Czech Style Guide
Published: February, 2019
Microsoft Czech Style Guide
Contents
1 About this style guide...... 4 1.1 Recommended style references ...... 4 2 Microsoft voice ...... 5 2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice ...... 5 2.1.1 Flexibility ...... 6 2.1.2 Word choice...... 6 2.1.3 Word-to-word translation...... 7 2.1.4 Words and phrases to avoid ...... 8 2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text...... 11 2.2.1 Address the user to take action ...... 11 2.2.2 Promote a feature...... 12 2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines...... 12 2.2.4 Explanatory text and support ...... 13 3 Language-specific standards ...... 13 3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards...... 14 3.1.1 Abbreviations ...... 14 3.1.2 Acronyms ...... 15 3.1.3 Adjectives ...... 16 3.1.4 Articles ...... 17 3.1.5 Capitalization ...... 18 3.1.6 Gender ...... 18 3.1.7 Nouns ...... 19 3.1.8 Numbers...... 20 3.1.9 Pronouns ...... 20 3.1.10 Punctuation ...... 21 3.1.11 Sentence fragments ...... 26 3.1.12 Split infinitive ...... 27 3.1.13 Style of strings describing the narrator text ...... 27 3.1.14 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces ...... 28
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3.1.15 Verbs ...... 28 4 Localization considerations...... 30 4.1 Accessibility...... 31 4.2 Accuracy ...... 32 4.3 Anthropomorphism...... 34 4.4 Applications, products, and features...... 35 4.5 Attitude ...... 40 4.6 Color names ...... 40 4.7 File extensions...... 46 4.8 Geopolitical concerns...... 47 4.9 Trademarks...... 47 4.10 Progressive action ...... 47 4.11 Software considerations...... 48 4.11.1 Error messages...... 48 4.11.2 Keyboard shortcuts...... 50 4.11.3 Shortcut keys...... 53 4.11.4 The use of passive participles ...... 55 4.11.5 Translating interjections ...... 56 4.11.6 English pronunciation ...... 57
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1 About this style guide
This style guide is intended for the localization professional working on localized products that run on a Microsoft platform. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has specific preferences or deviates from standard practices for Czech localization.
The primary goal of this guide is to help you understand and learn how to address all of the necessary linguistic and stylistic nuances of Czech during the localization of your products and services.
The style guide covers guidelines and recommendations for translating the Microsoft voice into Czech including words, grammatical structures, the needs of the audience, and the intent of the text that are to be considered. Each of these areas is supplemented with samples.
Other language considerations covered in this style guide are accessibility, trademarks, geopolitical concerns and specific software considerations.
We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the style guide. Please send your feedback via Microsoft Language Portal.
1.1 Recommended style references
Unless this style guide or the Microsoft Language Portal provides alternative instructions, use the orthography, grammar, and terminology in the following publications:
Normative references
When more than one solution is possible, consult the other topics in this style guide for guidance.
1. http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/ 2. http://www.microsoft.com/language/en-us/default.aspx
Microsoft user interface reference
A helpful reference is the Windows User Experience Interaction Guidelines.
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2 Microsoft voice
Microsoft’s brand personality comes through in our voice and tone—what we say and how we say it. The design of Microsoft products, services, and experiences hinges on crisp simplicity.
Three principles form the foundation of our voice:
• Warm and relaxed: We’re natural. Less formal, more grounded in honest conversations. Occasionally, we’re fun. (We know when to celebrate.) • Crisp and clear: We’re to the point. We write for scanning first, reading second. We make it simple above all. • Ready to lend a hand: We show customers we’re on their side. We anticipate their real needs and offer great information at just the right time.
The Microsoft voice targets a broad set of users from technology enthusiasts and casual computer users. Although content might be different for different audiences, the principles of Microsoft voice are the same. However, Microsoft voice also means keeping the audience in mind. Choose the right words for the audience: use technical terms for technical audiences, but for consumers use common words and phrases instead.
