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What Are Translation Memories (TMs)?

Definition:


Translation Memories (TMs) are linguistic databases that store previously translated segments—typically sentences or short paragraphs—so they can be reused automatically whenever the same or a similar segment appears in future content.

 

How Do Translation Memories Work?

When a translator works on a text using a CAT tool (Computer-Assisted Translation tool) like Matecat, Trados, memoQ, or Smartcat, each pair of source and translated segments is saved in the TM.
If the same segment—or one that is very similar—shows up in a future project, the tool suggests the saved translation. This ensures faster translation and consistent language use.

What Are the Main Benefits?

  • Terminology consistency: repeated content is always translated the same way.
  • Faster turnaround: no need to retranslate segments already handled.
  • Lower costs: repeated or pre-translated content is usually billed at a reduced rate.
  • Stable quality: especially helpful for long-term projects or brand-specific language.

Who Uses Translation Memories?

TMs are especially useful for:

  • Companies with recurring content (e.g. product descriptions, manuals, legal documents)

  • Translation teams working on ongoing or large-scale projects

  • Language service providers handling multilingual workflows

 

Are Translation Memories the Same as Machine Translation?

No.
A Translation Memory is based on human-translated content, while Machine Translation (MT) generates translations in real time using AI.
However, the two technologies are often used together—for example, in post-editing workflows, where TM matches are prioritized, and MT fills in the gaps when no match is available.

 

Are TMs Private or Shared?

TMs can be:

  • Private, linked to a single translator, project, or client.

  • Shared, across teams, departments, or agencies, to maintain consistent language use at scale.

 

This article is about: 

  • What Translation Memories (TMs) are

  • How TMs work in translation workflows

  • The benefits of using TMs (consistency, speed)

  • The role of TMs in hybrid workflows with AI and human post-editing