Working with a professional translation agency is a smart choice. But to get the best results, you need more than just good translators. You also need the right tools to keep your message clear and consistent such as glossaries and style guides.
That’s where glossaries and style guides come in. In this article, we’ll explain what they are, why they matter, and how they can make your translation projects much smoother.
What is a glossary?
A glossary is a list of important terms and how they should be translated. It usually includes:
- Technical words
- Product names
- Key phrases or slogans
- Industry-specific terms
For example, if your company uses the word “client” instead of “customer”, the glossary makes that clear. This helps translators stay consistent and avoid confusion.
What is a style guide?
A style guide explains how your brand communicates. It covers things like:
- Tone of voice (formal, friendly, etc.)
- Preferred spellings (for example, “organisation” vs. “organization”)
- Use of punctuation and capital letters
- Rules for writing numbers, dates, and measurements
With a good style guide, your translations will always sound like your brand, no matter the language.
Why are they so useful?
Here are three good reasons to use glossaries and style guides:
1. They keep your brand consistent
When several people work on your content, it’s easy to end up with different styles. Glossaries and style guides make sure your message stays the same, whether it’s a website, brochure, or email.
2. They save time
Clear instructions mean fewer questions and faster work. Translators don’t have to guess or wait for your answers.
3. They reduce mistakes
By agreeing on terms and tone from the start, you avoid corrections and rewrites later.
How can you create glossaries and style guides?
A good translation agency can help you create both glossaries and a style guides. But if you want to prepare something yourself, start with:
- A list of key words you often use
- A few examples of writing that reflects your brand’s style
- Notes on tone, formality, and regional preferences
Then, your agency can build on that and keep it updated over time.
Glossaries and style guides makes a big difference
These tools might seem like extra work at first, but they actually make translation easier, faster, and better. They help everyone stay on the same page and speak with one voice—your voice.
Working with a professional translation agency means you don’t have to handle this alone. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure your message shines in every language.
