Similar Phrases
Similar Phrases is a built-in translation memory like feature in BabelEdit that helps you translate more efficiently by showing previously used phrases and their translations. This feature automatically identifies similar text fragments in your project to:
- Reuse existing translations
- Maintain consistent wording across languages
- Identify inconsistencies in source text
Speeding up the translation process
When translating content, you'll often encounter phrases similar to ones you've translated before. Instead of translating from scratch each time, Similar Phrases lets you quickly reuse existing translations, saving time and effort.
Consistency in the translations
Similar Phrases helps maintain consistency by showing how you've previously translated words and phrases in similar contexts. For example, when translating the English word "cancel" to German, you might choose between synonyms like "abbestellen" or "kündigen". The Similar Phrases feature shows which variant you've already used in your project, helping you maintain consistent terminology.
Consistency in the source language
A nice side-effect is that Similar Phrases as implemented in BabelEdit also works in your source language. E.g. if you used "Cancel subscription" and "Stop subscription" you'll see both variants in the Similar Phrases view.
How can I use Similar Phrases in BabelEdit?
To activate Similar Phrases simply click on the in the bottom right corner of BabelEdit:
This shows a pane at the bottom of the center view with phrases that you used in a similar context.
As you see in the screenshot above, Cancel subscription was already translated in a different context. You can simply pick one of the already translated phrases using the keyboard shortcut, or by clicking on the line with the translation you want.
As you also see, it was used quite inconsistently in that file. There is one inconsistency in English: Cancel subscription vs Stop subscription and another one in the German translation: Tarif abbestellen vs Tarif kündigen.
Does BabelEdit have a Translation Memory?
Not directly. The similar phrases is a lightweight translation memory to help you reuse existing translations and keep wording consistently.
The database is automatically built from your current translation project. There's no need to manually add or remove entries.
Its currently biggest limitation is that you can't import or export TMX (Translation Memory eXchange) files.