What Is Technical Translation?

𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦: 3 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘴🕒

Technical translation refers to the specialist process of translating content that is scientific, technical or highly subject-specific.

This can include manuals, datasheets, medical documentation, engineering specifications, regulatory filings and more.

Unlike more general translation projects, technical translation:

• Relies on precise terminology

• Often includes industry-specific jargon or abbreviations

• Must meet regulatory or legal standards

• Has little room for interpretation or creative rewording

At Wolfestone, technical translation is handled by subject-matter experts with proven experience in your industry, whether that’s life sciences, engineering, legal, IT or manufacturing.

Why technical translation matters

The risks of poor technical translation go far beyond embarrassment; they can lead to:

• Regulatory non-compliance

• Delays to market entry

• Inaccurate usage or instructions

• Damage to your brand or legal exposure

When you’re dealing with technical documents, especially those in regulated sectors, you’re often working within strict standards.

That’s why ISO 17100-certified translation, paired with in-depth sector knowledge, is essential.

Common types of technical content we translate

Here are just a few examples of content types we regularly handle:

• User manuals and instruction guides for hardware, software or machinery

• Medical documentation, including IFUs, clinical trial materials and patient information leaflets

• Patent filings and IP documents where precision and legal terminology must align

• Engineering specifications, such as CAD annotations, compliance documents and part lists

• Health & safety materials, including labels, signage, procedures and MSDS sheets

• Software strings and UI content for apps, platforms and digital tools

If your content contains specialised terminology, strict formatting or multilingual compliance needs, it qualifies as technical translation. At least, that would be our advise.

Key challenges in technical translation (and what you should look for in a provider)

Terminology inconsistency

Translation companies should use glossaries and translation memory to maintain accurate, consistent language.

Industry-specific jargon and terms

Your projects should be assigned to a linguist with subject-matter expertise in your sector.

Complex compliance requirements

Technical translation providers should follow ISO certified workflows, and help you comply with international compliance requirements via certified translation, label translation, etc.

Risk of misinterpretation

All of your projects should includes quality assurance checks and native-language reviewers to avoid inaccurate translation or topic misinterpretation.

It's not enough to just use a translator, the linguist should also be an expert in the subject.

Complex formats (e.g. CAD, XML, software)

Your translation company should be able to handle multilingual DTP and technical file formats.

Final tips for buyers of technical translation

Don’t assume all translation providers are equal. Technical translation demands experience and robust quality assurance.

Involve your team early. Engineers, legal and compliance teams can help review glossaries and check terms.

Share your source files and context. Screenshots, source documents and formatting preferences help your provider deliver faster and more accurately.

Ask about quality assurance. A reputable provider will offer a clear breakdown of review processes, file handling and linguist qualifications.

How Wolfestone can help

We’ve supported global brands in life sciences, energy, government, legal and manufacturing, delivering compliant, accurate translations, even under tight timelines.

Every technical project is:

• Handled by a dedicated project manager and account manager

• Matched to native-tongue linguists with subject expertise

• Delivered under ISO 17100, 9001 and 27001-certified processes

Whether you’re translating a single datasheet or rolling out multilingual documentation across markets, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free quote, test piece or consultation.

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