Subtitle字幕
A subtitle is the on-screen text representation of spoken dialogue, narration, or relevant audio information, usually displayed at the bottom of a video frame and synchronized with the original sound. In translation and localization workflows, subtitles are delivered as timed text units that must respect constraints such as reading speed, character limits, shot changes, and natural line breaks while conveying the source message accurately.
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
Subtitles appear in audiovisual localization projects such as feature films, streaming content, e-learning modules, training videos, and marketing clips. Translators usually work in subtitle editors or CAT tools that import SRT, VTT, or similar timed text files, editing entries against timecodes while applying the client's subtitling conventions and reading-speed limits.
Translation checks
A common error is treating subtitles as full written translation, producing lines that are too long or too fast for viewers to read comfortably. This often happens when character-per-second limits, reading pauses, and shot changes are ignored; the result can be unusable subtitles that break timing, fail client QA, or force 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.