Two Japanese documents of the same length can cost different amounts to translate. These are the seven things a translation quote depends on, and how to get an accurate one quickly.
1. Volume, and how it is counted
Japanese has no spaces between words, so a Japanese source text is counted in characters, not words. English is counted in words. As a rough guide, two Japanese characters produce about one English word, though the ratio varies with the subject.
This matters when you compare quotes: one priced per Japanese character and one priced per English word are not directly comparable. Ask which basis is being used.
2. Subject
A general business letter and a patent claim take very different amounts of time per page. Specialised subjects need a translator who knows the field, and more time for terminology research.
3. File format
An editable Word, Excel or PowerPoint file can be translated directly. A scanned PDF, a photo or text inside images has to be typed out or rebuilt first, which adds time. If you have the original editable file, send that.
4. Deadline
A translator can produce only so much careful work in a day. A tight deadline may mean splitting the job between translators and adding a step to make their terminology consistent.
5. Level of checking
A translation that will be published, signed or used to operate a machine should be edited against the source and then proofread. A document you only need to understand, such as a competitor's brochure, may not need the same depth. Say what the translation is for.
6. Repetition and earlier translations
Manuals and specifications often repeat sentences, and new versions repeat most of the old one. If you have earlier translations or a glossary, share them. They save time and keep the wording consistent with what your readers already know.
7. Certification
Official documents submitted to an authority may need a certified translation. Tell us who will receive the document, since requirements differ.
How to get an accurate quote
- Send the document itself. A page count is a guess. The file is not.
- Say who will read the translation and what they will do with it.
- Give the date you need it, and whether that date can move.
- Attach reference material: earlier translations, a glossary, drawings.
With those four things we can give you a price and a delivery date. Request a quote.