简体中文翻译指南
Translation Guidance for Simplified Chinese (简体中文)
Section titled “Translation Guidance for Simplified Chinese (简体中文)”This document combines translation glossary and language-specific notes to provide comprehensive guidance for translating Onetime Secret into Simplified Chinese. It serves as the authoritative reference for maintaining consistency, quality, and cultural appropriateness in Chinese translations.
Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”This guide merges two key resources:
- Translation Glossary: Standardized Chinese translations for key terms, UI elements, and technical vocabulary
- Language Notes: Translation principles, rationale, and Chinese-specific considerations
Together, they ensure all Chinese translations maintain consistency, respect Chinese language conventions, and effectively communicate to both technical and general users.
Core Translation Principles
Section titled “Core Translation Principles”1. Avoid “秘密” (Secret) - Use Functional Terminology
Section titled “1. Avoid “秘密” (Secret) - Use Functional Terminology”Critical Principle: The word “秘密” in Chinese carries strong connotations of personal, hidden, or confidential information with emotional weight. It suggests something deliberately concealed rather than a functional security feature.
Alternative Approaches:
- Functional contexts: Use “内容” (content) for create/retrieve operations
- Product features: Use “一次性链接” (one-time links) to emphasize the core single-use feature
- Descriptive contexts: Use “加密的” (encrypted) or “安全的” (secure) as adjectives
Examples:
- “Create Secrets” → “创建内容” (create content)
- “Retrieve Secrets” → “获取内容” (retrieve content)
- “Secret Links” → “一次性链接” (one-time links)
- “Why Use Secret Links” → “为什么使用一次性链接” (why use one-time links)
2. Distinguish Password Types
Section titled “2. Distinguish Password Types”Must differentiate between these two concepts:
- 密码 (password): For account login/authentication
- 口令 (passphrase): For protecting specific content
This distinction prevents confusion between account security and content protection mechanisms.
3. Optimize for Chinese Language Patterns
Section titled “3. Optimize for Chinese Language Patterns”Chinese allows more concise expressions than English. Follow these patterns:
Action-oriented text (buttons, menu items):
- Use direct, imperative forms
- Examples: “保存更改” (save changes), “删除文件” (delete file), “发送消息” (send message)
Status messages:
- Use passive or declarative forms
- Examples: “已保存更改” (changes saved), “文件已删除” (file deleted), “下载完成” (download complete)
UI simplification:
- “Getting Started” → “开始使用” (start using - more action-oriented, not “入门”)
- “Edit page” → “编辑” (edit - concise for buttons, not “编辑页面”)
- “Copy to clipboard” → “复制” (copy - simplified, not “复制到剪贴板”)
- “Copied!” → “已复制” (copied - no exclamation mark)
4. Punctuation Guidelines
Section titled “4. Punctuation Guidelines”Follow the style guide punctuation principles:
- Use periods, commas, and question marks as appropriate
- Avoid exclamation marks (except in quoted source material)
- No semicolons or abbreviations
- Maintain professional, calm tone
5. Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation
Section titled “5. Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation”Adapt phrasing to feel natural in Chinese while maintaining professional tone:
- Use Chinese sentence structure patterns (not direct English translation)
- Choose appropriate formality level for both technical and general users
- Maintain warmth while being concise and efficient
Standard Terminology Reference
Section titled “Standard Terminology Reference”Core Product Terms
Section titled “Core Product Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| secret (noun) | 内容 / 信息 | Core application concept | Use “内容” in create/retrieve operations; avoid “秘密” emotional connotations |
| secret (adj) | 加密的 / 安全的 | Descriptive adjective | Use based on context |
| secret link | 一次性链接 | Core product feature | Do not translate as “秘密链接”; emphasizes one-time use characteristic |
| passphrase | 口令 | Authentication method for protecting content | Distinguish from “密码” (account authentication) |
| password | 密码 | Authentication for account access | Used for account login |
| burn | 销毁 | Action to delete content before viewing | Emphasizes permanence |
| view/reveal | 查看 / 显示 | Action to access content | |
| link | 链接 | URL providing content access | |
| encrypt/encrypted | 加密 / 已加密 | Security method | |
| secure | 安全的 | Protection status |
User Interface Elements
