Chinese Translation

Chinese, and more specifically Mandarin, is the most widely spoken language in the world with approximately 1.2 billion native speakers.

Mandarin: approximately 920 million native speakers and more than 200 million non-native speakers.

Other Chinese dialects: Cantonese, Wu (Shanghainese), Min, Hakka, etc., spoken by millions of people primarily in China and in Chinese communities abroad.

Chinese is an official language in the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and is one of the six official languages of the UN.

In which countries is Chinese spoken?

Chinese is spoken in several countries around the world, primarily due to Chinese diasporas.

Countries where Chinese is an official language:

• 🇨🇳 China (Mandarin, sole official language)
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan (Mandarin, called "Traditional Chinese")
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (one of 4 official languages along with English, Malay, and Tamil)
• 🇲🇴 Macau (Cantonese and Mandarin, co-official with Portuguese)
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (Cantonese and Mandarin, co-official with English)

Countries with significant Chinese communities and many speakers:

• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (about 20% of the population is of Chinese origin and speaks Mandarin or Cantonese)
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia (about 3% of the population speaks Chinese, especially Hokkien and Hakka)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (strong Chinese community, often assimilated but maintaining linguistic roots)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (several hundreds of thousands of speakers)
• 🇺🇸 United States (about 3.5 million Chinese speakers, mainly Cantonese and Mandarin)
• 🇨🇦 Canada (about 1.8 million Chinese speakers, especially in Vancouver and Toronto)
• 🇦🇺 Australia (about 1.2 million Chinese speakers)
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (about 500,000 speakers)
• 🇫🇷 France (about 800,000 speakers, mainly Cantonese, Wenzhou, and Mandarin)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil and 🇦🇷 Argentina (growing Chinese communities)
• 🇿🇦 South Africa and several African countries where Chinese presence is increasing.

Chinese is a rapidly expanding language, used not only by natives but also as a language of trade and business in many countries.

Chinese is a complex language with several dialects, which can sometimes be very different from each other, to the point of making communication difficult between speakers of different dialects. Here are the main Chinese dialects:

Mandarin (Putonghua):

• It is the official dialect of China and the most spoken in the world with approximately 1.2 billion speakers.
• Used in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and in Chinese communities around the world.
• It is based on the Beijing dialect and is the language of education and government.

Cantonese (Yue):

• Spoken mainly in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau.
• It is very popular in Chinese communities abroad, especially in North America.
• Cantonese is used for media and popular culture, particularly in Hong Kong films and series.

Wu (Shanghainese):

• Spoken mainly in the Shanghai region, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
• This dialect has complex phonology and is very different from Mandarin.

Min (Fujian, Hokkien, Teochew):

• Spoken in Fujian province, Taiwan (where it is called "Taiwanese"), as well as in Chinese communities in Southeast Asia.
• There are several variants of Min, including Hokkien and Teochew, which can be very different.

Hakka:

• Spoken mainly in the regions of Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian, and in some communities in Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
• Hakka is also spoken by descendants of Hakkas worldwide.

Xiang (Hunan):

• Mainly spoken in Hunan province, this dialect is less widespread internationally but remains important at the local level.

Pinghua:

• Used in some parts of Guangxi and Guangdong, it is less known than other dialects like Cantonese or Mandarin.

Gan:

• Spoken mainly in Jiangxi province, this dialect is less widespread, but remains an important language for local culture.

Each of these dialects has its own phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary, although Mandarin remains the standard language and the one taught in schools. Chinese characters are generally the same across all dialects, but pronunciation and certain expressions vary.

The choice between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese largely depends on the region where you target your market. Here are some key points to consider:

Simplified Chinese:

Simplified Chinese is mainly used in mainland China, Singapore, and certain regions of Malaysia.

It was created to simplify traditional characters and is now the most commonly used form of Chinese in business and official communication in China.

If your business is looking to reach an audience primarily in mainland China or Singapore, Simplified Chinese will be the best option.

Traditional Chinese:

Traditional Chinese is used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

It preserves the original forms of characters, which are more complex.

If you are targeting the Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau market, you should favor Traditional Chinese.

