How do you optimize your translation memory and terminology database for fuzzy match?

1 What is fuzzy match?

Fuzzy match is a function that compares a new source segment with the existing segments in your TM and assigns a percentage score based on their similarity. For example, if the new segment is "Hello, how are you?" and the TM has a segment "Hello, how are you today?", the fuzzy match score might be 90%. The higher the score, the closer the match. Fuzzy match helps you save time and effort by suggesting possible translations for new segments that are not exact matches but have some common words or structures with your TM.

2 How to adjust fuzzy match settings?

Different CAT tools have different ways of adjusting fuzzy match settings, but generally you can choose the minimum threshold for fuzzy match, the penalty for differences in numbers, dates, tags, etc., and the display options for fuzzy match results. You can also enable or disable fuzzy match for specific languages, file types, or projects. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can fine-tune your fuzzy match settings to make them more or less strict and to filter out irrelevant or low-quality matches. For example, you might want to lower the threshold for fuzzy match if you work with highly repetitive texts or raise it if you work with creative or complex texts.

3 How to update your TM with fuzzy match?

One of the benefits of fuzzy match is that it allows you to update your TM with new or improved translations based on the fuzzy match suggestions. However, you should always review and edit the fuzzy match results before confirming them and adding them to your TM. You should check for accuracy, consistency, grammar, punctuation, and style, and make sure that the translation matches the context and purpose of the new segment. You should also avoid overwriting or deleting existing segments in your TM unless they are incorrect or outdated. By updating your TM with fuzzy match, you can enrich your TM and enhance its quality and reliability.

4 How to use your TB with fuzzy match?

Your TB is a collection of terms and phrases that are specific to your domain, client, or project, and that have a fixed or preferred translation. Your TB can help you ensure that your translation is consistent and accurate, especially when you use fuzzy match. Most CAT tools allow you to integrate your TB with your TM and display the terms and phrases that match the source segment along with the fuzzy match results. You can also use your TB to search for terms and phrases that are not in your TM or to add new terms and phrases that you encounter during your translation. By using your TB with fuzzy match, you can avoid errors and confusion caused by inconsistent or incorrect terminology.

5 How to create and maintain your TM and TB?

To optimize your TM and TB for fuzzy match, you need to create and maintain them properly. You can create your TM and TB from scratch or import them from existing sources, such as previous translations, glossaries, dictionaries, or online resources. You should always check the quality and relevance of the sources before importing them and clean up any duplicates, errors, or inconsistencies. You should also update and backup your TM and TB regularly and delete any segments or terms that are no longer valid or useful. By creating and maintaining your TM and TB, you can ensure that they are accurate, consistent, and up-to-date.

6 How to choose the best CAT tool for fuzzy match?

When selecting the best CAT tool for fuzzy match, there are numerous factors to consider, such as its compatibility with source and target languages, file formats, and operating systems. Additionally, its flexibility and customization of fuzzy match settings and display options should be examined. Furthermore, the integration and synchronization of the TM and TB with other tools and platforms should be assessed. Moreover, you should consider the speed and performance of the fuzzy match function and the TM and TB management. Finally, you should take into account the cost and support of the CAT tool and its updates and upgrades. By choosing carefully, you can improve your translation workflow and quality to reach your goals.