Comparison

Translation vs Localisation

Translation converts words. Localisation adapts the whole experience. Confusing the two is why so many international launches feel 'off'. Here's the precise difference — and what to invest in for each market.

Translation

Converts source meaning into a target language.

Option A
vs

Localisation

Adapts content, UX & context for a market.

Option B
The verdict

Translation is a subset of localisation. If you're shipping a product, campaign or experience to a new market, localisation is what makes it feel native — translation is one step within it.

How they compare at a glance

Indicative scores across the dimensions that matter for content teams.

ScopeSpeedCost-efficiencyCultural fitUX adaptationCompliance0255075100
  • Translation
  • Localisation

Detailed comparison

Side-by-side across every dimension that affects quality, cost and risk.

Criterion
Translation
Localisation
Scope
Text content
Text, UX, visuals, format, compliance
Goal
Accurate meaning transfer
Native market experience
Touches UI/UX
Strings only
Layout, RTL, date/currency, imagery
Cultural adaptation
Limited
Core to the process
Speed
Faster
Longer, multi-disciplinary
Cost
Lower
Higher (broader scope)
Best for
Documents & internal text
Products, sites & campaigns
Compliance & legal
Content-level
Market-specific requirements

When to choose which

Choose Translation when

  • Legal, technical and reference documents
  • Internal communications and policies
  • Content where layout/UX is unchanged
  • High-volume, budget-constrained text

Choose Localisation when

  • Websites, apps and software entering new markets
  • Marketing campaigns and creative assets
  • Ecommerce checkout, pricing and trust signals
  • Regulated products needing market-specific compliance

Pros & cons

Translation — pros

  • Faster turnaround
  • Lower cost
  • Clear scope
  • Ideal for pure text
  • Doesn't adapt UX or context
  • Can feel literal
  • Misses market nuance
  • Imagery untouched

Localisation — pros

  • Feels native to each market
  • Adapts UX, format & imagery
  • Handles compliance
  • Higher conversion impact
  • Longer timelines
  • Higher investment
  • Needs cross-team coordination

Frequently asked questions

Enter new markets with content that feels native

From translation to full localisation, we scope the right level of adaptation for each market and budget.

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