How to write a useful translation brief

The same sentence can sound different in a sales brochure, a user manual and an internal email. A brief explains what the translation must achieve. It does not need to be long: a few precise instructions are more useful than a collection of unrelated documents.

Describe the reader

State the target language and, where relevant, the country or regional variant. Explain who will read the text and what they should understand or do afterwards. Mention whether the tone should be formal, neutral or conversational. Include one short example if your organisation has an established writing style.

Provide working references

Attach approved terminology, product names and useful background. Separate mandatory wording from suggestions. Explain abbreviations that are specific to your team. If an earlier translation is provided only for context, say so; the translator should not have to guess whether every expression must be reused.

Set clear boundaries

Identify the final source version, required sections and delivery expectations. Point out text that must remain unchanged. Choose one contact person for questions and collect conflicting comments before sending them. A clear brief makes decisions traceable and reduces revisions caused by missing context.