February 1, 2025

Sample Translation Prompt

Below is an example of the type of prompt I sometimes use when using LLMs to translate texts from Japanese to English. The details in this case are fictional. I have used this sort of prompt in recent months with ChatGPT 4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and various versions of Gemini.

The text below in Japanese is a product launch presentation for Sony's new gaming console, to be delivered by the CEO at Tokyo Game Show 2025. Please translate it into English. Your translation will be used in the official press kit and live interpretation feed. When translating this presentation, please follow these guidelines to create an accurate and engaging English version that preserves both the meaning and energy of the original:

Tone and Style:
- Balance technical precision with consumer-friendly language
- Keep the enthusiasm and innovation-focused tone of the original
- Use dynamic, forward-looking language that conveys excitement

Content and Structure:
- Maintain the original's logical progression
- Preserve paragraph breaks and key transition points

Cultural and Linguistic Elements:
- Include Japanese product names with English explanations in parentheses
- Write Japanese names in Western order (given name first)
- Explain Japan-specific gaming or tech references for a global audience
- Use "PlayStation" instead of full company branding in casual mentions

Specific Translation Choices:
- Use standard gaming industry terminology for technical features
- Break complex technical explanations into digestible segments
- Keep product specifications in consistent formats
- Choose natural English phrasing while maintaining technical accuracy

<japanesetext>

和文和文和文和文和文和文和文和文

</japanesetext>