Introducing artificial intelligence into the translation industry has restructured the quality of translations. Dozens of translation companies have even incorporated it into their system. This is enough proof that there is a lot of benefit from using external tools. Hence, you should source the best translation tool available.
Don’t get us wrong; it doesn’t mean human translators are less efficient. However, translation tools accelerate the process and produce more results quickly. Thus, we have taken our time to recommend some of the best translation tools in the industry.
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What are Translation Tools?
There are various categories of translation tools, each with a specific function. However, the similarity is their purpose, which makes translation projects easier. Translation tools specialize in translating texts from one language to another. They are quick-access language conversion tools that can translate various content formats.
Some tools even take it further to perform official translations of photos, websites, and large documents into other languages. Most translation tools can initiate and complete the translation process by themselves. Some other tools need the support of human actions to initiate the process.
At the same time, translation tools can support human translators to make the process easier. Their advanced functionality provides automatic translation and shortens the project duration. This means human translators are still a significant part of translation projects.
Types of Translation Tools
As mentioned earlier, there are different tools, but they all serve a similar purpose. Their technology and mode of operation puts these tools on different levels. During translation projects, the choice of tool will depend on the nature of the text and the purpose of the translation. Now, let’s explore the two main types of translation tools.
Computer-Assisted Translation Tools
Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools use software programs to assist translators with translation projects. Their operation increases translated content’s speed, efficiency, quality, and consistency. CAT tools are useful for website translation and other tasks, such as saving and managing vital translated documents.
They simplify repetitive question-based tasks to allow the translator to focus more on the key aspects of the text. CAT tools allow all the elements and information the linguist needs to translate. These include glossaries and reference materials incorporated into the process to aid search queries and research.
They offer various functionalities, including terminology management, automatic translation suggestions, and alignment of source and target texts. CAT tools are essential for professional translators to help streamline the process and get high-quality translations.
Machine Translation Tools
Machine translation tools are software that provide automatic translations without any human intervention. Unlike CAT tools, these tools translate text using algorithms and language models. Machine translations evaluate the source text, determine translations, and create text in the target language.
They can provide accurate translations and quickly process texts. These tools can interpret speech, text, and images in different languages within a few seconds. It can work effectively for your foreign document translations. There are three types of machine translation tools. They include:
- Rule-based machine translation (RBMT): This system translates words and phrases based on previously set rules.
- Statistical machine translation (SMT): This system translates based on analyzing previously imported bilingual corpora. This means they use a collection of texts in two languages aligned in a sentence or paragraph level.
- Neural machine translation (NMT): This system combines a machine translation service with an artificial neural network to provide better results than standard translations. It works using artificial intelligence and can translate complete phrases and paragraphs.
Now that we understand the types of translation software let’s identify the best tools created with them.
4 Best Translation Tools
The introduction of software into the translation industry has resulted in the creation of several tools. These tools aim to make translation services accessible and affordable. However, some tools are substandard and do not give the desired results. We have chosen some of the best tools to give you high-quality translations.
1. Google Translate
Google Translate is a free internet-based machine translation tool that translates texts, documents, and websites into different languages. It is a highly accessible tool with a simple and easy-to-navigate design. Users only need to type a text or upload a document, select a target language, and initiate the translation.
For website translations, you only need to paste the site’s URL and open it in the target language. Google Translate is an amazing tool that supports both major and smaller languages. It offers translation in over 130 languages. This tool also has mobile apps for iOS and Android operating systems.
This makes it easy to translate websites, texts, and documents from your smartphone. The app can also translate images and handwritten texts. More than this, the mobile app listens and automatically translates text during conversations with other parties. It also has an offline mode that translates on mobile devices without the internet.
2. Bing Microsoft Translator
Bing Microsoft Translator is a free, efficient, and dependable machine translation tool created by Microsoft. This tool is a part of the Microsoft Cognitive Services incorporated into Microsoft Office, Bing, Microsoft Edge, Skype, etc. This tool supports up to 135 languages and offers a variety of translation features.
This includes text-to-speech functionality, multilingual conversation mode, and customizable settings. Bing Microsoft Translator is one of the most popular translation tools and translates text and speech through cloud services. More than this, it translates images and websites within a few seconds.
In addition, this tool has a translation memory that stores paragraphs, sentences, or segments of previously translated content. Other features include:
- A user-friendly project management dashboard.
- App integration.
- In-context editing.
- A website translation widget.
3. MemoQ Translator PRO
MemoQ Translator PRO is a flexible Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tool that translates into different languages. This tool helps professional and freelance translators with seamless and effective translation. Its advanced features and functionalities make it one of the best CAT tools in the translation industry.
