context, which is critical for maintaining the intended meaning.
3. Fuzzy Matches
A Fuzzy Match occurs when a segment in the document is similar but not identical to a segment in the translation memory. Fuzzy Matches are measured by a percentage score that indicates how closely the new segment matches the stored segment. For instance, a 75% Fuzzy Match means that the segment is 75% similar to a segment in the TM.
Example: The TM contains "Submit your application by Friday," and the document contains "Submit your application by Thursday." This would likely be identified as a Fuzzy Match, typically around 80-90%.
Why It Matters: Fuzzy Matches help speed up translation by providing a starting point. The translator only needs to adjust the minor differences rather than translating the whole segment from scratch.
4. Repetitions
Repetitions refer to segments that are repeated within the same document. These can be identical sentences, phrases, or terms that occur multiple times throughout the content. Repetitions do not require additional translation if they have already been translated once within the document.
Example: If the phrase "Enter your password" appears several times in a document, these are considered repetitions.
Why It Matters: Identifying repetitions helps reduce translation workload, as the same translation can be reused, ensuring consistency and saving time.
5. New Words
New Words are segments that do not have any match in the translation memory. These words or segments need to be translated from scratch since they haven’t been encountered before in the TM.
Example: If the phrase "Configure your advanced settings" appears for the first time in a document, it will be categorized as New Words.
Why It Matters: New Words represent the portion of the text that requires the most effort and time from the translator, as there is no existing reference to draw from.
Summary
Understanding these match types helps in effectively managing the translation process, optimizing resources, and ensuring consistent and high-quality translations. By leveraging 100% Matches, Context Matches, and Repetitions, while efficiently handling Fuzzy Matches and New Words, you can streamline your workflow and reduce costs significantly.
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