Translation
Tone and mode
Mode controls how closely the translation follows the source structure (natural vs. literal). Tone controls the register of the result: nine tones on top of the standard voice.
Tone and mode are the two dials that change how a translation reads without changing what it says. They are independent: mode is about structure, tone is about voice.
Mode: natural or literal
- Natural (default): the translation reads as if it had been written in the target language. Sentence structure is adapted where the target language would phrase things differently.
- Literal: the translation stays as close to the source structure as possible while remaining grammatical. Useful for legal and regulatory text, back-translation checks, or when reviewers need to trace each clause to the source.
Tone: the voice of the result
The standard tone is the model's neutral register. On top of it you can choose: formal, informal, professional, diplomatic, simplified, technical, casual, persuasive, or concise. Tones are available to every logged-in user.
| You are translating… | Try |
|---|---|
| A contract or court filing | Literal mode + formal tone |
| Marketing copy | Natural mode + persuasive tone |
| Internal documentation | Natural mode + concise tone |
| Customer support replies | Natural mode + diplomatic tone |
| Content for non-native readers | Natural mode + simplified tone |
Choose for the document, then review
Choose mode according to how closely reviewers need to trace the source structure. Choose tone according to the audience and purpose of the target text. Changing either setting requests a new translation; it does not replace the need to review meaning, terminology, and register.
In the editors, you can retranslate any single segment with a different tone or mode to compare alternatives before accepting one.
Keep exploring
Domains
Twelve specialized domains (legal, medical, financial, technical and more) steer the model toward the vocabulary and conventions of your field.
Text translation
Translate up to 20,000 characters from the dashboard with language, domain, tone, mode, glossary, and Translation Memory controls.
CAT settings reference
Every workflow setting in one place: translation defaults, TM matching, quality checks, locale formatting, non-translatables, presets, and data retention.