Translation memory (TM)

A translation memory lies at the heart of modern translation workflows. It captures every approved translation as a translation unit – a source segment paired with its corresponding target translation – and stores it in a searchable database. When new content is submitted for translation, the system automatically identifies identical or similar segments already in the TM and suggests them to the linguist.

This process allows translators to focus only on new or complex material, while repetitive or previously translated content is handled automatically. When integrated into a Translation Management System (TMS) such as Trados, a TM becomes part of a wider ecosystem that includes machine translation (MT), terminology management and AI-powered quality checks. Together, these tools reduce manual effort, enhance accuracy and ensure that multilingual content stays consistent across documents, products and channels.

At RWS, translation memory technology is more than a productivity tool – it’s the foundation of intelligent translation. Integrated into the Trados suite, our TM technology connects human expertise with intelligent automation to deliver accuracy, speed and scale.

Trados uses translation memories alongside Language Weaver and AI translation to provide linguists with contextually relevant suggestions, while maintaining full control over terminology and quality. This combination empowers translators to work faster without compromising nuance or precision. Whether managing enterprise documentation or multilingual product launches, RWS helps organizations maximize the value of their existing translations – ensuring that every new project starts smarter than the last.