Guideline Information
โข
This guideline is the basic Webtoon Translation Guideline.
โข
If you have received separate client guidelines from your PM, please translate according to the client guidelines.
โข
[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited]
The copyright of this production material belongs to our company, and its use is prohibited in any case.
Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution that violate copyright will be criminally prosecuted without warning.
Guideline Utilization Tip
โข
By clicking on each item in the [Table of Contents], you can move to the content of that item.
โข
If you have any questions, you can search through the [Find function (Ctrl+F)].
โข
Items that do not apply are marked with [strikethrough].
โข
If you install the Google Chrome extension program [Notion Boost], you can easily view the document by using functions such as 'Outline (Fixed Table of Contents on the right side of the screen)', 'Go to the top', etc. (Go to install)
โข
This page is optimized for PC screens.
Wait a minute!
Are you taking a Totus test? Or are you taking on the Totus challenge? If so, the content of certain categories is not subject to evaluation. Please skip the contents of the following three categories.
1. Writing a Story Note
2. Leaving Notes (typesetting worker To-do)
3. Contacting PM via Slack
Table of Contents (Click on each item to move to that section!)Part 1. Basics of Webtoon Translation
1-1. What is Webtoon Localization?
1-1-1. Basic of Localization
Translation is the process of converting text from Language A to Language B, but Localization is making it read as naturally as if it were written in Language B from the start.
Webtoons need 'localization' not 'translation', but for convenience, we will use the terms 'translation' and 'localization' interchangeably in this guideline.
Please consider the following when localizing webtoons.
(1) Due to the nature of webtoons which are read by scrolling down, readability and flow are the most important. Consider the order in which the reader reads the speech balloons, narration, etc., and also keep in mind the space where the words in the picture will fit.
(2) Translate all content that appears in the background (signs, letters, cell phone screens, etc.) in addition to speech balloons.
(3) You don't have to follow the order of the original dialogue. Translate in the most natural order. However, the picture and dialogue should not be disjointed.
(4) If the translation is too long, considering the size and location of the picture and the speech balloon, translate it concisely so that the sentence does not become long.
(5) Avoid literal translation. Allow appropriate paraphrasing and abbreviation so that the fun of the content can be felt.
(6) Use Espaรฑol neutro. Avoid words or expressions specific to a particular region. (Dialects are possible if necessary in the context of the work)
1-1-2. Features of Webtoon Localization
Webtoon localization requires consideration for the typesetting workers, unlike general translation.
The typesetting workers may not be able to do the source/target language. Therefore, when translating and changing lines, please keep in mind that the translator will "copy and paste" the translated text you worked on.
What is a typesetting?
It is the process of designing translated text with Photoshop.
Please check the example below to see what kind of work the typesetting worker is in charge of!
(Confirmation target: Speech balloon, sound effect, how the translated text is arranged in the work)
[Original] [Translation after typesetting]
1-2. Writing a Story Note
1-2-1. What is a Story Note?
It is a document that organizes all items necessary to maintain the consistency and continuity of the story, and it must always be kept up-to-date.
โข
Work information: Title, plot
โข
Information on characters: Name, tone, age, character setting, title
โข
Other proper nouns: Place names, brands, product names, magic spells
1-2-2. Example of Writing a Story Note
Sample
โข
โข
For reference purposes only.
The format of the story notes may vary.
1-2-3. Cautions
โข
When changing settings that affect the entire work, such as the names or titles of characters, please be sure to inform your PM via Slack after updating the setting collection.
1-3. Editor Use
1-3-1. Basic Editor Guide
1-3-2. Memo/Comment Guide
If you are a translator, you can understand the memo/comment function of the Totus editor through the following contents.
If you are a translator checker, you can understand the memo/comment function of the Totus editor through the following contents.
1-3-3. Cautions When Placing Translation Boxes
1-4. Translation Ethics
1.
Be sure to understand and comply with the translation guidelines.
2.
Be careful not to make basic errors (mistranslation, grammatical errors, omission of punctuation and accents, typos) in the translation.
3.
Use a spell checker to review the entire translation before submitting.
โป *โLanguage Toolโ (click)**
4.
Do not use a translation program.
5.
Even if there are discriminatory language or derogatory comments about age, race, gender, occupation, disability, and sexual identity in the source language, in the target language, soften the words or paraphrase the sentence appropriately.
6.
Be aware that the translator is responsible if a problem arises from a translation that contradicts the direction and ethics of translation.
Part 2. Notation
2-1. Line Break Rules
2-1-1. Character Limit
โข
If the translation text is too long, readability decreases, so this should be taken into account when translating.
Example
โปThe translation text on the right is too long and has poor readability. โป
โข
The dialogue inside the speech balloon is matched to the number of characters in each line.
<Good Example> <Bad Example>
2-1-2. Text Placement
โข
In the case of 3 lines or more, please arrange the text in a diamond shape / square shape.
