[Machine Translation Verification] How well do Google and DeepL utilize "whose"?

Previously, we explained how to use "whose".

Common Mistakes in Translation in the IT and FA Fields ① - How to Use "which" and "whose" -

"Whose" is a pronoun that can modify anything and is commonly used in technical translations. (It may seem like it can only modify people because it contains "who", but that is not the case.)

The following are the main benefits of using "whose".

- By using phrases such as "for which", "in which", and "to whom", complex sentence structures can be avoided, making the text easier to read.
・The relationship between modifiers becomes clear, making the text easier to read.
- Can avoid using unnecessary pronouns (mainly "you")

Based on the above, this time we will compare DeepL and Google Translate to verify if a sentence using "whose" is generated correctly.

Table of Contents

1. Verification ①
2. Verification ②
3. Verification ③
4. Verification ④

1. Verification ①

・Original: Select the checkbox for clearing the error history and click the [Execute] button.
・DeepL：Select the check box for the item you want to clear the error history for, and then click the [Execute] button.
・Google Translate: Select the check box of the item for which you want to clear the error history, and click the [Execute] button.

In this example, neither translation engine uses "whose".

DeepL is written as "you want to clear the error history for", which is not incorrect, but it uses an unnecessary pronoun ("you") and the structure of "clear ... for" is also a bit unnatural.

In the case of Google, the grammar level is higher than DeepL because it uses the "for which" structure, but it also stands out with unnecessary pronouns ("you").

The following is an example of post-edit (full edit) using "whose".

・Original: Select the checkbox for clearing the error history and click the [Execute] button.
・Select the checkbox of the item whose error history is to be cleared and click the [Execute] button.

2. Verification ②

・Original: Refill the film in the magazine when the remaining number becomes "0".
・DeepL：When the number of remaining sheets reaches “000”, refill the magazine with film.
・Google Translate: Replenish the film to the magazine whose remaining number is "000".

DeepL uses a "dependent clause + main clause" structure. While not incorrect, a simpler structure is preferred due to the short original text.

In Google Translate, "whose" is used correctly. However, when translating "the remaining number is "0"", it becomes "whose remaining number is "000"". In this case, it is recommended to translate it as "whose number of remaining films is "000"" according to the context.

The following is an example of post-edit (full edit).

・Original: Select the checkbox for clearing the error history and click the [Execute] button.
・Load a film pack into the magazine whose number of remaining films is “000”.

3. Verification ③

・Original: Click on the user to follow their profile.
・DeepL：Click on the user whose profile you want to follow.
・Google Translate: Click the user you want to follow your profile.

At DeepL, "whose" is used correctly. However, "フォローする" is translated to "you want to follow". This needs to be corrected to "you follow" in post-edit. Also, "click on" should be simply "click".

In Google Translate, the sentence "Click on the user you want to follow your profile." is translated into an incomprehensible translation, so it is necessary to completely revise the sentence.

The following is an example of post-edit (full edit).

・Original: Click on the user to follow their profile.
・Click the user whose profile you follow.
・Click the profile of the user you follow. (Example without using "whose")

4. Verification ④

・Original: Stations that stop cyclic transmission with this function will not stop cyclic frame communication and will be treated as a non-departure station.
・DeepL：A station that has stopped cyclic transmission with this function does not stop communicating in cyclic frames and is not treated as a resolved station.
・Google Translation: A station whose cyclic transmission is stopped by this function does not stop the communication of cyclic frames and is not treated as a disconnected station.

At DeepL, the phrase "the station that stopped cyclic transmission with this function" does not match the original text in meaning.

Post-editing is necessary in some places with Google Translate, but at least the use of "whose" is accurate.

The following is an example of Post-edit.

・Original: Stations that stop cyclic transmission with this function will not stop cyclic frame communication and will be treated as a non-departure station.
・Stations whose cyclic transmission is stopped with this function are not considered disconnected and continue to communicate cyclic frames.

In this verification, it was not clear which machine translation was superior in the use of "whose". From some places where "whose" is used appropriately, it seems that the quality of machine translation has improved compared to a few years ago. On the other hand, it is also understood that post-edit is still indispensable when using machine translation.

Author Information

Andy ParkMultilingual Translation Group
Japanese-English Translation Reviewer

・In my previous job, I worked as an IT engineer for about 4 years, and then I worked as an English conversation instructor for 8 years, where I was involved in developing educational programs and training instructors.
・Translation experience of 11 years, specializing in IT and business fields.
・Currently engaged in translation work and translation quality management, primarily focusing on FA-related products such as product manuals, help documents, and operation manuals.
- Responsible for evaluating and verifying the translation quality of machine translation engines.