Technical translation can be very challenging. Unlike general translation, it requires precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of your specialized field.
Whether you're translating user manuals, product specifications, safety documentation, or software interfaces, misunderstandings are easy to come by and they can lead to safety issues, legal liability, or expensive rework.
We know approaching a technical translation can be a daunting process. As a Language Service Provider (LSP), we’re used to alleviating this fear by helping our clients through the process.
If technical translations for your business fall on your shoulders, then here are the most common challenges you’ll likely encounter, the ones we see all the time, and how to overcome them effectively.
Top 6 Challenges in Technical Translations
1. Terminology Inconsistency
The Issue
Technical content often involves industry-specific jargon, acronyms, and terminology that must be translated consistently across documents and projects.
Inconsistent use of terminology can confuse readers and reduce the professionalism and effectiveness of the document.
How to Overcome It
- Create a glossary — Start by developing a terminology list with approved translations for key terms. Update it regularly as new terms appear.
- Use CAT tools — Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools allow you to create and apply termbases and translation memories to maintain consistency.
- Collaborate with SMEs — Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can help validate the accuracy and appropriateness of your translations, especially for highly specialized terms.
2. Lack of Context
The Issue
Translators often receive isolated strings of text or documents with little to no context.
This is especially common in software localization, where words may appear in buttons, menus, or pop-up messages without any visual reference.
How to Overcome It
- Ask for context — Don’t hesitate to request screenshots, product samples, or reference documents from your client.
- Use preview tools — Some localization platforms provide a visual preview of the text in its original layout. Use these when available.
- Clarify ambiguities — When in doubt, reach out to the client with specific questions rather than making assumptions.
3. Untranslatable Elements
The Issue
Technical documents often include codes, formulas, commands, product names, or units of measurement that should either not be translated or should only be partially translated.
How to Overcome It
- Follow style guides — Many clients have guidelines indicating what should or shouldn't be translated. Stick to these closely.
- Lock non-translatable content — CAT tools often allow you to lock certain segments, so they’re not altered accidentally.
- Double-check formatting — Ensure units, numerical formats (for example, decimal separators), and variable placeholders remain accurate in the translated version.
4. Cultural and Regional Differences
The Issue
Technical content can also need to be considered with cultural and regional variations in mind.
Date formats, measurement systems (metric vs. imperial), voltage standards, and even regulatory references can differ by country or region.
How to Overcome It
- Localize, don’t just translate — Adapt content to meet local standards and expectations. This may mean changing references, reformatting numbers, or converting measurements.
- Use localization checklists — Have a checklist for each region you translate for, including formatting, terminology, and regulatory differences.
- Stay informed — Regulations and standards change. Subscribe to updates in your area of specialization so your translations remain compliant.
5. Poor Source Text Quality
The Issue
Sometimes, the original document is unclear, poorly written, or full of typos. This can make translation not only difficult but risky, especially when accuracy is critical.
How to Overcome It
- Request clarification — Flag unclear segments and ask for explanations or corrections.
- Offer source editing — If allowed, you might offer to clean up the source text before translating, especially if you’re working with machine-translated or legacy content.
- Document assumptions — If you must proceed without clarification, keep a record of any assumptions you made so they can be reviewed.
6. Layout and Formatting Issues
The Issue
Technical documents often include diagrams, tables, charts, and captions. When translated, the text may expand or contract, which can disrupt the original layout.
How to Overcome It
- Use flexible formatting — Design templates with enough space for text expansion, especially for languages like German or Finnish that tend to be longer.
- Coordinate with designers — If you’re not handling layout yourself, make sure the design team knows to expect formatting changes and can accommodate them.
- Use DTP tools — Desktop Publishing tools can be used alongside translation to preserve or adjust layout after translation.
Prep is the Key to Success
Technical translation isn’t just about converting words, it’s about conveying information with absolute clarity and precision.
That means understanding not just the language, but the context, the audience, and the technical field itself.
By being fully prepared and proactive about terminology, context, formatting, and local standards, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and produce translations that are both accurate and functional.
Do you want to know more about working with us on your technical translations? If so, we’d love to talk to you. Consultations are free and there’s no obligation.
You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.