Section titled “User Interface Elements”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share a secret | 分享内容 | Primary action | Use “内容” not “秘密” |
| Secret Links | 一次性链接 | Navigation/feature name | Emphasizes one-time use characteristic |
| Create Account | 创建账户 | Registration | |
| Sign In | 登录 | Authentication | |
| Dashboard | 仪表板 / 控制台 | User main page | |
| Settings | 设置 | Configuration page | |
| Privacy Options | 隐私选项 | Content settings | |
| Feedback | 反馈 | User comments | |
| Getting Started | 开始使用 | Introductory content | Action-oriented; not “入门” |
| Edit page | 编辑 | Button text | Concise; not “编辑页面” |
Status Terms
Section titled “Status Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| received | 已接收 | Content has been viewed | |
| burned | 已销毁 | Content deleted before viewing | |
| expired | 已过期 | Content no longer available due to time | |
| created | 已创建 | Content has been generated | |
| active | 活跃的 | Content available | |
| inactive | 未激活 | Content unavailable |
Time-Related Terms
Section titled “Time-Related Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| expires in | 将在…后过期 | Time before content becomes unavailable | |
| day/days | 天 | Time unit | |
| hour/hours | 小时 | Time unit | |
| minute/minutes | 分钟 | Time unit | |
| second/seconds | 秒 | Time unit |
Security Features
Section titled “Security Features”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| one-time access | 一次性访问 | Core security feature | |
| passphrase protection | 口令保护 | Additional security | Distinguish from account “密码” |
| encrypted in transit | 传输中加密 | Data protection method | |
| encrypted at rest | 静态加密 | Storage protection |
Account-Related Terms
Section titled “Account-Related Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 邮箱 / 电子邮件 | User identifier | ||
| password | 密码 | Authentication | For account access |
| account | 账户 | User profile | |
| subscription | 订阅 | Paid service | |
| customer | 客户 | Paying user |
Domain-Related Terms
Section titled “Domain-Related Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| custom domain | 自定义域名 | Premium feature | |
| domain verification | 域名验证 | Setup process | |
| DNS record | DNS 记录 | Configuration | |
| CNAME record | CNAME 记录 | DNS setup |
Error Messages
Section titled “Error Messages”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| error | 错误 | Problem notification | |
| warning | 警告 | Caution notification | |
| oops | 哎呀 | Friendly error introduction |
Buttons and Actions
Section titled “Buttons and Actions”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| submit | 提交 | Form action | |
| cancel | 取消 | Negative action | |
| confirm | 确认 | Affirmative action | |
| copy to clipboard | 复制 | Utility action | Concise; not “复制到剪贴板” |
| continue | 继续 | Navigation | |
| back | 返回 | Navigation | |
| Copied! | 已复制 | Status message | No exclamation mark |
Marketing Terms
Section titled “Marketing Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| secure links | 安全链接 | Product feature | |
| privacy-first design | 隐私优先设计 | Design philosophy | |
| custom branding | 自定义品牌 | Premium feature |
API-Related Terms
Section titled “API-Related Terms”| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| create secrets | 创建内容 | API operation | Use “内容” not “秘密” |
| retrieve secrets | 获取内容 | API operation | Use “内容” not “秘密” |
| client libraries | 客户端库 | Development tools | |
| REST API | REST API | Technical term | Keep in English |
Terms to Keep in English
Section titled “Terms to Keep in English”Brand Names (Do Not Translate)
Section titled “Brand Names (Do Not Translate)”- Onetime Secret - Keep in English
- OTS - Keep in English (when used as product abbreviation)
- Identity Plus - Keep in English (product name)
- Global Elite - Keep in English (product name)
- Custom Install - Keep in English (product name)
- Starlight - Keep in English (documentation framework)
Technical Terms
Section titled “Technical Terms”Keep these technical terms in English:
- API
- REST
- v1, v2 (version numbers)
- DNS, CNAME
- SSL/TLS
Translation Best Practices
Section titled “Translation Best Practices”1. Consistency
Section titled “1. Consistency”Use the same translation for the same term throughout the application. Refer to this glossary consistently.
2. Context Awareness
Section titled “2. Context Awareness”Consider how the term is used in the application. The same English word may require different Chinese translations based on context.
3. Cultural Adaptation
Section titled “3. Cultural Adaptation”Adjust terminology to local conventions when necessary, but maintain professional accuracy.
