AI + Human

Machine Translation Post-Editing

Optimizing translation workflows for volume and efficiency

Professional linguists trained in MTPE

In 30 seconds

  • Workflow: Neural machine translation followed by professional human post-editing.
  • Efficiency: Designed to optimize timelines for large volumes of suitable content.
  • Optimization: Cost-effective solution for technical, e-commerce, and internal documentation.

MTPE: Combining AI efficiency with human expertise

Machine translation has made significant progress in recent years. Neural engines produce much better results than earlier statistical systems. However, even the best engines can make errors involving context, cultural adaptation, or tone.

Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) addresses this by using AI for the first draft, followed by a human translator who reviews and refines the text. This hybrid workflow can offer increased efficiency for specific types of high-volume content.

How does MTPE work?

  1. Pre-evaluation: We test the machine translation engine on a sample of your content to ensure the raw output is suitable for post-editing.
  2. Machine Translation: The full document is processed through a neural engine.
  3. Human Post-Editing: A trained post-editor reviews the output, correcting errors, improving flow, and adjusting terminology.
  4. Quality Check: Final verification of critical elements like numbers, units, and glossary consistency.

Is MTPE suitable for all content?

No. MTPE works very well for certain types of content, but not for others.

✅ Content suitable for MTPE:

  • • Technical content (manuals, FAQs, online help)
  • • E-commerce (product descriptions)
  • • Internal documentation (processes, memos, reports)

❌ Content requiring standard human translation:

  • • Creative content (advertising, brand slogans)
  • • Critical legal documents (complex contracts, patents)
  • • Sensitive medical or regulatory content

Why choose Asiatis for MTPE?

Trained post-editors

Translators trained specifically in post-editing methodologies.

Workflow efficiency

Optimized timelines for large volumes of suitable content.

Quality control

Pre-evaluation process to ensure your content is a good fit for MTPE.

Secure MTPE for sensitive sectors

Industrial companies import huge volumes of technical documentation from Asia — machine manuals, safety protocols, product datasheets. Machine translation alone creates a real risk here: a mistranslated safety instruction or technical value can have legal and material consequences. Human post-editing provides the guarantee that raw AI lacks.

Professional post-editing is governed by the international standard ISO 18587, which defines the process and distinguishes light from full post-editing. Our working methods build on these best practices, with a human post-editor validating every critical piece of content.

Typical use cases

  • • Machine manuals and imported instructions (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea)
  • • Safety protocols and operating instructions
  • • Datasheets and high-volume industrial documentation
  • • Catalogues and e-commerce product descriptions

Confidentiality & guarantees

  • • Systematic human validation of high-risk content
  • • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with everyone involved
  • • Data hosted in the EU, GDPR compliance
  • • Final QA: figures, units, terminology

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is MTPE?

MTPE stands for Machine Translation Post-Editing. It involves running your content through a neural machine translation engine and then having a professional human translator review and edit the output. This process combines the speed of AI with human oversight, optimizing timelines and budgets for large volumes of text.

What is the difference between light and full post-editing?

Light post-editing focuses only on correcting critical errors (mistranslations, omissions) so the text is understandable, though it may not sound fully natural. It's best for internal documentation. Full post-editing involves a thorough review to improve flow, tone, and style, aiming for a quality level comparable to human translation. It's recommended for external-facing content.

Is MTPE suitable for all types of content?

No. MTPE works well for technical documentation, e-commerce product descriptions, and internal communications. It is not recommended for creative marketing copy, highly complex legal documents, or sensitive medical texts. For those, we recommend standard human translation or transcreation.

How do you assess if my content is suitable for MTPE?

We perform a pre-evaluation by testing the machine translation engine on a sample of your text. If the raw output quality is too low, the time required for post-editing would negate any efficiency gains. In such cases, we will recommend standard human translation to ensure optimal results.

Interested in MTPE for your projects?

Send a sample of your content for evaluation. We will recommend the best workflow for your needs.

+33 1 8425 7879