These key elements of Microsoft voice should extend across Microsoft content for all language locales. For each language, the specific choices in style and tone that produce Microsoft voice are different. The following guidelines are relevant for US English as well as many other languages.
Guidelines
Keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Write short, easy-to-read sentences. • Avoid passive voice—it’s difficult to read and understand quickly. • Be pleasant and ensure that explanations appear individualized. • Avoid slang and be careful with colloquialisms—it’s acceptable to reassure and connect with customers in a conversational tone, but be professional in doing so.
2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice
Translating Czech in a way that reflects Microsoft voice means choosing words and grammatical structures that reflect the same style as the source text. It also means considering the needs of the audience and the intent of the text.
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The general style should be clear, friendly and concise. Use language that resembles conversation observed in everyday settings as opposed to the formal, technical language that’s often used for technical and commercial content.
When you’re localizing source text written in Microsoft voice, feel free to choose words that aren’t standard translations if you think that’s the best way to stay true to the intent of the source text.
Because Microsoft voice means a more conversational style, literally translating the source text may produce target text that’s not relevant to customers. To guide your translation, consider the intent of the text and what the customer needs to know to successfully complete the task.
2.1.1 Flexibility
It’s important for translators to modify or rewrite translated strings so that they are more appropriate and natural to Czech customers. Try to understand the whole intention of the sentences, paragraphs, and pages, and then rewrite as if you are writing the content yourself. It will make the content more perfect for Czech users. Sometimes, you may need to remove any unnecessary content.
English text Czech translation Comments
Bohužel není vždycky všechno "Crashes happen" translated as Crashes happen. The bez problémů. Může vám "Bohužel není vždycky všechno bez power goes out. The spadnout počítač, vypnou problémů. Může vám spadnout network goes down. elektřinu nebo vypadne síť. počítač…"
Zapnutí automatického The words "protect your files" in this Protect your files in obnovení a automatického article title are not included in the case of a crash—turn uložení (abyste nepřišli o translation word for word, but the on AutoRecover and soubory, když vám spadne text is rather paraphrased as "abyste AutoSave počítač) nepřišli o soubory"
2.1.2 Word choice
Terminology
Use terminology from the Microsoft Language Portal where applicable, for example key terms, technical terms, and product names.
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Short word forms and everyday words
Microsoft voice text written in US English prefers short, simple words spoken in everyday conversations. In English, shorter words are friendlier and less formal. Short words also save space on screen and are easier to read quickly. Precise, well-chosen words add clarity, but it’s important to be intentional about using everyday words that customers are accustomed to.
The following table lists some common words that are used for Microsoft voice in US English.
en-US word en-US word usage
App Use app instead of application or program.
Use pick in more fun, less formal or lightweight situations ("pick a color," not Pick, choose "choose a color") and choose for more formal situations (don’t use select unless necessary for the UI).
For general reference to any drive type (hard drive, CD drive, external hard Drive drive, etc.). Use specific drive type if necessary.
Fine to use as a synonym for "obtain" or "come into possession of" but avoid Get for other general meanings.
Use in most situations unless “information” better fits the context. Use “info” Info when you point the reader elsewhere ("for more info, see ").
Use for personal computing devices. Use computer for situations about PCs PC and Macs.
Address the user as you, directly or indirectly through the use of first- and second-person pronouns like "you." Avoid third-person references, such as You "user," as they sound formal and impersonal. For information on localizing you, see the section Pronouns in Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards part of this style guide.
2.1.3 Word-to-word translation
For a more fluent translation, avoid word-to-word translation. If words are translated directly without overall understanding of the paragraph or the page, the content will not be natural and may even appear ridiculous, and our customers will not come again.
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Strict word-to-word translation makes the tone stiff and unnatural. Split the text into different sentences, if necessary, to simplify. Omit descriptors to make the text snappier.
