HoYoverse Universe Index:Translation

From HoYoverse Universe Index
The Hoyostans Translation Method

Not all content miHoYo produces is fully translated into English. For this reason, we may include fan translations on this wiki. In general, we prefer if the Hoyostans translation method is applied in this process.

Accuracy

The Hoyostans Method chooses accuracy over localisation. This means we try to approximate the original meaning and intent of the story as close as we possibly can. We do not apply changes to make the story more palatable for specific audiences, and we do not make changes to the text or its contents.

Mind the Official

In some cases, official translations for certain things already exist. For instance, Honkai is the official translation for 崩坏 (Bēng huài). Don't translate it as Collapse, just call it Honkai.

For cases where the official translation uses some extra quirks, you can choose whether or not you wish to emulate it. Like with Bronya using Russian words, which wasn't as common in the original, you can use this as long as you don't change the meaning or intent of the dialogue.

For instance, 'Mother told me' can become 'Matushka told me'. It cannot become 'Matushka told Bronya', since 'me' and 'Bronya' imply different things about the character's mental state. 'Mother' and 'Matushka' however carry the exact same meaning.

There will also be cases where 'correcting' the official is necessary. For instance, the official translation for Amber A-303 is that she is an android. This is however a translation error. It would be more accurate to describe her as bionic. Do of course make sure you check up on the accuracy. If you are in doubt, just use the official.

Honorifics

When a character uses an honorific of any kind, try to preserve it as well as you can. You can use the context of the story and the character background to choose which language you want the honorific to be in. If the character or context do not suggest any specific language is appropriate, use the Chinese original.

Examples:

  • Kiana and Mei went to a Japanese school in Japan, and Mei is Japanese.
  • Kiana calls Mei 芽衣学姐 (Yáyī-xué jiě). This translates to Senior Mei. In the context, it's appropriate to translate as Mei-senpai.
  • Seele calls Bronya 布洛妮娅姐姐 (Bùluònīyà-jiějiě). This literally translates to Sister Bronya. These characters are Russian and Estonian. There's no reason for Seele to be using an honorific. However, it is used in the text, and it is relevant in certain dialogues. This is why we keep it as Bronya-jiějiě or Bronya-jiejie.

If you are uncertain which version is most appropriate to use, always default to the Chinese version.

Untranslatables

Sometimes wordplay or idioms are difficult to translate to English. You can either go for a literal translation or an approximation that conserves the intent. Either way it's heavily encouraged to add a translator's note to clarify the decision.

Proofreading

Always make sure someone can proofread the text. We recommend posting it on the Hoyodex or Hoyostans discord server for this. Certain idioms, ideas or context could otherwise be lost in translation.

Translator's Notes

We heavily encourage the use of translator's notes. Adding a short note between or after the text to clarify some of the decisions made in translation. This can inform people about honorifics, idioms, context clues etc. It can even be used to explain that even you, the translator, had a head scratching moment and you don't really know what the correct translation would be. This allows the reader to be fully informed.

Adaptability

Be willing to make changes or updates, or allow others to make changes or updates, to your text in case a translation has been revealed to be lackluster.

Credits and Sources

Make sure to properly source your work. Provide either a link or a copy of the original text. If it's from inside one of the games, make sure to describe where people can find it to see you're not making it up.

Also include credits. Tell the reader who translated it and where it was revised. If it's a rework of an existing translation, mention the version you edited.

To this end, use {{Translation}}:

Due to the absence of full official translations, the following text consists of fan translations.
All translations, official or fan, are subject to error.
Translated by: Mister Spaceman; Revised by: BunxBun; Continued Revision by: HoYodex contributors.
{{Translation|tl1 = nickname of the translator|r = who revised it}}

Have Fun

Don't translate to your own detriment. Do it if you like doing it, and you think it's fun. Translations allow a whole new world of content to open up, and it can be a great feeling to be able to share this with others.

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.