
The latest edition for 2025: A complete guide to avoiding mistakes when translating your website into English (thorough explanation of fees, turnaround time, and precautions).
If you are considering translating your website into English, but don't know where to start... we have good news for you.This article provides a complete guide to avoiding mistakes in the English translation of your website, based on the latest information available in 2025!
It provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand explanations of not only cost rates and turnaround times, but also common mistakes and cautions, as well as translation tools and ordering methods. It covers everything from basic knowledge to practical know-how, including the difference between machine translation and human translation, what post-editing is, and the importance of SEO-conscious translation.
This article will help you understand the concrete steps you can take to successfully expand overseas with high-quality English translations. This is a must-read for anyone in charge of a company that wants to accelerate its entry into the global marketplace, or for anyone in charge of a Web site that wants to increase its appeal to overseas customers.
1. basic knowledge of website English translation
In today's world of accelerating globalization, expanding into foreign markets is essential for business success. A website is the face of a company and a powerful tool for reaching customers around the world. Therefore, translating your website into English is a very important step for companies looking to expand overseas.1.1 Why do we need an English translation of our website?
The main reasons for translating a website into English are as follows- Expansion into overseas marketsEnglish is the lingua franca of international business, and by converting your website to English, you can promote your products and services to potential customers around the world.
- Enhancement of corporate imageMultilingual website: A multilingual website enhances a company's international image and improves its credibility. This is also advantageous in attracting foreign partners and investment.
- Improve customer satisfactionFor customers whose native language is English, the fact that information is available in their own language is a source of great reassurance and satisfaction.
- Securing Competitive AdvantageIn the global marketplace, competitors are also moving forward with multilingualization. By converting your website to English, you can secure a competitive advantage and increase your market share.
- Gaining InsightAccess Analysis Tools: By using access analysis tools and other tools, it is possible to analyze the behavior of users in English-speaking countries, which can be useful for future marketing strategies.
1.2 Types and Features of English Translation
There are three main types of English translations for websitestype | feature | Advantages | demerit |
---|---|---|---|
machine translation |
A method in which translation is performed automatically by a computer program. | Translation can be done at low cost and with short delivery time. | Accuracy challenges and may not accurately reflect nuance or context. |
manually powered translation |
A method in which the translation is done by a professional translator with an understanding of the meaning of the original text. | High-quality translations can be expected. Context and nuance will be accurately reflected. | Costs tend to be higher and turnaround times longer than machine translation. |
PostEdit |
How a professional translator corrects and edits the results of a machine translation. | It is less expensive and quicker to deliver than human translation, and can ensure a certain degree of quality. | Depending on the accuracy of the machine translation, this can take a lot of time and effort to correct. |
Each translation method has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the most appropriate method, taking into consideration the budget, delivery date, and quality required.
For example, for content that is updated frequently, such as blog posts, a combination of machine translation and post-editing can be effective to keep costs down. On the other hand, for content that requires accurate communication of information, such as corporate philosophy and company profiles, human translation is appropriate.
2. price quotes for website English translation
The cost of translating a website into English varies greatly depending on the volume of translation, the specialty of the content, the skills of the translation company or freelance translator you request, and the translation method used. It is important to understand the price quotes and advantages and disadvantages of each translation company, freelance translator, and translation tool, and to select the most appropriate method that meets your company's budget and needs.2.1 Price quotes for hiring a translation company
When hiring a translation company, it is generallySeveral yen to several tens of yen per characterortens to hundreds of yen per wordis the market rate. Fees tend to be higher in highly specialized fields or when a high level of quality is required. If you are not looking for a translation of an entire website, but only some pages, you may be able to get a relatively inexpensive translation.
Advantages include thorough quality control, relatively stable deadlines, and the ability to handle large-scale projects. The disadvantage is that the cost tends to be higher than hiring a freelance translator.
number of characters | Price quotes (yen) |
---|---|
10,000 characters | 50,000 to 200,000 |
50,000 characters | 250,000 to 1,000,000 |
100,000 characters | 500,000 to 2,000,000 |
Types of Translation Companies and Rates
There are various types of translation companies: general, specialized, and boutique. Comprehensive translation services cover a wide range of fields and are relatively inexpensive. Specialized translation companies specialize in a particular field and have the advantage in highly specialized translations. Boutique companies are smaller and focus on providing high quality translations. It is important to understand the characteristics of each type and choose the appropriate company.