MemoQ translator is a multilingual software developed by an experienced team of translators. It helps users to boost their productivity and provide high-quality translations. Its user-friendly interface offers vital features that help with translation projects. This includes a translation memory that stores previously translated content.
It also has a termbase to allow users to import tables or external aids with a single click. Other advanced features include quality and workflow management. Unlike the previous translation tools, MemoQ requires you to pay a fee for subscription plans. But don’t worry; the paid plans are affordable and do more than translate.
4. Memsource
Memsource is a top CAT tool that aids efficient translation in over 90 languages. It helps to manage translations for websites, documents, and translators. Memsource is user-friendly and easy to navigate without training. This tool efficiently organizes the translation process to provide top-quality translated content.
Memsource AI-powered translation systems can translate texts up to 500 words within three minutes or less. Users can manage and translate content effortlessly while integrating with other software platforms for more productivity. This makes it a great choice for using translation tools for general translation projects.
You can maximize workflow automation by connecting it to your content management system. In addition, this tool has a mobile app version that you can use on your smartphone and tablet. However, not all of these features are free. You have to subscribe to paid packages to access them.
Google Translate and Its Accuracy
There have been several negative reviews about the accuracy of Google Translate. If you are fluent in the target language, you will have noticed a difference in the tool’s translated text. The results don’t usually contain the intonation and syntax in the target language. They look artificial and machine-translated.
Because of this, most people have lost faith in the accuracy of this tool. Also, it is not an effective tool for translating immigration documents because it doesn’t meet the certified translation standards. Notwithstanding, it is an amazing translation tool with a lot of features. You only need to review translated content for errors.
Is There a Better Tool Than Google Translate?
Yes, there is a better tool than Google Translate. Many tools are more accurate and offer more features. These free tools allow you to translate documents, texts, and websites. In addition, they offer speech-to-text features like Google Translate. We have compiled a list of two of these best translation tools.
DeepL Translate
DeepL Translate is one of the best alternatives for people who want accuracy, especially with context and idioms. It is an outstanding machine translation tool, becoming a top choice for individuals and businesses. Its accuracy and refinement contribute to its reputation in the translation industry.
This tool’s API can automatically translate websites. It also has a web interface and apps that translate text content or files, such as .docx and .pptx. Its free tier allows you to translate 500,000 characters monthly. DeepL offers high-quality translations, but there are a few limitations.
It doesn’t provide customization options and offers only 32 languages at the time of writing this post. However, its limited language selection doesn’t affect its language combination. You can make over 800 combinations between the available languages.
In addition, transitioning to DeepL’s translation API from the free tier is about 25% more expensive.
Yandex Translate
Yandex Translate is machine translation software developed by the Russian search giant Yandex. It offers over 90 languages and almost a similar range of features to Google Translate. Yandex offers a web-based translation interface and API to translate websites automatically.
Due to its creator, it is an outstanding tool for translating Russian language pairs. Unfortunately, this tool doesn’t offer a free tier for its API usage. The free access only applies to the web interface. Notwithstanding, it offers incredibly low prices compared to other translation services.
Yandex and several other translation tools are effective for website translation services. They make your accessibility and navigation on websites easier.
Choosing the Most Accurate Translation Tool
Several translation services offer amazing tools, but there is always a popular choice among users. So far, users have identified DeepL Translate as the most accurate translation tool. There have been several positive reviews about the tool’s accuracy. It is one of the best translation tools for all its features.
However, this doesn’t mean the tool doesn’t have some limitations. The benefits are just greater compared to other translation tools. While machines and software are useful for translation projects, a human translator is always the best choice. Several translation companies and agencies hire professional translators for accurate results.
These translators are mostly native speakers who have experience in translation projects. They have experience in translating various content formats. More than this, they offer various translation services at affordable prices.
Rapid Translate Offers Outstanding Translation Services
Rapid Translate is a professional translation services company that attends to all your translation needs. The company’s experience in the translation industry makes it the best for various projects. It offers a wide range of specialized and professional document translation services in over 60 languages.
It uses a team of professional translators who are native speakers to deliver top-quality results. Rapid Translate’s services are affordable, guaranteeing a quick turnaround time for your projects. You can get certified and notarized translations from this outstanding company. Your translations undergo rigorous evaluation for quality assurance.
Rapid Translate is the best translation tool to take your global communication to a new level. Whether you are relocating abroad for business or education or connecting with different cultures, we’ve got you covered. Our highly efficient results help you expand your reach internationally. Order now to experience the power of top-quality translation!
