10 Industries Where Translation Services Matter – Insights from Our Own Data

Language shapes how we see the world, but it can also get in the way when people don’t share the same one. Whether it’s contracts, ads, medical reports, or software and websites, professional translation services ensure smooth operations across borders. In this context, translation isn’t merely about swapping words between languages, but carrying tone and intent across cultures.

Some industries depend on this more than others. A single mistranslated phrase can cost a company money, delay a deal, or even put lives at risk. In this article, we’ll examine ten fields where translation is essential to their operation.

Key Takeaways

• Translation goes beyond words: It conveys meaning, tone, and cultural context to ensure true understanding across languages.
• Accuracy is mission-critical: In sectors like healthcare, law, and finance, even small errors can lead to serious risks or losses.
• Localisation enhances user experience: Software, retail, and entertainment industries rely on culturally adapted content to engage global audiences.
• Compliance and safety depend on precision: Industries such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing require flawless translations to meet regulations and protect users.
• Clear communication builds trust: Accurate translations strengthen brand credibility and customer confidence in international markets.
• Translation is now a core business function: As globalisation grows, professional translation services are essential for seamless cross-border collaboration.

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10 Business Sectors & Industries That Rely on Accurate Translations

Some professional industries and sectors can manage with basic language support, but others rely on translation services for their daily operations. Here’s a list of the latter.

Healthcare and Medical

In healthcare, translation can be a matter of life and death. A mistranslated prescription, lab report, or discharge note can cause serious harm.

Doctors, nurses, and patients must clearly understand one another, especially during emergencies or when discussing treatment options. That’s why hospitals and healthcare organisations depend on professional translations for medical documents, histories and clinical trials.

Legal

Precision is integral to the legal profession, as every clause and phrase can alter how a contract is interpreted. If the translated version doesn’t match the original intent, entire deals can fall apart or end up in court.

From patents to international agreements, translators have to get it exactly right. Legal translation services help protect rights and avoid disputes in the long run. They also maintain consistent communication across languages, which is the foundation of any legal system. For legal cases, court hearings, or immigration appointments, it’s essential to ensure that you obtain a legally certified translation with a statement of accuracy from an accredited provider.

Software and Tech

Translations determine how people interact with software and tech products. For example, a mistranslated button label or a poorly translated error message can cause frustration for users. They may then uninstall the tool.

When apps and platforms go global, language becomes a part of the user experience they offer. They must use professional translations to ensure each screen feels natural to users in different countries. Similarly, help guides, FAQs, and onboarding steps must be translated into the users’ regional languages to enhance their experience and reduce the number of support tickets.

Finance, Banking, and Insurance

Financial reports, investor statements, and insurance policies rely on clear and consistent translations to meet regulatory requirements. Proper translations also keep clients informed.

If anything is mistranslated, a product or offer may be misrepresented. Global banks and insurance firms collaborate with translation service providers that understand both language and compliance regulations to meet these requirements.

Retail

The revenue from e-commerce is projected to be around USD 3.66 trillion in 2025. Trust is a significant driver of this industry’s growth, and this trust often stems from the proper use of language.

Customers want to know exactly what they’re buying, how much it costs, and what happens after they click the “order” button. If production descriptions and checkout instructions read awkwardly, people may abandon their carts.

Any unclear translation can turn curiosity into hesitation. Retailers that invest in localised content often see higher conversions and fewer disputes. Ideally, the smoother the reading experience, the more confident shoppers will feel about their purchase.

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry leaves no room for vague translations. Drug labels and dosage guides have to be flawless before regulators approve them. Reputable translation providers handle complex terminology and adhere to strict documentation standards.

If a term is misused or mistranslated, it could trigger legal and safety issues. As a result, companies rely on certified translators with scientific training and a keen eye for detail. Every word must match both the science and the law. It’s how pharmaceutical companies protect their patients and maintain public trust.

Manufacturing

Since factories run on instructions, when these instructions cross borders, every line must make sense. Suppose a phrase about voltage or torque is mistranslated. What happens? People who follow it may end up damaging expensive equipment. Therefore, everything, from user manuals to assembly guides, must undergo professional translations.

Manufacturers work with translation service providers who are equally familiar with both engineering terms and plain language. They write in a way that allows workers, regardless of their location, to follow directions easily.

Travel and Hospitality

Travellers remember how a place made them feel, but their experience starts long before check-in. Confusing directions or unclear policies can make guests feel frustrated. So, everything, like booking confirmations and restaurant menus, should be accurately translated.

A smooth translation makes guests feel welcome and understood. Service providers in the hospitality sector, such as tour operators, airlines, and hotels, utilise professional translation services to cater to global customers. It helps avoid complaints and negative reviews.

Entertainment 

Language carries humour and emotion, which are must-haves in entertainment. A joke that lands in one language can fall flat in another. So, film subtitles, game dialogues, ads, and TV scripts don’t just need direct translation. They need localisation that fits local slang and culture.

For example, gamers expect in-game text to feel natural, while moviegoers want subtitles that match the scene’s rhythm. Translators in this field combine cultural awareness with linguistic skills to keep stories alive worldwide.

Education and E-Learning

Education depends on understanding, and that usually comes from the right language. When lessons are translated across languages, meaning must remain clear for every learner. Besides course materials, quizzes, and certification exams also require proper translation.

Poor translation can distort concepts for students. On the other hand, a well-done translation supports equal access to knowledge, irrespective of where the learners live. In addition to online classrooms, corporate training platforms also benefit from translation services, especially those with remote teams spread across the globe.

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Conclusion

We live in a connected world, where accurate translations hold everything together. It enables people to work, learn, and trade without confusion getting in the way. Each of the industries mentioned in our guide relies on translators who understand not only language but also context and culture.

The world of professional translation services ensures clear communication. As businesses expand across borders, translation has become more than just a support function. It’s now an essential part of how global interaction stays effective.

About TS24

Translation Services 24 (TS24) is a professional translation agency offering expert services in over 200 languages. We work with clients in all corporate and public industries and specialise in sector-specific linguistic solutions. With over a decade of experience in the industry, 15+ million words converted every year and 100,000+ projects completed, TS24 is a leading provider of expert translations and interpretation services and an officially certified member of the ATC. Contact TS24 here. You can also read all of our recent articles here.

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