2.2 Rates for hiring freelance translators
The price quoted for hiring a freelance translator is the same as for hiring a translation company,Several yen to several tens of yen per characterortens to hundreds of yen per wordis the market rate. However, since freelance translators vary in their pricing, it is important to request quotes from multiple translators and compare them. Some translators offer high quality translations at low prices.Advantages include the possibility of lower costs than hiring a translation company, and the ability to communicate directly with the translator, making it easier to convey detailed nuances and request revisions. Disadvantages include the need for the client to manage quality and deadlines, and the difficulty of handling large-scale projects.
2.3 Price quotes for using translation tools
If you use free translation tools such as DeepL translation or Google Translate, the fee isfreeIt is. However, free tools are often inaccurate and insufficient for business use. Paid translation tools come in a variety of pricing plans, such as monthly or pay-as-you-go. Fees vary from tool to tool, though,Hundreds of yen to tens of thousands of yen per monthThe market price is about $3,000. Some tools offer free trials, so you can try them out before you consider implementing them.
Advantages include low-cost, easy translation and quick turnaround. Disadvantages include the fact that free tools are often inaccurate, paid tools may be less accurate than human translation, and they are not suitable for translating complex or highly specialized texts.
Translation tools can be used to create a draft using machine translation, and then a human makes corrections.PostEditThis method is called This method has been gaining attention in recent years because it offers a good balance between cost and time. By combining translation tools with human translation, higher quality translations can be produced more efficiently. For more information,Japan Federation of Translators Associationswebsite, for example.
3. website English translation turnaround time
The turnaround time for translating a website into English varies greatly depending on the number of words to be translated, the difficulty of the content, the skill of the translator, and the method of request. In order to accurately estimate the turnaround time, it is necessary to consider all of these factors. Below is a detailed explanation of turnaround time for each method of request.3.1 Delivery time when hiring a translation company
When hiring a translation company, it is generallyAbout 1 week to 1 monthIt is recommended that you expect a turnaround time of However, this is only a rough estimate and will vary depending on the volume and difficulty of the translation, as well as the size and responsiveness of the translation company.For example, when requesting the translation of an entire large-scale website or highly specialized technical documents, a turnaround time of one month or more may be required. In addition, during busy periods, turnaround times may be longer than usual, so it is important to make your request well in advance. Some translation companies can handle urgent projects, but additional fees may apply, so be sure to check in advance.
It is important to inform and discuss the specific delivery date desired when requesting a quote from a translation company. By requesting quotes from multiple translation companies and comparing them, you can request a translation with the optimal delivery date and price.
3.2 Delivery time when hiring a freelance translator
As with hiring a translation company, turnaround times for freelance translators vary greatly depending on the volume and difficulty of the work to be translated, as well as the translator's skills and availability. In general,A few days to a few weeksYou should expect a delivery date ofBecause freelance translators work privately, they are often more flexible than translation companies and can handle urgent projects with greater flexibility. However, because they work alone, turnaround time may be longer when requesting the translation of an entire large-scale website. When hiring a freelance translator, it is important to confirm the translator's track record and areas of expertise in advance, and to communicate and discuss the desired delivery date. In addition, clarifying the details of the contract will help prevent problems such as late delivery.
3.3 Delivery time when using translation tools
When using translation tools such as DeepL translation or Google Translate,almost instantaneousThe translation result can be obtained in a few minutes. This can significantly shorten the turnaround time. However, since translation tools are machine translation, the accuracy of the translation is limited.We are especially poor at understanding nuance and context accurately. Therefore, it is always necessary to make corrections and edits manually, rather than using translation tools alone. When using translation tools,Time to revise and editThe delivery date should also be taken into consideration. Translation tools are not suitable for translating highly specialized documents or documents that require an understanding of cultural backgrounds.