โข
In the case of 3 lines or more, the hourglass shape arrangement is not good. (The first and last lines are the longest shape)
2-1-3. Cautions
Be careful not to add unnecessary spaces (Space) when changing lines (Enter).
2-2. Basic Grammar
โข
Translate the dialogue into natural spoken language, but do not break the grammar.
Exceptions are made when grammar is broken with a clear intention.
ใปWhen a child makes a short tongue sound
ใปWhen you can't pronounce it properly because you're chewing food
โข
Always check the end of the translation text for typos or other mistakes.
โข
Please use the Spanish spell checker to check once again for human errors.
โฆ
2-3. Punctuation
2-3-1. Basic Principle
1.
Common
a.
You do not have to follow all the punctuation of the original work, but use the punctuation that reads the most naturally when read in the target language. It can be added or deleted as needed.
Example) Please help โ ยกPOR FAVOR, AYรDEME!
b.
When using punctuation during translation, apply it according to the punctuation rules of Spanish.
2.
End of Sentence
a.
Punctuation is written at the end of every sentence. Punctuation is written even if the sentence is outside the speech balloon.
(Concerning sound effects, refer separately by clicking here)
here)
1.
End of Sound Effect
a.
Sound effects outside the speech balloon do not have periods (.) or commas (,). However, ellipses (...), question marks (ยฟ?), and exclamation marks (ยก!) are possible.
b.
Sound effects inside the speech balloon (part of the dialogue) have punctuation marks ( . , โฆ ยฟ? ยก!).
c.
Sound effects made as verbs do not have punctuation marks.
2-3-2. Punctuation Table
The punctuation marks that can be used are as follows. Do not use any symbols not listed below.
Table
Search
2-4. Spacing
Maintain consistency in spacing (especially in proper nouns).
2-5. Proper Nouns
There can be differences depending on the client, so if there is overlapping content in the client's guide, follow the client's guide as a priority.
2-5-1. Basic Principle
1.
The Romanization system is followed as a principle.
2.
The names and titles of characters must be marked exactly as they are in the settings, including whether or not they are spaced. (For expressions not in the settings, it is mandatory to inquire from the project manager)
2-5-2. People's Names
1.
Surnames and names must be spaced.
2.
Follow the order of name + surname.
Example: ์จ์ฐ์ฃผ โ UJU ON
1.
Translate the pronunciation as it is in the original work (ํ๊ณก โ HWAGOK), but if the pronunciation is difficult, it can be modified. (์์ โ SOYEONG changed to SOYONG, need to check with client)
2.
If the pronunciation is difficult, space with hyphens.
2-5-3. Place Names
1.
If the name of a famous place that actually exists is mentioned in the original text, it is best to slightly modify the name for use.
2.
All administrative area names are localized to match the destination language culture.
Example: ๋ โ Do (X) Province (O) ๊ตฌ โ Gu (X) District (O)
๊ตฐ โ Gun (X) County (O)
2-5-4. Brand Names, Product Names, Real Existing Personal Names, Lyrics
Translate slightly differently to avoid copyright infringement.
Example:
Burger King (X) Burger Queen (O) Gucci (X) Kucci (O)
2-6. Numbers
Rule/Exception | |
| Numbers | (1) If the original text is written in Arabic numerals, it is written in Arabic numerals as is.
(2) Use comma (,) to mark thousands and millions units in numbers.
(3) Use a period (.) to indicate decimal points.
e.g.) 1,234,567.89
โปNOTE Number notation by country:
1.234.567,89 or 1 234 567,89 (Spain, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia)
1,234,567.89 or 1 234 567.89 (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Caribbean Islands)
(4) Ordinal notation:
Numbers: 1.ยบ / 1.ยช
Words: primero / primera
Roman numerals: I / II / III / IV / Vโฆ
|
Age | 1) The age of characters in the works is localized according to the culture of the target language. |
Phone Number | (1) Maintain the format of the source language (Korean) culture. If there are separate instructions in the client's guide, follow the contents of the client's guidelines.
e.g.) Korean mobile phone number (11 digits) : 010-XXXX-XXXX |
2-7. English
โข
Not applicable
2-8. Footnotes/Annotations
1.
Basic Principle: Avoid footnotes
a.
Footnotes may only be added at the translator's discretion when Korean elements need to be preserved.
b.
If there are too many footnotes, it adversely affects readability and flow due to the nature of webtoons read by scrolling down, so footnotes are added only when absolutely necessary.
2.
How to mark footnotes
a.
Footnotes are marked with (*) and are written after the word you want to explain.
์)
2-9. Ruby
โข
Not applicable
2-10. Continue
For all episodes except the final episode, 'CONTINUARร' is marked in the lower right corner of the last cut.
2-11. Alignment
The default alignment of the editor is center alignment. Unless otherwise requested, do not modify the alignment.
