Context / Screenshot
Visual or textual information showing where and how a string is used.
Definition
Context in translation refers to additional information that helps translators understand how a string is used in the application. This can include: screenshots showing the UI, descriptions explaining the feature, character limits, placeholders, and related strings. Good context dramatically improves translation quality by preventing ambiguity and mistakes.
Examples
- →Screenshot showing 'Save' button in a modal dialog
- →Comment: 'This appears in the checkout flow after payment'
- →Max length: 20 characters (button label)
- →Related strings: 'Cancel', 'Save and continue'
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add context to translations?
Methods: 1) Add descriptions in code comments (extracted by CLI) 2) Upload screenshots to TMS (IntlPull supports this) 3) Use descriptive key names 4) Add context fields in translation files (ICU supports @description).
Is context really necessary?
For quality, yes. 'Save' could be a verb (button action), noun (game save), or adjective (save mode). Without context, translators guess. Poor translations lead to user confusion, support tickets, and retranslation costs. Context is investment in quality.