A machine translation can generate a fluent-sounding text that looks correct, but that does not mean that it accurately conveys the original content. It can include changes of meaning, inappropriate terms, omissions, or expressions that do not fit with the context.
MTPE adds a layer of professional revision to that first result. The translator identifies the problems and applies the corresponding corrections according to the post-editing level contracted.
Mistakes with meaning and omissions
One of the main risks of is that a sentence may appear to be correct, even if the meaning has been changed. The system may wrongly interpret a word with multiple meanings, change a link between ideas, or omit relevant information
Machine translation with human post-editing (MTPE) can identify these differences. The translation professional checks that no content is missing, that no information has been added and that the message maintains the original intention.
Inconsistent terminology
A company may use specific names for its products, services, departments, or processes. If those terms are translated in different ways, the content loses consistency and can sound confusing.
During post-editing, the terminology is revised and glossaries, translation memories, and pre-defined linguistic criteria can be used for that project. This way, terms are translated the same way across different pages, documents, versions, and languages.
Sentences that sound awkward or are difficult to understand
Machine translation can reproduce structures that are too literal, choose word combinations that are not very common, or keep the syntactical order of the original language.
The post-editor adjusts these constructions to improve comprehension and fluency. The extent of that intervention depends on whether light or full post-editing has been contracted. Light post-editing focuses on ensuring the information can be understood, whereas full post-editing involves a more thorough job, encompassing consistency, style, and ensuring the language sounds natural.
Mistakes in tone and context
A text that is grammatically correct may not be suitable for the audience to which it is aimed. A register that is too informal, an expression that is inappropriate for a particular sector, or a message that doesn’t retain the brand tone all affect the end result.
Machine translation post-editing (MTPE) for companies incorporates the linguistic criteria needed to revise the tone, channel, and context for usage.
Figures, proper nouns, and format
The revision also encompasses elements that may go unnoticed, such as figures, dates, units of measurement, names of products, links, tags, or formats. A mistake in any of these elements can affect understanding or practical usage of the content.
Does post-editing replace professional translation?
They are not the same process. Post-editing stems from a text that has been automatically generated, whereas in , the translator works directly from the original.
Professional translation carried out by specialized native-speaking translators offers the highest level of linguistic intervention for content that requires the highest levels of accuracy, natural-sounding language, specialization, and cultural adaptation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A text may look fluent and, at the same time, include changes of meaning, omissions, or inappropriate terms.
They revise the meaning, grammar, terminology, consistency, fluidity, tone, figures, proper names, and format, depending on the service contracted.
It can incorporate glossaries, translation memories, and linguistic criteria to maintain consistency across content and versions.
blarlo offers light and full post-editing, as well as professional translation carried out from scratch by specialized native-speaking translators.
At blarlo, we offer a machine translation post-editing service for content that requires speed without sacrificing human checks, with professional revision and linguistic control. Request an MTPE quote.
