What is the difference between 'AI-powered translation' and 'translation AI'?
At first glance, 'AI-powered translation' and 'translation AI' may seem similar, and in practice, many companies use both terms interchangeably. However, we can clarify the distinction between them:
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AI-powered translation
Refers to the process of translation while relying on artificial intelligence tools or systems. It implies that the translation is carried out with the help of AI; for example, a human translator using a machine engine as support, or content completely translated by an AI (ChatGPT, DeepL, etc.). In other words, it describes the action of using AI to translate text. For example, a news article might say 'translation by AI' to indicate that an automatic system was used.
Translation AI
Refers to the system or technology itself, that is, an artificial intelligence designed to translate. In this case, the AI is the subject: a machine translation model or an AI algorithm specialised in translation. We could say 'current translation AIs' to refer to systems like Google Translate, DeepL, ChatGPT translating, etc.
Essentially, the difference lies in emphasising the agent vs. the action. On one hand, 'AI-powered' emphasises translation as a service or task supported by AI; on the other, 'translation AI' refers to the AI itself as a tool or agent. However, in everyday marketing communication, this distinction becomes blurred. It is common to see promotional statements such as 'Boost your business with AI-powered translation' or 'Our translation AI learns with you'.
So why does the difference matter?
Because 'AI-powered translation' can imply a flexible use of different AIs (e.g. using a generalist model like ChatGPT to translate), whereas 'translation AI' suggests specialisation. For example, using ChatGPT to translate would be 'AI-powered translation' since an AI is being used to translate. However, we would hardly call ChatGPT a 'pure translation AI,' given that it is a general-purpose model. In other words, although it was not created exclusively for translation, it is capable of doing it. On the other hand, DeepL could indeed be considered specialised 'translation AI.'
Ultimately, the terminology has caused some confusion. Many companies speak of 'AI' alone to describe technologies they have been using for years. Don't let the jargon fool you; it is worth asking: ‘What type of AI is actually behind the translation solution offered?’
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Josh Gambin holds a 5-year degree in Biology from the University of Valencia (Spain) and a 4-year degree in Translation and Interpreting from the University of Granada (Spain). He has worked as a freelance translator, in-house translator, desktop publisher and project manager. From 2002, he is a founding member of AbroadLlink and currently works as Marketing and Sales Manager.
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