How to Request | Estimated delivery date | Advantages | demerit |
---|---|---|---|
translation agency | About 1 week to 1 month | High quality, capable of handling large projects | Fees are high and delivery times can be long. |
freelance translator | A few days to a few weeks | Small turnaround time, relatively inexpensive rates | Variable quality, may not be suitable for large projects |
Translation Tools | Almost instantaneous (but needs to be modified and edited) | Short delivery time, low fees | Low quality, poor understanding of nuance and context |
The above is only a general guideline. The actual turnaround time will be determined by the content and volume of the translation and consultation with the translator. When requesting a translation, be sure to confirm the delivery date in advance and proceed with a schedule that allows sufficient time. For more detailed information,Japan Federation of Translators Associationswebsite, for example.
4. common mistakes in English translation of homepages
When publishing a website in English, failure in translation can lead not only to the loss of business opportunities but also to the deterioration of the corporate image. It is important to understand common mistakes and take appropriate measures.4.1 Machine translation only
It is often the case that machine translation is the only way to reduce costs. It is true that tools such as DeepL and Google Translate are improving in accuracy, but they are not perfect. It is particularly difficult to understand nuance and context, which can lead to unnatural expressions and mistranslations. The result is content that is difficult for readers to understand or misinterpret.Machine translation should only be used as a drafting tool, and it is important to always check and correct the translation with the human eye.
4.2 Mistranslation of technical terms
Industry-specific terminology may not translate accurately with common translation tools. Especially in technical or legal documents, mistranslations can cause serious problems. Hiring a translator with specialized knowledge can ensure that the translation is accurate and natural. If the document contains specialized terminology, it is important to select a translator who is familiar with the field.4.3 Failure to take cultural differences into account
Translation without consideration of differences in cultural backgrounds can lead to unintended misunderstandings and discomfort. For example, an expression that is acceptable in Japan may be inappropriate in English-speaking countries. Localization should be appropriate for the target culture in terms of expression, color, image selection, etc. Be aware of cultural localization, not mere translation.4.4 Translations that ignore SEO measures
SEO is essential for English-speaking users to find your website. It is necessary to apply SEO measures in English, such as keyword selection and meta description settings. Appropriate inclusion of keywords during translation will improve your ranking in search engines. Make sure your translation takes into account SEO in English.4.5 Design collapse
Because the length of text differs between Japanese and English, the design of a website may be corrupted after translation. In particular, we often see cases where the text of buttons, menus, etc. becomes longer and the layout collapses. Design adjustments should be considered before translation. Assume the length of the text after translation and allow plenty of room in the design.4.6 Inappropriate writing style
The website should be translated in an appropriate style that matches the purpose and target audience of the website. For example, a formal style should be used for a corporate website, while a casual style should be used for a website aimed at young people. By unifying the style, the appropriate impression can be given to the reader. If the writing style is not consistent, it is difficult to read and gives the impression that the website lacks credibility. Translate in an appropriate style for your target audience.4.7 Forgot to update
When you update the content of your website, you must remember to update the English page as well. Discrepancies in information between the Japanese and English versions may cause confusion among users and damage credibility. To streamline the updating process, it is a good idea to utilize a CMS or similar system. Keep the Japanese and English versions of your content in sync at all times.Examples of update frequency and content
Content Type | Update Frequency | Update details |
---|---|---|
News Release | at any time | Latest information, press releases, etc. |
blog post | At least once a week | Industry trends, corporate activities, etc. |
Product Information | as necessary | New product information, specification changes, etc. |
About Us | Several times a year | Corporate information, business performance, etc. |
5. notes on website English translation
When translating a website into English, it is necessary to pay attention to various points, not just translating Japanese into English. Failure to translate correctly may result in lost business opportunities or damage to your brand image. The following is a detailed explanation of important points to keep in mind.5.1 Adapt the translation to the culture of the target country or region
English is widely used throughout the world, but different countries and regions have different cultures, customs, and modes of expression. For example, there are differences in spelling, vocabulary, and grammar between American English and British English. Also, even within the same English-speaking country, slang and humor vary widely from region to region, which can lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, it is important to tailor the translation to the culture of the target country or region.A deep understanding of the culture of the target market and the use of appropriate expressions can help achieve more effective communication.
For example, colors, numbers, and symbols may have different meanings in different cultures. Failure to translate these elements appropriately may result in conveying an unintended message. Also, the use of honorifics and formal expressions also vary from culture to culture. In order to ensure that cultural aspects are taken into account in the translation,Japan Federation of Translators AssociationsIt is useful to refer to materials from professional organizations such as the following, or ask a local native speaker to confirm the information.