Source text Correct Czech translation Incorrect Czech translation
Users can control their Uživatelé si můžou upravit plochu Uživatelé mohou řídit vzhled desktops. podle svých představ. své plochy.
Bohužel není vždycky všechno bez Crashes happen. The Havárie se stávají. Dojde k problémů. Může vám spadnout power goes out. The výpadku elektrické energie. počítač, vypnou elektřinu nebo network goes down. Může být nedostupná síť. vypadne síť.
Protect your files in case Zapnutí automatického obnovení Ochrana vašich souborů pro of a crash–turn on a automatického uložení (abyste případ chyby – zapnutím AutoRecover and nepřišli o soubory, když vám automatického obnovení a AutoSave spadne počítač) automatického uložení
Other people in the Ostatní v domácí skupině Ostatní v domácí skupině můžou homegroup can get to mohou přistupovat ke sdílený obsah používat, ale your shared content but sdílenému obsahu, nemohou nemůžou ho měnit. they can’t change it. jej však měnit.
2.1.4 Words and phrases to avoid Microsoft voice avoids an unnecessarily formal tone. The following table lists some US English words that add formality without adding meaning, along with more common equivalents.
en-US word/phrase to avoid Preferred en-US word/phrase
Achieve Do
As well as Also, too
Attempt Try
Configure Set up
Encounter Meet
Execute Run
Halt Stop
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Have an opportunity Can
However But
Give/provide guidance, give/provide information Help
In addition Also
In conjunction with With
Locate Find
Make a recommendation Recommend
Modify Change
Navigate Go
Obtain Get
Perform Do
Purchase Buy
Refer to See
Resolve Fix
Subsequent Next
Suitable Works well
Terminate End
Toggle Switch
Utilize Use
Avoid words sounding too formal and look for either more informal/colloquial word alternatives or translate the source text in a way, which will allow you to omit the problematic formal word.
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May sound too formal New voice sentences Example
ač i když, přestože, sice
Aktualizace jsou stažené, ale jejich avšak ale instalace je zablokovaná.
Systém Windows už v této síti nenašel již už žádnou domácí skupinu.
jež, jíž, níž, niž, jichž, Vyberte si blízkou síť, přes kterou který, které, která… nichž, nimž, něž, jenž… se chcete připojit online.
Pokud opustíte domácí skupinu, moct (including forms: moci nebudete moct sdílet svoje knihovny můžu, můžou) ani používat sdílený obsah.
Pro online schůzky můžete dál používat nadále, dále dál Office Live Meeting.
Nejdřív soubor zavřete (nebo ho uložte nejprve nejdřív pod jiným názvem).
Soubory se sem nedají uložit. nelze nedá se Umístění se nedá otevřít.
nejde Soubory sem nepůjdou uložit. nelze nepůjde Umístění nejde otevřít.
nezdařilo se nepovedlo se Nastavení se nepovedlo načíst.
Možnosti roamingu jsou teď nyní teď nedostupné.
zkusit znovu, zkusit Zavřete dialogové okno a zkuste opakovat akci znova to znovu.
Potom vyberte typ záznamu, který poté potom chcete převést.
Zkontrolujte, jestli je zařízení připojené zda jestli k počítači.
zde tady Další informace najdete tady:
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Pokud chcete Windows aktivovat Pokud/Jestli/Jestliže (Chcete, Tisknete, online, musíte se připojit k internetu. (chcete, tisknete, nevíte) Nevíte)-li etc. Jestliže nevíte, co zvolit, klikněte na Přeskočit.
Storno (the Cancel button as opposed to the OK button, it does Zrušit Klikněte na Zrušit. not apply to storno in the context of accounting)
Pokud si chcete koupit předplatné zakoupit koupit Office 365, přejděte na office.com.
IMPORTANT: Please note that however these words (chcete-li, zde etc.) may sound formal, sometimes you may need to use them. It will depend on the perceived level of formality needed to be achieved for the Czech target text.
