Translation unit
Description
In computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS), a translation unit is the building block of memory-based translation workflows. Every time a translator finalizes a segment, the system saves it as a TU – creating a growing database of verified bilingual content.
When a similar or identical segment appears in future projects, the TM retrieves the relevant TU for review or reuse. Over time, this process reduces translation effort, improves quality and accelerates turnaround. Each TU also stores metadata such as author, date, subject area and client or project information – helping maintain context, version control and accountability.
Example use cases
- Reuse: Recycle previously translated segments across documents and languages.
- QA: Ensure consistent phrasing and terminology.
- Localization: Enable faster, more accurate translation of recurring content.
- Training: Provide high-quality bilingual data for machine translation (MT) model tuning.
- Control: Track changes and maintain alignment between content updates.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, translation units form the foundation of our intelligent translation workflows within Trados, the industry-leading CAT and TMS platform. Each TU represents not just a line of text, but a verified piece of linguistic knowledge that supports faster, more consistent global communication.
Our platforms combine human expertise with automation – linking translation memories, termbases and Language Weaver neural MT to ensure translators always have the best reference for each segment. This Human + Technology approach helps clients achieve the ideal balance between speed, accuracy and linguistic quality across every project.