Post-Editing (MTPE)
Human review and correction of machine-translated content.
Definition
Post-Editing, also known as Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE), is the process of having human translators review and correct machine-translated content. It combines MT speed with human quality assurance. MTPE has two levels: light post-editing (fix critical errors only) and full post-editing (achieve human-quality output). MTPE workflows can reduce translation costs by 30-50% while maintaining quality.
Examples
- →Light PE: Fix factual errors, wrong names, critical mistranslations
- →Full PE: Correct grammar, style, improve fluency to human-quality
- →Typical workflow: MT → Post-editor review → QA check → Publish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is post-editing faster than translating from scratch?
Yes, typically 25-50% faster for good MT output. However, poor MT can slow down post-editors. The time savings depend on: MT quality, language pair, content type, and post-editor experience. Technical content often sees better MT quality.
How much does MTPE cost vs human translation?
MTPE typically costs 30-50% less than human translation from scratch. Light post-editing is cheapest (40-60% savings), full post-editing is moderate (20-40% savings). Savings vary by content type and MT quality.