2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text The source and target phrase samples in the following sections illustrate the intent of the Microsoft voice.
2.2.1 Address the user to take action
Czech (possible US English Explanation suggestions)
The password isn’t Heslo není správné, The user has entered an incorrect correct, so please try zkuste to prosím znovu. password so provide the user with a short again. Passwords are U hesel se rozlišují malá and friendly message with the action to try case-sensitive. a velká písmena. again.
Tento Product Key This product key The user has entered incorrect product nefunguje. Zkontrolujte didn’t work. Please key. The message casually and politely ho prosím a zkuste to check it and try again. asks the user to check it and try again. znovu.
A je to. Můžete začít. Casual and short message to inform user All ready to go Všechno je připravené. that setup has completed, ready to start using the system. Czech: The actual
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translation you choose will depend on the precise context (surrounding strings) and can actually even differ from the provided suggestions but you do not have to avoid conversational style.
You can fill your Obrazec můžete vyplnit Address the user directly using second shape with a picture obrázkem nebo person pronoun to take the necessary or texture. texturou. action.
2.2.2 Promote a feature
Czech target (possible US English Explanation suggestions)
Promoting the use of apps. Depending on Aplikace vám můžou Let apps give you the context of the string you can add personalizovat obsah personalized content familiarity to the text by using everyday podle umístění based on your PC’s words for example, PC. This is valid for počítače, jména, location, name, English only though. Czech: The Czech can obrázku účtu nebo account picture, and express the voice through the dalších informací o other domain info. anthropomorphism, using vám and doméně. můžou.
2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines
Czech target (possible US English Explanation suggestions)
Short and clear action using second Pokud se chcete vrátit To go back and save person pronoun. Czech: Note using "si," zpátky a uložit si svoje your work, click using změny instead of práce to let the změny, klikněte na Zrušit a Cancel and finish text sound less formal, leaving out the dodělejte si, co what you need to. descriptor before Zrušit, choice of words potřebujete. (dodělat).
To preview a theme Pokud se chcete podívat, Speak to the user directly and naturally on the slide you have jak by motiv mohl vypadat using the second-person pronoun "you" open, rest your na snímku, který máte on clear actions to preview a theme. pointer on the otevřený, přejděte myší na Czech: Note use of subordinate clauses theme’s thumbnail miniaturu motivu. and less formal language. image.
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2.2.4 Explanatory text and support
Czech target (possible US English Explanation suggestions)
The updates are Aktualizace se The language is natural, the way people installed, but nainstalovaly, ale instalační talk. In this case voice is reassuring, Windows 10 Setup program Windows 10 se letting the user know that we’re doing needs to restart for musí restartovat, aby mohl the work. Use of "we" provides a more them to work. After it systém fungovat. Po personal feel. Czech: Note the active restarts, we’ll keep restartování budeme voice „se nainstalovaly,“ „se musí“ or going from where we pokračovat, kde jsme keeping first person plural in the last left off. skončili. sentence.
If you restart now, Když tento počítač teď Voice is clear and natural informing the you and any other restartujete, mohli byste vy user what will happen if this action is people using this PC i všichni ostatní, kdo ho taken. Czech: Note the use of could lose unsaved používají, přijít o všechno, subordinate clauses and the pronoun work. co není uložené. „ho.“
This document will Až opravíte neplatné be automatically Voice talks to the user informatively and vlastnosti nebo zadáte ty, moved to the right directly on the action that will be které chybí, přesune se library and folder taken. Czech: Note the use of the tento dokument after you correct subordinate clause „které chybí“ and the automaticky do správné invalid or missing active voice „přesune se.“ knihovny a složky. properties.
Something bad Without complexity and using short happened! Unable to Něco se nepovedlo. sentences inform the user what has locate downloaded Nemůžeme najít stažené happened. Czech: Note the use „pro files to create your soubory a vytvořit pro vás vás“ also the translation „Něco se bootable USB flash spouštěcí USB flash disk. nepovedlo.“ drive.