5.2 Translate with SEO in mind
One of the purposes of publishing a website in English is to increase access from overseas and expand business. Therefore, translation with SEO in mind is essential.It is necessary not only to simply replace Japanese words with English, but also to properly place targeted keywords and create search engine-optimized content. In order to translate with SEO in mind, the following points should be considered(data) item | Details |
---|---|
Keyword research | You need to research what keywords are being searched for in your target country or region and select appropriate keywords. |
Keyword placement | Proper placement of the selected keywords in the title, headings, and body text will correctly convey the content to search engines. |
Meta Description Settings | A meta description is a summary of the page that appears in search results. An attractive meta description will lead to higher click-through rates. |
Setting alt attribute | Setting alt attributes on images makes it easier for search engines to understand the content of the image. It also improves usability, as alternative text will be displayed if the image is not displayed. |
For more information on SEO, please contact us,How Google Search WorksPlease refer to the following
5.3 Native checking is mandatory.
No matter how carefully the translation work is done, checking by native speakers is essential.Native speakers understand natural expressions and cultural nuances, which allows for more accurate and higher quality translations. During the native check, you may want to have the following points checked- No grammatical or spelling errors
- Is it a natural expression?
- Is it culturally appropriate?
- Are the expressions tailored to the target audience?
6. 5 best tools for website English translation
There are many tools available to help you translate your website into English, each with different features. By selecting the tool best suited for your purpose, you can improve translation accuracy, increase work efficiency, and reduce costs. Here, we will explain in detail five representative tools, their features, advantages and disadvantages, and fee structures.6.1 DeepL translation
DeepL translation is a popular machine translation tool known for its high translation accuracy. It is also effective for website translation, as it translates difficult nuanced sentences into natural English, and can be easily integrated into websites through API integration.Fee Plan:
plan | Feature | Price |
---|---|---|
Starter | Up to 500,000 words per month can be translated | Approx. 700 yen/month |
Advanced | Up to 5,000,000 words per month can be translated | Approx. 2,800 yen/month |
Ultimate | Up to 50,000,000 words per month can be translated | Approx. 28,000 yen/month |
6.2 Google Translate
Google Translate is a free machine translation tool. It supports multiple languages and is useful for those who want to translate easily. However, the accuracy is slightly less than that of DeepL translation, so care should be taken when translating important texts. An API is also provided for integration into websites.Pricing Plans: Basic features are available free of charge, but for advanced features and large volumes of translationsCloud Translation APIis required. Fees vary depending on the volume of translations.
6.3 Future Translation
Mirai Translate is a highly accurate machine translation tool specialized for business use. It supports technical terms and industry-specific expressions, making it ideal for translating business documents. It is also fully equipped with security measures, so you can translate documents that contain highly confidential information with confidence.Fee plans: Fee plans are quoted on an individual basis.Mirai Translation Service PageInquiries can be made from
6.4 Tran
Tran,Translation PlatformIt is Not only machine translation,Corrections by professional translatorsand ... andnative checkWe also offer services such as This service is suitable when high-quality translations are required. In addition, the translation memory function allows you to reuse previously translated sentences, thereby improving the efficiency of your translation work.Price Plans: Rates vary depending on the volume of translations and services.Tran Price Plansfor more information.
6.5 SDL Trados Studio
SDL Trados Studio is,Translation Support ToolsIt is a representative of the By utilizing translation memory, glossary functions, and other features, it is possible toconsistencyandefficiencyIt can be used to improve the quality of the It is widely used by professional translators and translation companies. as well as website translation,Diverse translation projectsIt is possible to respond toPricing Plans: SDL Trados Studio is a paid software.
Freelance Editionand ... andProfessional EditionSeveral editions are available, including For more informationSDL Trados Studio Product Pagefor more information. By properly utilizing these tools, you can achieve high-quality website English translations and successfully enter the global market. It is important to understand the features of each tool and select the best tool for your budget and objectives.
7. how to order English translation of your website
There are three main ways to order English translation of your website. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the method best suited to your situation.7.1 How to Request a Translation Company
The advantages of hiring a translation company are that you can expect high quality translations and that you can entrust them with project management. Translation companies have specialized translators and can handle translations in a variety of fields. They often also offer optional services such as native checking and desktop publishing. The disadvantage is that costs tend to be relatively high. The following are ways to request a translation company- Request quotes from multiple translation companies.
