käännösvälimuistia

Käännösvälimuisti, or translation memory, is a technology used in the field of translation to improve efficiency and consistency. It consists of a database that stores previously translated segments of text, such as sentences or phrases, along with their original source text. When a translator works on a new document, the translation memory system scans the source text and looks for matches with entries in the database.

If a precise or a similar match is found, the system presents the stored translation to the translator. This allows the translator to reuse existing translations, saving time and effort. The level of match can vary, with exact matches requiring no changes and fuzzy matches requiring some adaptation. This reuse of previously approved translations is a core principle of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.

The primary benefits of using a translation memory include increased speed of translation, improved consistency across documents and projects, and reduced costs for clients, as less time is spent on repetitive translation tasks. Translation memories are particularly valuable for projects that involve large volumes of text or recurring terminology, such as technical manuals, legal documents, and software localization. The quality of the translations is also enhanced because approved translations are consistently applied.