So Your Texts Rarely Repeat: Why Termsoup Can Still Help

Author: Nadia Hlebowitsh (Spanish & English Literary Translator)

“My texts aren’t repetitive, so a CAT tool can’t help me!”

We’ve heard this myth time after time. Think again. Regardless of whether your texts repeat often or not, Termsoup is a resource-rich platform for translating more efficiently. Even if your texts rarely repeat, as a translator you still have to…

• Quickly look up words
• Analyze full dictionary results
• Build up your personal glossary
• Increase translation productivity
• Visualize the bigger picture of the text
• Collaborate with co-workers or clients
• Keep a backup of your documents
• Track workflow and bookkeeping

A CAT tool is so much more than Translation Memory. We’ll tell you why Termsoup is a great one-stop-shop for all your translation needs below.

About Termsoup’s Translation Memory

Many translators think the sole purpose of a CAT tool is the Translation Memory. That’s when a CAT tool pulls from your glossary and past work to suggest translations in your document.

Of course, we adore Termsoup’s Translation Memory. It’s a lifesaver tool, especially for technical texts or longer documents. (It’s amazing how many words repeat in those massive texts!) On Termsoup, you can always import the Translation Memory for a document and use it as a starting point to translate.

But remember: even if you don’t have many repeated terms, a CAT tool like Termsoup goes way beyond Translation Memory.

．．．

Termsoup features beyond Translation Memory

Let’s take a look at Termsoup features that will take your translation work to another level beyond Translation Memory. Need help using any of these features? Check out our Termsoup Onboarding post to get all the details.

1. Quickly look up words → Highlight word for query

Every translator needs to look up words at some point. Depending on the text, you may have a variety of terms you require a quick reference for. On Termsoup, you can highlight any word in the source text and a list of your query results will appear on the right-hand sidebar. No sweat! And by clicking on the result, you can use it without typing on your own.

2. Analyze full dictionary results → One click to full query results

It happens to us all: one particular term is giving us a hard time and we need to check the context to inform our translation decision. You’re in luck, because Termsoup lets you easily click to view the full dictionary results for any term. After highlighting the word, simply click on the icon of your preferred dictionary and a tab will open with the full results.

3. Build up your personal glossary → Add term to glossary

Every serious translator should build up their personal glossary over time. Not sure why? See our list of good reasons here. On Termsoup, you can easily build your glossary by adding terms as you translate. Getting into this habit will only enrich future translations. Simply highlight the term and click the “A” icon to fill out the glossary card in a snap!

4. Increase translation productivity → Quick compose

Everybody’s talking about productivity hacks. But few CAT tools actually incorporate the little features that make a difference. If you’re looking for a shortcut to save time, Termsoup offers a quick compose feature. Basically, if your source text includes one of your glossary terms, you can key the first letter and Termsoup will display the full translation. This way, you can insert the translation rapidly without typing out the full term.

5. Visualize the bigger picture of the text → Switch to paragraph mode

Translators, especially those working with longer or creative texts, need to constantly consider the context. Most CAT tools only let you see one sentence at a time, which can stifle your understanding of the surrounding text. Termsoup is designed for translators who need that bigger picture, which is why we offer paragraph mode. You can visualize the full context by clicking on the “Paragraph Mode” button on the top toolbar.

6. Collaborate with co-workers or clients → Use comment and sharing abilities

Google docs let you write comments, edit in real-time and share with collaborators. So does Termsoup. If you work with others daily - whether co-workers or clients - Termsoup gives you all the basics to collaborate effectively. You can easily add comments and share permissions with others. You can even give access to your glossaries, as well as documents. Get the full lowdown in our Onboarding post here.

7. Keep a back-up of your documents → Auto-save and store on the cloud

Smart translators always back up their files. Saving a Word doc to your personal folders just doesn’t cut it anymore. With Termsoup, you’re taken care of. All your documents and glossaries are auto-saved. (You can even see your edit history!) Termsoup also uses cloud technology to ensure your documents are stored safely.

8. Track workflow and bookkeeping → View your dashboard

Finally, translators these days juggle numerous clients and deadlines on a regular basis. Few CAT tools have logistical features to help you manage this. In Termsoup, you’ll find a dashboard so you can keep track of your deadlines and log bookkeeping with clients. Termsoup helps you keep your projects straight if the nitty-gritty isn’t your thing.

．．．

Final takeaway

So your texts rarely repeat - who cares? A CAT tool like Termsoup can enhance your translation workflow with all these features, even without using Translation Memory. In this fast-paced global world, Termsoup can keep you sane by making your translation process as streamlined as possible. Don’t take our word for it - try it out!