4. Technical Accuracy
Section titled “4. Technical Accuracy”Ensure security and technical terms are translated accurately to avoid confusion or security misunderstandings.
5. Tone Maintenance
Section titled “5. Tone Maintenance”Maintain a professional yet concise tone. Chinese users value efficiency and directness.
Detailed Translation Rationale
Section titled “Detailed Translation Rationale”Why Move Away from “秘密” (Secret)
Section titled “Why Move Away from “秘密” (Secret)”The deliberate avoidance of “秘密” (secret) in Chinese translations is based on:
Emotional connotations: “秘密” in Chinese carries strong personal, hidden, or confidential overtones - similar to Italian “segreto” or Danish “hemmelighed.” It suggests something emotionally charged or deliberately concealed.
Functional clarity: Better alternatives emphasize the functional security feature:
- “内容” (content): Neutral, functional term for what is being shared
- “一次性链接” (one-time links): Emphasizes the core product feature of single-use access
- “加密的” / “安全的”: When describing security attributes
User trust: Using functional terminology builds trust by focusing on the security mechanism rather than creating mystery or secrecy around the content.
Voice Patterns in Chinese
Section titled “Voice Patterns in Chinese”Actions (buttons, menu items) - Use imperative, direct forms:
- “保存更改” (save changes)
- “删除文件” (delete file)
- “发送消息” (send message)
- “开始使用” (start using)
Status messages - Use passive or declarative forms:
- “已保存更改” (changes saved)
- “文件已删除” (file deleted)
- “下载完成” (download complete)
- “已复制” (copied)
Navigation - Use clear, descriptive terms:
- “概览” (overview)
- “主导航” (main navigation)
- “设置” (settings)
Accessibility Considerations
Section titled “Accessibility Considerations”Chinese accessibility labels should be more descriptive than direct translations:
- “Main” → “主导航” (main navigation) - more helpful for screen readers
- Provide context in labels where English might be minimal
Natural Chinese Phrasing
Section titled “Natural Chinese Phrasing”Adapt sentence structure to Chinese patterns rather than translating word-for-word:
- English structure: Subject-Verb-Object
- Chinese adaptation: May use topic-comment structure or different emphasis patterns
- Result: More natural reading experience for Chinese users
Summary of Key Terminology Choices
Section titled “Summary of Key Terminology Choices”Core Terminology Evolution
Section titled “Core Terminology Evolution”- “秘密” → Functional alternatives: Replaced with “内容” (content) for create/retrieve actions and “一次性链接” (one-time links) for the core feature
- Technical precision maintained: API, REST, version numbers preserved
- Brand names untranslated: Starlight, Onetime Secret kept in original form
UI/UX Refinements
Section titled “UI/UX Refinements”- Removed exclamation marks: Following style guide punctuation principles
- Shortened action text: “编辑页面” → “编辑” for button efficiency
- Simplified tooltips: “复制到剪贴板” → “复制” for clarity
- Natural Chinese flow: Restructured phrases to follow Chinese language patterns
Voice and Tone
Section titled “Voice and Tone”- Action-oriented for user tasks: “开始使用” instead of “开始入门”
- Declarative for status: “已复制” (completed state) vs “复制” (action)
- Professional yet accessible: Maintained warmth while being concise
Chinese-Specific Improvements
Section titled “Chinese-Specific Improvements”- Better accessibility: “主导航” (main navigation) more descriptive than direct translation
- Natural sentence structure: Adapted error messages and descriptions to Chinese writing patterns
- Appropriate formality: Professional tone suitable for both technical and general Chinese users
Implementation Guidelines
Section titled “Implementation Guidelines”When translating new content:
- Check this glossary first for established terminology
- Consider the context - is this an action, status, or description?
- Apply Chinese language patterns - don’t translate word-for-word
- Avoid “秘密” - use functional alternatives from this guide
- Maintain consistency - use the same translation for the same concept
- Keep it concise - Chinese allows shorter expressions; use them
- No exclamation marks - maintain professional, calm tone
- Test readability - ensure natural flow for native Chinese speakers
Version History
Section titled “Version History”- 2025-11-14: Initial comprehensive translation guide created by combining glossary and language notes
For questions or updates to this guide, please consult the translation team.