Microsoft Azure Translate API. How to force a specific translation on certain words.

Hi @Carlos Ochoa

Thank you for using Microsoft Q&A.

I understand that you are trying to utilize the Microsoft Azure Translate API in python and translate Spanish into English and were particularly concerned with the translation of the Spanish word e.g. "zapatillas," which is being translated as "slippers" instead of the desired "sneakers. I will be happy to assist you with that.

For this, as you mentioned, you can opt for custom translator and train it with our own data or you can attempt a workaround by providing additional context to the translation. One way to provide context is by constructing a sentence that includes the word "zapatillas" in a context where it's more likely to be translated as "sneakers". By providing this additional context, we increase the likelihood of obtaining the desired translation.

Below is the repro I tried by providing more context to the Spanish sentence:

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Note: This just a workaround approach and might not always guarantee the desired outcome and could still be subject to variations in translation.

I hope you understand. Thank you.

The issue is that, for the purpose I'm going to use the translator for, I can't add context. The translator should always return the word 'sneaker' whenever 'zapatillas' is sent. So, based on what you're saying, the only solution would be to train the custom translator and input the words we find with errors along with their real translation, right? Or is there another solution? Thank you for your response.

The issue is that, for the purpose I'm going to use the translator for, I can't add context. The translator should always return the word 'sneaker' whenever 'zapatillas' is sent. So, based on what you're saying, the only solution would be to train the custom translator and input the words we find with errors along with their translation, right? Or is there another solution? Thank you for your response.

Hi @Carlos Ochoa

Thank you for the response.

As a suggestion, if feasible you can create a dictionary lookup to map specific words from one language to another. This approach allows you to enforce specific translations for certain words without relying solely on the translation service. Note: This method requires you to manually maintain the dictionary with the desired translations.

As a secondary approach, you can also opt for Custom.

I hope this helps. Thank you.