How to Translate

Quick Start

Ready to get started? Here is a summary of the steps to begin translating WordPress:

1. Review your localeLocale Locale = language version, often a combination of a language code and a region code, for instance es_MX denotes Spanish as it’s used in Mexico. A list of all locales supported by WordPress in https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/teams/’s Style Guide, Glossary, and/or any related documentation its “RosettaRosetta The code name of the theme for the local WordPress sites (eg. bg.wordpress.org is a “Rosetta” site). All locale specific WordPress sites are referred to as “Rosetta sites.” The name was inspired from the ancient Rosetta Stone, which contained more or less the same text in three different languages.” site (localized version of WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/, for instance es.wordpress.org for European Spanish, or br.wordpress.org for Brazilian Portugues. You’ll find a link to their site in our list of Translation teams.
2. Log in to WordPress.org via translate.wordpress.org.
3. Find your locale and click Contribute Translation.
4. Open the project you’d like to translate and begin suggesting translations.
5. When finished, post a request for a review in the appropriate channel, e.g. your locale team’s local Slack or the Make/Polyglots blog.

That’s it! Welcome to the Polyglots community. We’re glad to have you help us make WordPress speak your language. 

Was this information helpful? Download the Quick Start guide for easy reference!

Before you get started

Coordinating translations for a project as large as WordPress is complex. Volunteers and community leaders have put a lot of time and energy into creating documentation to help you get started as quickly and efficiently as possible. This helps maintain the best quality translation for WordPress users while also encouraging contributions from new translators, like you!

To improve the chance of having your translations approved the first time, it is recommended that you:

• Check your locale’s website for any documentation about how they work with translations and where they communicate. Some locale teams have specific guidelines for translators, and taking this step helps you avoid making typical errors with your first contributions.
• Actively communicate with the other people in the team for your locale. This way, your translation efforts will be more efficient and have better total quality.
• Review your locale’s Style Guide or Glossary to make sure your translations help to maintain consistency across the locale.
• When translating, keep the general expectations on translations in mind.

If you are new to the Polyglots community, introduce yourself – either in your local Slack or in the global polyglots channel on the WordPress.org Slack. It is a good way to connect with other translators and get initial feedback or advice on what to do next.

Contributing your first translations

You can start suggesting translations by following these steps:

1. Log in to WordPress.org or create a new account.
2. Go to translate.wordpress.org.
3. Find your locale and click Contribute Translation.
4. Select the type of project (WordPress coreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress., Themes, Plugins, Patterns, MetaMeta Meta is a term that refers to the inside workings of a group. For us, this is the team that works on internal WordPress sites like WordCamp Central and Make WordPress., or Apps).
5. Click the Translate Project button for one of the listed items.