Is Simplified Mandarin the best solution for translating your website into Chinese?

Simplified Mandarin is generally the best option for translating a website intended for the mainland Chinese market. Here's why:

Usage in mainland China:

Simplified Chinese is used throughout mainland China, including regions like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. It is the most commonly used version for written communication in this country.

Search engine support:

If you are targeting the Chinese online market, Google is not used in China. Users prefer local search engines like Baidu. Simplified Chinese is more popular in search results and therefore better optimized for local SEO.

Ease of adoption for the general public:

Simplified Chinese was designed to be easier to learn and read by reducing the number of strokes in characters. This makes it a more accessible option for the majority of native speakers.

Adaptation to the modern market:

The majority of digital texts (websites, applications, e-books) in China use Simplified Chinese, making translation more fluid and natural for local users.

However, it may be wise to consider Traditional Chinese if you are targeting markets such as Hong Kong or Taiwan, where Traditional Chinese remains more widespread. But for the mainland Chinese market, Simplified Chinese remains the best solution.

A freelance Chinese translator can help you translate a wide variety of content, such as:

Websites: Translation of webpages, applications, blogs, landing pages, etc., to reach a Chinese audience (in Mandarin or others).

Articles: Translation of blog articles, marketing content, scientific articles, etc.

Product descriptions: Translation of product descriptions, instructions, user manuals, or technical sheets.

Official documents: Translation of contracts, reports, legal or administrative documents, certificates.

Marketing documents: Translation of brochures, flyers, presentations, newsletters, etc.

Emails and professional communications: Translation of emails, business letters, commercial proposals.

Books and ebooks: Translation of books or electronic publications to reach a Chinese audience.

Audiovisual content: Translation of subtitles for videos, films, series, and other visual content.

Mobile applications: Translation of applications so that your product is accessible to a Chinese audience.

A freelance translator can also help you localize your content in addition to simple translation, taking into account cultural specificities and local preferences for better impact on the market.

Translating your website into Chinese has several advantages for your business, especially if you are looking to reach the markets of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or other regions with Chinese communities. Here are some reasons to proceed with the translation of your site into Chinese:

Access a vast and growing market:

The Chinese market is one of the largest in the world. Translating your site into Chinese allows you to reach a population of more than a billion people.

Improve credibility and trust:

A website in Chinese shows that you take the local market seriously and that you are ready to adapt to the linguistic and cultural preferences of your customers.

Optimize user experience:

Offering content in the language of your potential customers improves their experience on your site and increases the likelihood that they will make a purchase or interact with your business.

Increase your sales:

By offering your content in the native language of your users, you increase the chances of conversion, as customers prefer to buy from companies that understand their needs and language.

Improve your local SEO:

Translating your site into Chinese can also improve your ranking on Chinese search engines, such as Baidu, and help you reach more people on local platforms.

Target an international Chinese audience:

Many Chinese communities are present worldwide. A website in Chinese allows you to reach not only consumers in China but also those from Chinese diasporas in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others.

Strengthen your international presence:

By translating your site into Chinese, you strengthen the international image of your brand and demonstrate your openness to global markets.

1. Analyze existing content:

Identify the key sections of your site to translate, including sales pages, product descriptions, legal notices, etc.

2. Choose the Chinese version:

Determine whether you should use Simplified or Traditional Chinese, depending on your target audience (mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong...).

3. Hire a professional translator or specialized agency:

Find a native translator specialized in website translation, or an agency that can also manage localization (cultural adaptation of content).

4. Adapt design and navigation:

Chinese may sometimes require an adjustment of the site design (such as text alignment, images, etc.) so that the site is readable and adapted to the local culture.

5. Optimize SEO:

Optimize your keywords in Mandarin so that your site is well ranked on Chinese search engines, such as Baidu.

6. Localize content for the culture of the target country:

Ensure that your content respects cultural norms and local laws. For example, certain images or expressions may not be appropriate in China.

7. Test and validate:

Before launching, test the site with Chinese users to verify navigation fluidity, understanding, and adaptation.

8. Monitor and maintain:

Once the site is online, keep an eye on performance and adjust it according to feedback and market developments.

