Check online translations
Compare names, numbers, negation and specialist terms with the original text.
Follow the method ↓
The answer in 30 seconds
A fluent translation can still change meaning. Keeping the original is particularly useful where dates, amounts or qualifications influence the interpretation.
Use machine translation as a reading aid, then inspect sensitive passages. Check data-handling and reuse conditions before submitting or publishing material.
Examples to adapt
Compare the negative words and surrounding paragraph with the original.
Consult a specialist glossary and retain the original term where useful.
Follow the method
- 1Choose suitable input
Remove unnecessary personal details and check the service’s conditions for confidential documents. Use a targeted authorised passage where possible.
- 2Confirm the languages
Check detected and target languages. Provide enough context to distinguish ambiguous words.
- 3Inspect sensitive points
Compare names, dates, units, amounts and negative statements. Keep surrounding text to avoid misreading an isolated sentence.
- 4Retain both versions
Save the original link or file. Label an automatic or personal translation when quoting it and check attribution and reuse rights before publication.
A checklist to keep
Use these checks to record what you found. The grid supports a decision; it does not make one for you.
| Check | What to examine | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Necessary authorised text | Remove unrelated data |
| Language | Detection and context | Confirm before translating |
| Meaning | Numbers, terms and negation | Compare with the original |
| Reuse | Attribution and rights | Check before publication |
Free, no sign-up. UTF-8 text with semicolon-separated columns.
What to check
Fluency does not establish fidelity.
Do not submit confidential content without checking conditions.
Keep the original and translated version identifiable.
Common questions
Should I translate the entire page?
A targeted passage can be easier to check, while retaining enough context.
Can I publish a translated document?
Check fidelity, attribution and the rights applying to the original material.
Sources and documentation
Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.