Source Text源文本
The source text is the original language content that a translator or localization team receives as input before any target-language version is produced. In typical project handoffs and CAT tool workflows it appears as the left-side column of a segment pair, and translators, reviewers, terminologists, and query sheets all rely on the source text as the primary reference for meaning, constraints, audience, and intent.
Angel Translation editorial reference · Confirm the rendering against your source and approved project terminology.
Check source meaning → confirm the preferred term → record approved variants and references.
Where this term appears
In translation and localization work, the source text appears in authoring files, content management system exports, and the source column of translation memory tools. Translators and reviewers consult it when adapting UI strings, marketing copy, help content, or subtitles, and it anchors terminology extraction, query creation, and quality checks against the original intent.
Translation checks
A common error is treating a source text as context-free strings, especially when it is ambiguous, contains idioms, or uses placeholder syntax. Translators who translate word-for-word without seeing the source in the UI may produce a target text that is fluent locally but breaks function, tone, or layout, leading to costly rework.
Keep the term aligned across your files
Creative and consumer content needs accurate meaning as well as tone and context. Subtitles, interfaces and voice scripts also require checks for timing, character limits and pronunciation.
Provide approved terms and previous translations with the source files. Agree how variants, ambiguous wording and revisions will be reviewed. Terminology maintenance and any termbase handback are confirmed in the project scope. See the 8-step AI + expert workflow.
Related document experience
Kraft Foods
Transcription + dubbingEmployee-training video transcription and dubbing.
Read the published project →
Alexander Wang (Shanghai)
English ⇄ ChineseBrand documentation.
Read the published project →Published scope shows related industry experience; it does not confirm that this specific term was used or reviewed in the project.
Working on content globalization documentation?
Include the source and target languages, file types, intended use, deadline and any approved termbase. Agree handling before sending sensitive files. Acknowledged in 4 hours, quoted in 24.
Prepare an inquiry email →Content Globalization solutions →File handling →A glossary entry is not an official standard or evidence of regulatory acceptance. Confirm current requirements for your project separately.