AI translation offers unmatched speed and growing sophistication, making it a tempting solution for businesses operating in multiple languages. However, speed often comes at the expense of quality. From awkward phrasing to serious terminology mistakes, AI translations frequently contain errors that may compromise clarity, credibility and even legal validity. That is why professional review and post-editing of AI translations are essential, especially when accuracy matters.
At Eurideas, we combine the strengths of technology and human expertise. Our linguists always post-edit and often proofread AI translations to ensure that your content is not just delivered quickly, but is also flawless. Below, we outline the issues we encounter most frequently when reviewing raw AI-generated translations.
Inconsistent Forms of Address
In languages such as German, the distinction between formal (“Sie”) and informal (“du”) address is critical. AI translation tools often fail to apply the correct form consistently or confuse “Sie” and “sie” (they/she), leading to grammatical inaccuracies and potential miscommunication. Such issues are easily caught and corrected during proofreading of AI translations by a human linguist.
Literal Translations of Idioms
AI frequently translates idiomatic phrases and slogans word for word, stripping them of their intended cultural meaning and emotional impact. This common pitfall of unreviewed AI translations often results in output that is grammatically correct but contextually nonsensical. Our hybrid translation service ensures that idioms are localised, not just translated.
Misinterpretation of Acronyms and Terminology
Automated systems may incorrectly translate acronyms or generate inconsistent, unauthorised equivalents for industry-specific terms. For instance, “HRDDP” (Human Rights Due Diligence Policy) might be mistranslated as a generic “programme de développement des ressources humaines”, losing its correct legal meaning. This highlights the need for expert review of AI translations, particularly for technical and legal content.
Unnatural Phrasing and Word Order
Even when AI-generated sentences are grammatically correct, they may sound awkward or stilted. For example, “Planning security must additionally be gained through a legal framework…” is technically correct but lacks fluency. Post-edited AI translation ensures smooth, native-like phrasing, such as “Additionally, planning certainty should be ensured through appropriate legal frameworks”.
Ambiguity and Word Errors
Words with multiple meanings – like “seizure” or “stable files” – are often mistranslated if insufficient context is available. Proofreading of AI translations is crucial here, especially in cases where mistranslation of isolated terms (such as in table headings or bullet points) may lead to ambiguity or even legal issues.
Inconsistencies and Context Gaps
AI tools tend to use multiple synonyms and apply varied grammatical rules within a single document. This inconsistency is particularly problematic in legal documents, surveys and technical manuals, where uniformity in terminology and style is critical. A consistent voice can only be ensured through professional editing of AI-translated content.
Errors Involving Names and Typos
Proper names – whether brand names, people’s surnames or institutional titles – are frequently mistranslated or altered. Moreover, typographical errors in the source text often go undetected by AI. Human review of AI translations catches these subtle but crucial mistakes before delivery.
Closing Remarks
AI is a powerful asset in modern translation workflows, but it is not a standalone solution. For professional, reliable and publication-ready content, AI translation must be paired with proofreading and human post-editing.
At Eurideas, we deliver hybrid translation services that combine the efficiency of machine translation with the expertise of professional linguists. Whether you need legal documentation, technical manuals or multilingual marketing materials, we ensure your content is fast, accurate and polished.
