Machine translation with post-editing: combining speed and accuracy

Machine translation has become a standard tool for businesses that need multilingual content quickly and cost-effectively. However, while machines can produce a draft in seconds, the output often lacks the nuance, tone, and precision that professional communication demands. That’s where post-editing comes in. Panalingua offers a service that combines the efficiency of machine translation with the accuracy of expert human review, delivering polished, professional results.

What post-editing means at Panalingua

For us, the post-editing process looks like this:

• A machine or AI system produces the initial translation draft.
• Professional linguists step in to correct errors, adapt terminology, and refine tone.
• The final text reads naturally while staying faithful to the original message.

This blend of technology and human expertise ensures translations that are fast, affordable, and reliable.

Why Panalingua talks about “proofreading”

In the translation industry, the recognised term for the review process after a machine translation is called “post-editing”. But we often refer to it as “proofreading” in our communication with clients. Why? Because most people outside the industry are unfamiliar with post-editing.

• Proofreading is recognisable. Everyone understands the idea of proofreading a text to remove errors and improve accuracy and style.
• It builds trust. “Proofreading” suggests polish and care, whereas “post-editing” can sound technical or abstract.
• It aligns with expectations. Clients want to hear that their text will be checked and refined by a human expert, and proofreading conveys that more clearly.

The benefits of machine translation with post-editing

Working with Panalingua gives you the best of both worlds with numerous benefits, including:

• Faster turnaround. Machine translation creates a usable draft almost instantly.
• Cost-effective solutions. Post-editing is more affordable than full human translation, while still ensuring quality and expertise.
• Accurate, natural results. Human linguists refine tone, style, and cultural nuances that machines miss.
• Consistency. Industry-specific terminology and brand messaging stay aligned across all documents.

Setting the right expectations

It’s important to understand what post-editing involves:

• It’s not a full rewrite. Instead, it builds on the machine translation draft.
• The quality of the machine output influences the scope of editing required.
• Clear guidance, such as preferred terminology or tone of voice, helps translators deliver the most effective results.

We guarantee transparency about these factors, so you know exactly what level of service you’re getting.

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If you want to expand your business and reach new markets in different languages, our machine translation with post-editing service offers speed, savings, and quality in one.

Contact us today!

If you need to translate content quickly without compromising on quality, machine or AI translation tools can do the trick. However, they’re not perfect and could harm you professionally. That’s why smart businesses are combining the speed of AI with the accuracy of human editing. It’s a fast, affordable way to make sure your message is clear, natural, and ready for real customers ─ no matter the language or industry.

How does AI translation with editing work?

Also known as machine translation with proofreading, this solution is a two-step process:

1. A translation draft is created using an AI tool.
2. A human language expert proofreads and improves this draft ─ fixing awkward wording, checking for accuracy, and making sure the tone fits your audience.

Why not just stick with AI?

AI translation tools are improving all the time, but they don’t know your customers like you do. While they can produce surprisingly fluent translations, they still struggle with cultural nuance, tone consistency, and domain-specific accuracy without human oversight. They’re great for speed, but not for nuance.

Here’s what AI alone might miss:

• Local slang and idioms
• Technical terms or industry-specific language (like in fintech or education)
• Tone of voice (casual, friendly, expert, playful)
• Clarity and flow (important for user guides and product descriptions)
• Cultural sensitivity (especially in tourism or education)

The pros and cons of free AI translation tools

These AI translation tools are useful for drafting, but for polished, professional results, you’ll still want a human expert to proofread and adapt the content.

The benefits of the human-AI combination

This smart combo offers the best of both worlds:

• Faster turnaround: Great for time-sensitive content like seasonal offers or product launches.
• Budget-friendly: More affordable than full human translation, especially for high-volume content.
• Better quality: Your translations sound natural, accurate, and aligned with your goals.
• Less stress: You don’t have to worry about embarrassing mistakes or awkward phrases.

It’s ideal for:

• E-commerce product descriptions
• Technical documentation (especially fintech and EdTech)
• Tourism websites and brochures
• Internal training materials and user guides
• Newsletters, FAQs, and social media posts

Why choose Panalingua for your AI translation needs?

We work with real people ─ professional linguists who understand your industry and your audience. We use AI translation tools to get the ball rolling quickly, and our experts step in to fine-tune the message so it truly works for your content in every language.

If you’re a growing business looking to expand your reach without stretching your budget, AI translation with human editing is the way forward. Let’s get your message out there ─ clearly, quickly, and with a human touch. Contact Panalingua today.