How do I Obtain a Japanese Translation of a License?

Be sure there is nothing lost in the translation by obtaining a competent translator.

Translating from one language to another is a challenge even when communicating the most basic information. And, when it comes to licenses and contracts, it is critical to keep the language clear and render terminology accurately. Your choices for obtaining a Japanese translation of your important document range from free online translation using Google or Microsoft automatic translation services, to finding a professional human translator. The cost of a professional translation varies with each translator, so shop carefully and get a price quote first. For the best results, make the necessary effort to find a competent translator.

Instructions

Free Online Translation

1. 

   Use a free online translation service.

   Visit the Google Translate page. Or, to reach this page from Google's homepage, click on "more" and then select "Translate" from the drop-down list. Other websites, such as Microsoft Translator and Yahoo! Babelfish, also offer tools with similar steps for obtaining translations.

2. Upload your license. Select the "upload a document" option and be sure your license is in a format such as PDF, TXT, DOC or RTF.

3. Select English from the "Translate from" list. Then select Japanese from the "Translate into" list.

4. Click "Translate." Your translation should appear momentarily.

5. Select the translated text, and drag and drop it into an editor that supports Japanese characters. Microsoft Word is a good choice; but any editor that is capable of displaying Unicode should work. If possible, display both the original and translation together in the same file for comparative reference.

Find a Professional Translator

1. 

   Contact a professional translator by searching an online translation service provider.

   Go to the Web site "ProZ--The Translation Workplace." Other translation agencies accessible via the Internet include Translation Services USA and Language Service Providers. Each provides an online form for entering specific information about your document and ordering your translation.

2. Select the source language, in this case, English, and select the target language--Japanese. These drop-down lists are located on the left-hand side of the Web page near the top.

3. Click on "Search translators and interpreters."

4. Fill in as much of the information in the search form on the left as you feel necessary for locating a qualified translation for your license. You may enter search criteria about the translator's languages, expertise, location, credentials and more.

5. Click on "Go," and review the list of translators who meet your criteria.

6. 

   Through email you can negotiate with translators world wide.

   Contact one or more translators via email to negotiate the terms of your paid translation. In some cases, translation service providers first send an offer, which you can further refine if necessary.

Get an Instant Online Quote

1. 

   Some online translation agencies offer instant price quotes.

   Go to the World Lingo Web site. If you want to check out similar translation providers that offer instant online quotes, try visiting websites such as SDL.com or Translia.com. Be prepared to supply minimal information such as source and target languages, nature of your document, and special area of expertise required.

2. Select an option to upload your document, enter the number of words in your document, or enter the text of your document. If you choose to upload a document, for best results be sure the format is DOC, RTF, HTM or TXT.

3. Select a source language from the "Translate from" list. For example, if the document is English, select one of two options, such as United States English or United Kingdom English.

4. Select the target language--Japanese--from the "Translate into" list.

5. Click on "Get Instant Quote." The estimated cost of your translation and a proposed delivery date is displayed.

6. Check additional translation options if needed. Many translation service providers offer more advanced editing or checking for specialized terminology at additional cost.

7. 

   Translations can ordered online and paid for using a credit card.

   Click "Place Order." Fill in information requested for new customers; then submit your order. Most translations can be handled over the Internet and through email, using a credit card or other payment service.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that machine translation tools such as the ones provided by Google and Microsoft provide uneven quality. Sometimes the Japanese translation is surprisingly accurate, at least for communicating the gist of a document. However, depending on the complexity of the document, the translation might be inaccurate, and need editing by someone who knows Japanese. Paying a professional translator from the start is always preferable for official documents. Further, if your Japanese translation requires special layout or graphics, you need to find a translator who can handle these features, as well as render an accurate translation. Finally, when having a license or contract translated, you may want to consider the translator's specialties, since terminology often differs between industries.

References

• Google Translate
• ProZ Translation Workplace
• World Lingo Translation
• Microsoft Translator
• Language Service Providers