3 Language-specific standards
Information about Czech-specific standards, such as phone number formats, date formats, currency formats, and measurement units are available from the GoGlobal Developer Center.
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3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards
This section includes information on how to apply the general language and syntax rules to Microsoft products, online content, and documentation.
3.1.1 Abbreviations
Common abbreviations
You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space. This can be done in the following ways:
Abbreviations are usually formed from the first few letters of the abbreviated word or from the first letters of the individual words in a multi-word expression. The last letter in an abbreviation must be a consonant and is followed by a period.
Exception: A handful of abbreviations are formed from the first and the last letter of a word (such as fa), in which case the period is omitted.
The exception applies also for time related words, such as hodina, minuta, sekunda. There are several possibilities how to abbreviate the time related words and the special attention need to be paid, because for some of them the period is mandatory but some of them need to be used without the period, see the table below.
Except in the UI, where severe length restriction often applies, it’s recommended not to use ad hoc abbreviations in Czech localized text. That does not apply to a set of well established common abbreviation, listed below. These are familiar to Czech readers and are used often throughout all types of texts.
List of common abbreviations:
Expression Acceptable abbreviation
a tak dále atd.
a podobně apod.
a jiné aj.
akciová společnost a. s.
číslo č.
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kapitola kap.
milion mil.
miliarda mld.
například např.
obrázek obr.
poznámka pozn.
respektive resp.
rok, roku r.
strana str.
tisíc tis.
to je tj.
to znamená tzn.
tak zvaný tzv.
hodina, hodin h, h., hod.
minuta, minut min, min.
sekunda, sekund s
Don’t abbreviate words that could result in ambiguity or confusion for the use.
3.1.2 Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Common examples are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), DNS (Domain Name Server), and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).
Acronyms don’t include periods in Czech. As acronyms are not inflected, they are often preceded by a declinable descriptor word in much the same way unlocalized product names are. They should never be placed before the governing noun in the pre- modifier position, but there are exceptions, for example: IP adresa.
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In longer texts, it’s advisable to spell out the acronym in parenthesis on its first appearance in the text. For subsequent occurrences, only the initialism is used. Localized acronyms
In localization contexts, very few acronyms are translated. They only include well established and familiar expressions that occur commonly outside technical contexts. Note that by virtue of their integration into the syntactic and morphologic structure of the sentence, localized acronyms don’t require a declinable descriptor.
Example:
en-US source Czech target
Such operations will require consultations Taková operace se neobejde bez konzultací within the UN and the OSCE. v rámci OSN a OBSE.
Unlocalized acronyms
These are not integrated into the syntactic structure of the sentence and do require a descriptor word.
Examples:
en-US source Czech target
The function is affected by the BIOS error. Funkci ovlivňuje chyba systému BIOS.
Protokol FTP (File Transfer Protocol) nabízí FTP provides an easy way to transfer files. jednoduchý způsob přenosu souborů. To use FTP, you must know the FTP server Pokud ho chcete používat, musíte znát adresu address and login credentials. serveru FTP a přihlašovací údaje.
Enter the IP address. Zadejte IP adresu.
3.1.3 Adjectives
In Czech handle adjectives in the following manner.
• Ensure that all adjective forms appear in their correct inflections, matching the governing noun.
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• Non-inflected loanwords or acronyms can act as adjectives (and may precede the governing noun) unless specified otherwise in the product glossary.
Examples: PIN kód, IP adresa, proxy server
• The nominal forms (such as mlád, zdrávi) should be avoided in subject complement. Use "the long form" of the deverbative adjective (for example, je definovaný, je zaškrtnuté).
Special cases:
• When the adjective is form by number + word (for example: 12minutový záznam, 4kolíkový konektor,...) - no space between the number and the word.