- Compare and contrast quotes, performance, and response.
- Decide on a translation company to hire and sign a contract
- Provide files and materials to be translated
- When the translation is complete, review the delivered translation.
7.2 How to Request a Freelance Translator
The advantages of hiring a freelance translator are that the cost is lower than hiring a translation company and that you can communicate directly with the translator. By communicating directly with the translator, it is easier to convey nuances and detailed requests. The disadvantages are that quality control is difficult and you must manage the project yourself. The following are the ways to request a freelance translator- Find translators through translation matching and crowdsourcing sites.
- Check the translator's profile, track record, and reputation.
- Decide on the translator to be hired and negotiate the details of the contract
- Provide files and materials to be translated
- When the translation is complete, review the delivered translation.
7.3 How to make a crowdsourcing request
The advantages of crowdsourcing are that you can request a translation at a low price and have many translators to choose from. The disadvantages are that the quality may vary and the delivery date may be delayed. The following is how to make a crowdsourcing request- Post your project on crowdsourcing sites
- Select appropriate translators from among those who have applied
- Sign a contract with the translator and provide files and materials to be translated
- When the translation is complete, review the delivered translation.
Points to keep in mind when making a request: Regardless of which method you use to make your request, please note the following
(data) item | Contents |
---|---|
Clarification of objectives | Clearly communicate the purpose of the translation. By sharing your target audience and the goals you want to achieve through translation, you can expect more effective translations. |
Quality of the original text | Check the source text for typographical errors and unclear expressions. The quality of the source text greatly affects the quality of the translation. |
Creating a glossary of terms | Create and share a glossary of technical terms and proper nouns. This will help ensure a consistent translation. |
native check | Requesting native checking ensures that the translation is natural and accurate. This is especially essential for business translations. |
Planned Delivery Date | Set a deadline with plenty of time to spare. Avoid urgent requests, as translation takes time. |
budgeting | Communicate your budget clearly. They can propose the best plan for your budget. |
8. successful cases of website English translation
Here are two examples of how English translations of websites have successfully helped businesses grow. Through these examples, you will see the tangible benefits of effective English translation.8.1 Case Study 1: English Translation of a Website that Successfully Enabled a Small and Medium-Sized Company to Expand Overseas
Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a small to medium-sized company that manufactures precision instrument parts. The company had been developing its business mainly in the domestic market, but with the aim of further growth, it planned to expand into overseas markets. In doing so, the translation of its website into English was a priority.Yamada emphasized localization that took into account the culture and business customs of the target country, rather than mere literal translation.Specifically, since our goal was to expand into the U.S. market, we translated the language into U.S. English and adapted it to the local business culture.In addition, to ensure accurate translation of product terminology, we used translators who are experts in their fields.
As a result, the English-language website received high marks and many inquiries.Orders from overseas also increased, and Yamada Manufacturing's overseas expansion was a great success.This success is a good example of how quality English translation has opened the door to foreign markets.
Reference:Small and Medium Enterprise Agency - Small and Medium Enterprise Growth Strategy
8.2 Case Study 2: Website English translation that contributed to increased sales for an e-commerce site
Sato Shoji Co., Ltd. operates an e-commerce site selling traditional Japanese crafts. The company's sales had been primarily to the domestic market, but access from overseas had been increasing, so the company decided to translate its website into English.Sato Shoji focused not only on conveying the appeal of each product, but also on explaining in detail the background of Japanese culture and traditional crafts.Our goal was to capture the hearts and minds of our international customers by telling a story, rather than simply explaining a product.We were also conscious of SEO measures, and included keywords that are easily searched for in English-speaking countries to increase the inflow of visitors from search engines.
As a result, after the release of the English website, the number of accesses from overseas increased significantly and sales grew significantly.In particular, orders from the U.S., U.K., and Australia have increased, and the ratio of overseas sales has doubled from the previous level.This success proves that careful English translation and effective SEO can make a significant contribution to increasing e-commerce site sales.
8.2.1 Further increase sales through multilingualization
Following the success in English, Sato Shoji translated its website into Chinese and Spanish as well. The results are shown in the table below.
