Quick Answer
This localization terminology glossary explains the terms teams use when translating software, websites, apps, documentation, and marketing content.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| i18n | Preparing software for multiple languages |
| l10n | Adapting content for a specific market |
| TMS | Translation management system |
| TM | Translation memory |
| MT | Machine translation |
| MTPE | Machine translation post-editing |
| Locale | Language plus region, such as en-US |
| Transcreation | Creative adaptation, not literal translation |
Core Localization Terms
Internationalization (i18n)
Internationalization is the engineering work that makes software ready for localization: externalizing strings, using Unicode, supporting locale-aware formatting, and avoiding hardcoded assumptions.
Localization (l10n)
Localization adapts a product or content experience for a specific language, region, culture, and legal context.
Translation Management System (TMS)
A TMS manages translation files, workflows, translation memory, glossaries, review, and integrations with repositories or content systems.
Translation Memory (TM)
Translation memory stores previously translated segments so teams can reuse approved translations and keep terminology consistent.
Machine Translation (MT)
Machine translation uses software or AI models such as DeepL, Google Translate, GPT, or Claude to generate draft translations.
Transcreation
Transcreation adapts the message, emotion, and persuasive intent of content for another market. It is common for ads, slogans, landing pages, and brand campaigns.
Developer Terms
Locale
A locale combines language and region. For example, en-US and en-GB both use English, but formatting and spelling conventions differ.
ICU MessageFormat
ICU MessageFormat handles plural rules, select statements, variables, dates, and numbers inside translation strings.
CLDR
The Unicode Common Locale Data Repository defines locale data such as plural categories, language names, and formatting patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is localization terminology?
Localization terminology is the shared vocabulary used by translators, developers, product managers, and marketers to discuss multilingual software and content workflows.
What is the difference between i18n and l10n?
i18n prepares software for localization. l10n adapts that prepared software or content for a specific market.
Where should I keep localization definitions?
Keep high-level definitions in your product docs and enforce product-specific terms in a glossary or termbase inside your TMS.
