What are the disadvantages of AI translation (machine translation)? We explain how to overcome these disadvantages and use it efficiently!

Table of Contents

• 1. AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 1-1. What is AI Translation (Machine Translation)?
• 1-2. The Mechanism of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 1-3. Main Benefits of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 2. Disadvantages of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 2-1. There may be a lack of accuracy
• 2-2. There may be cases where expressiveness is weak
• 2-3. Difficulty in Considering Cultural Background
• 2-4. Manual verification is essential
• 2-5. Concerns about Security Risks
• 3. How to Overcome the Disadvantages of AI Translation (Machine Translation)
• 3-1. Use of the most accurate translation engine possible
• 3-2. Outsource to a translation company with a professional review system
• 3-3. Use of translation tools and companies with high security
• 4. Summary

1-1. What is AI Translation (Machine Translation)?

AI translation (machine translation) refers to the technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to perform language translation. This AI primarily employs advanced technologies known as "neural networks" and "deep learning." Neural networks have a structure that mimics the neural circuits of the brain, allowing for more effective processing of vocabulary and grammatical information. On the other hand, deep learning is an evolved learning method that uses a multi-layered structure, enabling the recognition of more complex patterns and producing more natural translation results. As a result, AI translation is achieving increasingly high-precision translation capabilities.

1-2. The Mechanism of AI Translation (Machine Translation)

There are various mechanisms for AI translation. First, the rule-based approach involves setting translation rules for grammar and terminology by humans, and translations are performed based on these rules. In contrast, the statistical-based approach analyzes a large amount of bidirectional translation data to statistically predict the most appropriate translation. Recently, the neural network approach has been rapidly evolving. This method uses machine learning algorithms to learn diverse language patterns from vast amounts of data. As a result, it has become possible to provide more natural and high-quality translations. By utilizing these technologies, AI translation is increasingly improving in accuracy and plays an important role as a tool for everyday communication.

1-3. Main Benefits of AI Translation (Machine Translation)

AI translation (machine translation) has several advantages. First, it allows for translation in a short period while maintaining quality. Traditional human translation requires time and effort, but using AI translation makes it possible to translate in a short time. Additionally, cost reduction is one of the significant benefits. It allows for savings in labor costs and time, which can lead to substantial economic effects, especially when translating large volumes of documents. Due to these advantages, AI translation has become widely used in various fields.

There are several disadvantages to AI translation (machine translation). Here are the main points.

2-1. There may be a lack of accuracy

AI translation can sometimes lack accuracy, especially in sentences that contain complex structures or specialized terminology. Misinterpretations can occur when the context is not properly understood or when the ambiguity of words cannot be addressed. Additionally, when translating long sentences or paragraphs, parts of the sentence may be missing from the translated text.

2-2. There may be cases where expressiveness is weak

Translations can sometimes feel overly literal and unnatural. This is because simply replacing the meaning of the original text with another language does not adequately convey the context and nuances. For example, in translations from English to Japanese, directly converting English expressions into Japanese may be grammatically correct, but often feels unnatural as natural Japanese.

2-3. Difficulty in Considering Cultural Background

AI translation can be challenging when it comes to fully understanding and translating cultural backgrounds and nuances. For example, translating idioms, proverbs, humor, and sarcasm can be difficult and often results in unnatural translations. In such cases, a human translator is needed to appropriately rephrase.

2-4. Manual verification is essential

The results of AI translation are not always perfect, so human verification is necessary. Especially for important documents and official communications, it is essential to have a check by a professional translator.

2-5. Concerns about Security Risks

When using AI translation services, it is necessary to consider the security risks of data. Especially when translating documents that contain confidential information, some AI translation services may use the data for training a common AI model shared by all users, posing a risk of that data being displayed to third parties. Therefore, careful handling is required. For more details on the security of the representative AI translation service DeepL, please see the article below.

Confidentiality with DeepL Translations. Is It Secure?

3-1. Use of the most accurate translation engine possible

It is important to use a translation engine with as high accuracy as possible. Currently, various AI translation services are available, each using different translation engines. Therefore, it is common for the accuracy and quality of translations to vary by service. For example, one translation engine may excel in translating technical documents in the IT field, while another engine may have strengths in medical-related translations. There are also engines that specialize in translating patent documents.

It is also important to choose the right engine according to the purpose. It is recommended to use different engines in cases where accuracy is required, such as in technical documents, or where expressiveness is needed, such as in marketing documents.

With AI translation services, it is possible to use multiple translation engines selectively or simultaneously. By translating the same text with multiple translation engines and comparing the results, you can adopt the most appropriate translation. Additionally, it becomes easier to identify mistranslations and omissions, improving the overall accuracy of the translation.

3-2. Commission a translation company with a professional review system

It is recommended to request a translation company with a professional review system to ensure the quality of translations. Translation is not merely a replacement of languages; it should be done with an understanding of culture, context, and expertise. Therefore, the involvement of professional translators is essential. Professional translators are familiar with the nuances of the language and specialized terminology, and they can provide accurate and natural translations.

Furthermore, in translation companies with a professional review system, another expert reviews the translation after the translator has completed their work. This process ensures that there are no mistranslations or unnatural expressions, guaranteeing the final quality.

3-3. Use of translation tools and companies with high security

Translation tools and companies with high security implement various security measures such as data encryption, access control, and audit log management. This prevents data from leaking to third parties during translation and maintains the confidentiality of information. Additionally, by choosing companies or tools that have obtained security certifications, you can utilize reliable services. For example, companies that comply with international security standards such as ISO 27001 meet strict criteria for information security management, allowing for safe use.

AI translation (machine translation) is a technology that utilizes advanced techniques such as neural networks and deep learning to translate languages, providing high-quality translations in a short period. However, it faces challenges in the accuracy of complex sentences and specialized terminology, as well as reflecting cultural backgrounds. To address these drawbacks, it is recommended to use high-precision translation engines, have a review system by professional translators, and utilize translation tools or companies with high security.

Human Science offers MTrans for Office, an automatic translation software that utilizes translation engines from DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. OpenAI can not only be used as a translation engine but can also transcribe, rewrite, and proofread text depending on the prompts. MTrans for Office also offers a 14-day free trial. Please feel free to contact us.

Features of MTrans for Office

① Unlimited number of translatable files and glossary with a flat-rate system
② One-click translation from Office products!
③ Security is assured with API connection
・For customers who want further enhancement, we also offer SSO, IP restrictions, etc.
④ Support in Japanese by a Japanese company
・Support for security check sheets is also available
・Payment via bank transfer is available

MTrans for Office is an easy-to-use translation software for Office.