When the user wants to translate content, create translation workflows, manage terminology, or optimize translation quality. Also use when the user mentions "translate," "translation," "localization copy," "glossary," "terminology," "style guide translation," "machine translation," "human translation," "TMS," or "multilingual content." For strategy, use localization-strategy.
Guides translation workflow, terminology, style, and quality for multilingual content. Covers when to use human vs machine translation, glossary and style guide creation, and SEO considerations. For i18n implementation, hreflang, and URL structure, see localization-strategy.
When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read it for brand voice, target markets, and product terminology.
Identify:
| Phase | Purpose | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Brief | Context, audience, tone, glossary reference, style guide | Translator brief document |
| Translate | First pass; use glossary + TM when available | Draft translation |
| Review | Native speaker review; consistency, brand voice, SEO | Final translation |
Include in every project:
| Content Type | Approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product UI | Glossary-critical; short strings; consistency | Use TM; avoid machine translation |
| Marketing copy | Brand voice; cultural adaptation | Human translation; see terminology |
| Blog / Article | SEO; natural keyword placement | Re-research keywords in target language; don't translate keyword lists |
| Landing page | Conversion-focused; CTA clarity | Human; test localized CTAs |
| Technical docs | Precision; glossary | TM + glossary; consider MT + post-edit for high volume |
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Source term | Original (e.g., English) |
| Target term | Approved translation |
| Context | Where it appears; usage note |
| Do not translate | Brand names, product names (when applicable) |
| Term | English | Chinese | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generative AI | Generative AI, GenAI | AIGC (人工智能生成内容) | Use "AIGC" for China; "Generative AI" for English |
| Influencer | Influencer | KOL (关键意见领袖) | "KOL" common in Chinese marketing |
| User | User | 用户 | Context-dependent |
| Dashboard | Dashboard | 控制台, 仪表盘 | Choose one; document in glossary |
Principle: Don't translate terminology lists; research how target market searches and speaks. See keyword-research for multi-language keyword research.
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Voice | Brand personality; formal vs casual |
| Tone | Varies by content type (support = helpful; marketing = persuasive) |
| Register | Formal (您) vs informal (你) in languages that distinguish |
| Punctuation | Quotation marks, spacing (e.g., no space before colon in French) |
| Formatting | Dates, numbers, units; locale-specific |
| Forbidden | Terms or phrases to avoid |
| Scenario | Reason |
|---|---|
| Product UI | Terminology, UX clarity, brand |
| Marketing copy | Persuasion, cultural nuance, CTAs |
| Landing pages | Conversion; tested copy |
| Legal, compliance | Accuracy, liability |
| Brand-critical | Taglines, campaign copy |
| Scenario | Condition |
|---|---|
| High-volume, low-stakes | Internal docs, user-generated content |
| Draft / triage | MT + human post-edit (MTPE) |
| Real-time | Chat, support; with disclaimer |
| Topic | Skill |
|---|---|
| i18n implementation | localization-strategy |
| URL structure, hreflang | localization-strategy |
| Translation workflow, glossary, style | This skill (translation) |
| Keyword research by market | keyword-research; localization-strategy |
When adding a new locale: create glossary, style guide, then translate. See localization-strategy for technical checklist (hreflang, sitemap, metadata).