Language | Percentage increase in number of accesses | Sales growth rate |
---|---|---|
English (language) | 150% | 200% |
Chinese (language) | 120% | 180% |
Spanish | 80% | 100% |
The multilingualization strategy is a good example of successful further market development. Reference:JETRO - Trade and Investment Consultation Q&A These examples show that translating a website into English can make a significant contribution to a company's growth. With the right translation and strategy, the potential for expanding into foreign markets and increasing sales can be realized.
9. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the English translation of our website.9.1 How much does it cost to translate a website into English?
The cost of translating a website into English varies greatly depending on the number of words to be translated, the number of website pages, the difficulty level of the translation, and the translation company or freelance translator you request. As a rough guide, the price ranges from several yen to several tens of yen per character. In addition, translating an entire website may cost several hundred thousand yen to several million yen. To get an accurate cost estimate, it is a good idea to get quotes from multiple translation companies and freelance translators.It is important to obtain a clear estimate and consider it against your budget before commissioning the projectIt is.Translation Types | Approximate fee rates |
---|---|
machine translation | Free to several thousand yen/month (depending on tools) |
Human translation (translation agency) | 5 yen to 30 yen/character |
Human translation (freelance) | 3 yen to 20 yen/character |
PostEdit | 2 to 10 yen/character |
9.2 How long does it take to translate a website into English?
The time required to translate a website into English depends on the number of words to be translated, the number of website pages, the difficulty level of the translation, and the situation of the translation company or freelance translator you request. Generally, it takes several days to several weeks per page.For urgent cases, express charges may apply, so it is important to check in advance.It is. It is also necessary to take into account the time required for post-translation revisions and native checking.9.3 Are there any precautions that should be taken when requesting an English translation of a website?
When requesting an English translation of your website, please note the following- Adapt the translation to the culture of the target country or region: Without an understanding of the cultural context, the language may be misleading or inappropriate.
- Translate with SEO in mindSEO measures, such as keyword selection and optimization of meta descriptions, can be applied to increase the number of visitors from search engines.
- Native checks are required.: Checked by native speakers to ensure natural and accurate English expressions.
- Check the track record and areas of expertise of translation companies and freelance translators.Translators: By checking our track record and areas of expertise, you can expect high quality translations.
- Create clear written instructions.The translation will be completed as intended by clearly communicating the purpose of the translation, the target audience, and the tone of the expression.
9.4 How do I update the English translation of my website?
There are three main ways to update the English translation of a website- Hire a translation company or freelance translatorSuitable for: regularly updated or highly specialized content.
- Update in-house with translation toolsThe following is a list of translation tools that can be easily used for small corrections and updates: DeepL Translate, Google Translate, and other highly accurate translation tools.
- Use the multilingual support function of the CMS (Content Management System)CMSs, such as WordPress, have multilingual plug-ins that make it relatively easy to manage translated content. For example,WPMLPlug-ins such as the following are available
9.5 What other languages do you recommend besides English translation of the website?
In addition to English, there are several other languages that can be useful when considering the global expansion of your business. The most appropriate language depends on the target market and industry, but the following are typical examples.- Chinese (language)China, with the world's largest population, is a huge market.
- SpanishSpanish-speaking areas are the most populous and have the fastest growing economies.
- French (language): The language is widely used in parts of Europe and Africa.
- German (language)The language is used in Germany, one of the major economies in Europe.
- PortugueseBrazil and other Portuguese-speaking regions are expected to grow economically.
10. summary
In this article, we have provided a comprehensive explanation of English translation of homepages, including basic knowledge, price quotes, turnaround time, common mistakes, cautions, optimal tools, ordering methods, and success stories. English translation of a website is extremely important for companies seeking to expand overseas. However, simply replacing Japanese with English does not ensure effective communication. High-quality translation must take into account the culture of the target country or region, SEO measures, native checking, and other factors.Machine translation and translation tools are options if you want to keep costs down, but if you are looking for accuracy and natural expressions, we recommend hiring a translation company or freelance translator.
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each, and choose the best method for your budget and objectives. As shown by successful case studies, high-quality English translation can greatly enhance your success in overseas markets. Use this article as a guide to achieve effective website English translation, and to ensure the success of your global business.