2-12. Unit
2-12-1. Measurement Unit
Table
Search
2-12-2. Time Unit
Name | Available Formats |
Time | Both methods are allowed.
However, if you choose one method, please use it consistently throughout the work.
(1) 24-hour format
e.g.) 13:50
(2) 12-hour + space + A. M. / P. M. format
e.g.) 1:50 P. M. |
Date | Display in the order of day/month/year.
El orden que la ortografรญa acadรฉmica
recomienda es dรญa, mes, aรฑo. |
2-12-3. Currency Unit
Please keep the currency units as they appear in the original webtoon.
(However, if there are different guidelines in the client's guide, follow the client's guide)
Example)
If 'won' appears in the webtoon, reflect it as 'WON'
If 'dollar' appears in the webtoon, reflect it as 'DOLLARS' and submit
2-13. Text Formatting
Font, font size, underline, strikethrough, text color: The translator will not change these arbitrarily.
Bold, italic: The translator can adjust these according to what would be natural in the target language culture. If there are no instructions from the client, the translator will establish a basic rule and apply it consistently throughout the work.
Example)
Bold: Indicates dramatic moments, speaks louder
"I like you."
"No... I love you!"
Italic: Used to emphasize specific words or emphasize the entire sentence
"I really like wine."
"This tea is really amazing!"
2-14. Swear Words/Profanity
โข
Non-adult content: We censor with * or replace with more mild words. We do not use any language that discriminates against sexual minorities.
<Example>
MIERDA โ M*ERDA
โข
Adult content: You can use swear/obscene words. However, depending on the client, there may be words that are prohibited, so prioritize the client's guidelines. We do not use any language that discriminates against sexual minorities.
โข
Common (Important): We prohibit the use of words that could sound discriminatory in terms of race, gender, and physical characteristics.
โข
Evitar palabras que puedan ser discriminatorias.
2-15. Prohibited Words
โข
Not applicable
2-16. Image Localization
The goal of webtoon localization is to provide Japanese readers with the same experience as the original.
Therefore, mobile phone keyboards, PC keyboards, etc. should also be localized to match the country.
Part 3. Translation Style
3-1. Onomatopoeia/Phonetic Symbols (Sound Effects)
There may be variations depending on the client, so if there is duplicated content in the client's guide, follow the client's guide as a priority.
1.
Use the most commonly used onomatopoeia (sound effects) and avoid English expressions.
2.
If there is no appropriate expression, it is denoted in the third person present tense.
โข
Denote in the third person singular/plural present tense.
Example) ASIENTE (Only one nods) / ASIENTEN (Two or more nod)
โข
If it's a reflexive verb, also denote 'SE'.
Example) SE LAVA / SE LEVANTA
Example
1.
For sound effects in the background, even if a word in the text is split, the translation is translated as a single word.
Example) ํ๋ฅ ์ง๋ฅ โ NER VIOSO (X) NERVIOSO (O)
Example) ๋๋ฅ โ DU DUM (X) DUDUM (O)
3-2. Slang/Idioms/Abbreviations
1.
Slang: Not applicable. If there is a client guide, the content of the client guide is reflected.
2.
Idioms: Used according to the culture of the language area to correctly convey specific nuances and meanings. Example) ES PAN COMIDO. / ESTร EN LAS NUBES.
3.
Abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations/new words. (OKEY, OKAY, OK allowed)
Part 4. Precautions
4-1. Rights Verification
Rights verification is a sensitive matter.
Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the following content to avoid infringing on copyrights.
1.
Items for Verification
โข
Text: Brand names, product names, names of famous real people, song lyrics, etc.
โข
Images: Cases where famous trademark images with registered trademark rights are in the background, car logos, company logos, clothing or shoe brands, parody cuts of works, etc.
1.
Principles
โข
Text:
It is best to slightly modify the name and translate it differently from existing brand names/company names/people/lyrics.
Example: Gucci โ Gucchi, McDonald's โ Mickdonald's
If you have to use it as it is in the content, you must contact PM or LG to request for rights verification to see if it can be used as it is.
โข
Images:
If you find a trademark, etc. that requires rights verification, you must contact the responsible PM to check how to handle it.
Even if the translator identifies an image that infringes on trademark rights, they cannot directly change the image, so they must leave a note for the typesetter. When leaving a note, please check it in the โTypesetter To-doโ.
โฆ
*How do I leave an editor's note? (Click)**
However, if it is specified in the client's guide, you can translate according to the guide. There is no need to contact the PM separately.
e.g. Client's guideline: "Remove the logo that appears faintly in the background." โ Leave a note in the Typesetter To-do for the typesetter to delete the logo. There is no need to contact the PM separately.
4-2. Email Address/ SNS ID (Personal Information)
โข
Not applicable
4-3. Original Error
โข
Not applicable
4-4. Common Mistakes
1.
WOW is a word often used in English-speaking countries, so it is recommended to use GUAU universally.