Even a short line can need detailed context
“I killed the captain” and “I defeated the captain” are both fluent, but they describe different outcomes. If the captain survives an arena duel, the first version changes the story. Context notes should establish the scene, participants and outcome before an ambiguous action is finalized in English. Short strings also need their purpose: “Return” may label a menu action or describe a journey home. Record the facts that change the translation, not just a general summary of the world.
| Content | Priority context | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dialogue | Speaker, addressee, relationship and tone | A captain gives an urgent, restrained rescue order |
| System or button | Function, trigger and display location | Leave combat and return to the lobby |
| Variable string | Meaning, possible values and assembled example | Character or item names may affect grammar |
Write notes that answer concrete questions
For dialogue, identify the speaker, listener, relationship, current event, and tone. For system text, explain the function, trigger, screen location, and length limit. Describe the possible values of variables and show a completed sentence where useful. Link to screenshots or the relevant story section, keeping each note focused on the translation.
Turn isolated strings into usable notes
Find the relevant reference
Connect strings with screenshots, story sections, or feature descriptions.
Extract the details translators need
AI helps draft notes about purpose, references and scene context.
Confirm facts and identify missing information
The project lead checks sources and records unresolved questions.
Keep references available to linguists
Deliver notes with text and update them after clarification.
Let AI organize information and people verify it
AI can help assemble scene descriptions, references and related text from client materials into draft notes. Keep the source file, string identifier or story node so details can be checked. Mark missing information as an open question; do not turn a plausible guess into a fact. Have the project lead verify important details before handoff and update notes when the client clarifies them.
Context changes the line.
See how story facts and character relationships change the English dialogue.
Story facts
Defeated—or killed?
View the source and its meaning
隊長を倒した。The line says the captain was defeated. On its own, it does not tell us whether the captain died.
The captain lost the fight. Did they survive? The English wording must match what actually happened.
Show the scene and compare
- Speaker
- The challenger, reporting after a duel
- Story fact
- The captain is alive and receiving treatment.
- Scene
- A non-lethal arena trial has just ended.
English dialogue
Contradicts the confirmed scene
I killed the captain.
“Killed” states that the captain died, contradicting the confirmed outcome.
Matches the confirmed scene
I defeated the captain.
“Defeated” reports the victory without inventing a death.
The missing detail is the outcome of the fight. Fluent English can still change a story fact; the script must establish that fact before the line is finalized.
Intent & tone
Praise—or sarcasm?
View the source and its meaning
さすがだね。An acknowledgment that may sound sincere or sarcastic, depending on the scene.
Choose a scene to see an English line that conveys its intent.
A successful rescue
A teammate brings every civilian to safety. The captain acknowledges the achievement.
Nice work.
Sincere praise
Use direct praise that credits a job well done.
A reckless mistake
A teammate ignores the plan and alerts the guards. The captain responds with dry disbelief.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Sarcasm
The apparent compliment carries criticism; it should not sound like approval.
Trust rewarded
A mentor sees their trainee solve a difficult problem and recognizes the ability they always believed in.
I knew you could do it.
Warm confidence
Convey recognition and confidence in the person, rather than surprise at the result.