Understanding the Chinese market:

The Chinese market is vast and very competitive. Consumers have specific expectations, and some industries may be more difficult to penetrate than others. Research local demand and trends.

Local platforms:

China has its own social networks and e-commerce platforms, such as WeChat, Alipay, Tmall, and Taobao, which are very popular. Adapt your marketing strategies according to these tools.

Restrictions and regulations:

China has strict regulations, particularly for foreign companies. It is crucial to inform yourself about legal standards, including data protection, copyright, and import regulations.

Purchasing power:

Although China has a rapidly growing middle class, prices must be adjusted to the expectations of Chinese consumers. Competitive pricing strategies and product adaptation may be essential.

Cultural habits:

Cultural preferences and local values influence purchasing decisions. What works in another country may not have the same impact in China.

Adapted marketing strategies:

The marketing approach must be well adapted to Chinese culture. For example, visual content is often more effective than long texts. A campaign with KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) or local influencers can be beneficial.

Local partnerships:

To access the Chinese market, having a local partner or a joint venture may be necessary to navigate more easily through legal and commercial complexities.

Logistics and delivery:

The logistics network in China is well developed, but it can be complex depending on the region. Make sure you understand how to deliver your products efficiently.

Adaptation of products/services:

Some products or services will need to be localized to match the preferences of Chinese consumers. Consider modifying or adapting your offers according to local needs.

Launching a business in the Chinese market can offer great opportunities, but requires careful preparation and strategic adaptation.

Business registration:

If you are a foreign company, you will probably need to register a local entity in China to operate legally. This could be a joint venture or a subsidiary. See our legal experts on BeFreelancr who can advise you on these points.

Compliance with local regulations:

China has strict regulations on e-commerce, personal data, and advertising. Make sure your activity complies with the Cybersecurity Law and personal data protection regulations.

Import permits:

Depending on the type of products you sell, you may need an import permit or specific certifications, particularly for food, cosmetic, or medical products.

Taxes and VAT:

In China, you will need to understand the VAT system and value-added taxes, as well as other business-specific taxes. It is essential to know the rates applicable to your sector.

Product standards:

Some products must comply with local standards (for example, electronic products may need a certificate of compliance). Check that your products meet Chinese standards.

Intellectual property protection:

Trademark registration in China is essential to protect your intellectual assets, as China follows a "first to register" policy. It is therefore advisable to register your trademarks and patents locally.

Import and export regulations:

Ensure that your products comply with Chinese customs regulations. Some product categories may require additional restrictions before being allowed to enter the country.

The BeFreelancr freelance platform will allow you to find translators for your Chinese translation project.

1. Use the search function:

On BeFreelancr, you can use the search bar to find translators specialized in Chinese. Type keywords such as "Chinese translator," "Mandarin translation," or "Chinese translation" to find suitable freelancers.

2. Look at services that match your search:

When you perform your search, you can refine the results by selecting the translation specialty that interests you (website, legal documents, etc.) to find a translator with specific experience.

Check profiles and reviews:

Read customer reviews and consult translator profiles to verify their experience and past projects. Do not hesitate to contact the translator to discuss your project and confirm that they have a good command of native Chinese.

Order a service or post a project offer:

If you find a service that suits you, you can place an order directly.

And if you cannot find a translator through direct search, you can post a project offer on BeFreelancr, describing your needs and expectations. You will then receive proposals from native Chinese translators interested in your assignment.

The price of a Chinese translation varies according to several factors:

The type of content:

Translation of technical, legal, or scientific documents can be more expensive than marketing content or general texts, as it requires specialized expertise.

The length of the text:

The rate is often calculated per word or per page. The longer the text, the higher the total price will be.

The complexity of the project:

If your translation requires additional services such as localization (adapting the content for the Chinese market) or SEO optimization, this can also increase the cost.

The delivery deadline:

If you have a tight deadline, the price may be higher. Some translators apply an additional fee for express delivery.

On average, the cost of Chinese translation can vary between 0.05 € and 0.20 € per word, depending on the type of text and the complexity of the project. It is therefore essential to clearly define your project before requesting a quote to have a more precise idea of the rate.