Possessive adjectives
The frequent use of possessives is a feature of English language. However, in Czech, possessive adjectives are usually only associated with actual animate subjects and would not normally be used in typical localization contexts. Most often, they are replaced by a corresponding generic adjective or by a prepositional phrase.
Example:
English source Czech target
PC software Počítačový software / software v počítači
3.1.4 Articles
General considerations
Pay special attention to articles in the source sentence as they can sometimes convey a subtle shift in meaning that may need to be reflected in the translation by using a suitable demonstrative or quantifier.
en-US source Czech target
Pokud chcete povolit rychlé ukládání, Select the check box to enable fast saving. zaškrtněte příslušné políčko.
As the Czech language does not use the articles there are no specific rules.
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The information conveyed by articles in an English sentence is often expressed by functional sentence perspective in Czech. In Czech, we often have to change the word order and proceed from the known pieces of information (generally speaking, carrying "the" in English) to new information. Of course, this rule can’t be applied dogmatically but oftentimes it's necessary, otherwise the meaning/focus/stress of a sentence can be obscured.
Examples:
en-US source Czech target
You can’t start an Teď nemůžete spustit aplikaci. (meaning any application) application now.
Aplikaci teď nemůžete spustit. (Even without a demonstrative, it's clear You can’t start the that this refers to the application that has been discussed in the context application now. or is otherwise known to the reader.)
3.1.5 Capitalization
General rules of capitalization are covered in Czech grammar rules online: http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/?id=180.
Since the English language tends to overuse capitals, please note that only such phrases that clearly constitute a translated feature name should use capitalization in Czech. Only the first word of a multi-word name is capitalized, unless component words are standalone proper names.
3.1.6 Gender
Please consult the Czech grammar rules (http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/) to confirm the use of a new loan word and its proper grammatical categories.
When addressing the user, ensure gender neutrality by means of the 2nd person plural.
Example:
en-US source Czech target
Ensure you have closed all the files. Ujistěte se, že jste zavřeli všechny soubory.
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However, there are situations where this can’t be avoided or the expression of both genders is preferred instead of using the neutral form with the descriptor uživatel (for example, in less formal style). In such a case please include masculine and feminine gender. See the examples below.
en-US source Czech target
{ut1} aktualizoval(a) tuto skupinu novou verzí chatu. or {ut1} has updated {ut1} aktualizoval/a tuto skupinu novou verzí chatu. this group with a better chat More info at: experience. http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/?ref=163&id=167 and http://prirucka.ujc .cas.cz/?id=163
{ut1} left the group. {ut1} odešel/odešla ze skupiny.
In dynamic strings, such as the greeting in a mail merge document, it’s recommended to omit the user name placeholder entirely, or use both genders (or both, as appropriate) to ensure gender neutrality. Note that the feminine form precedes the masculine.
Example: Vážená paní / Vážený pane,
3.1.7 Nouns
General considerations
Please try to avoid chains of three and more concatenated prepositionless genitives. Such sentences are difficult to read and decode.
Example:
Don’t use Use
Po otevření souboru klíčů certifikátů Až otevřete soubor s klíči k certifikátům počítačů zahajte import. počítačů, spusťte import.
Inflection
Ensure that all nouns are in the correct form. Keep in mind that when you make edits to a previously translated or recycled sentence (such as changing/adding a preposition or
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using a verb which might have a different valency), these edits often require additional changes in that sentence or even in surrounding sentences. Please make sure that such editing relicts are eliminated before finalizing your translation. If in doubts, see http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/.
Plural formation
If in doubts, see http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/.
3.1.8 Numbers
This topic includes guidelines when to use numerals (symbol that represents a number. for example, 1, 2, 3, 234, etc.) and when to spell out numbers (one, two, three, two hundred and thirty-four) and other aspects for the particular language.
In Czech numerals below 11 are preferably written as words. For example, it would be nicer to have "You have three unanswered calls" (instead of "You have 3 unanswered calls") but it would make sense for numerals smaller than 11.
3.1.9 Pronouns
In Czech, we can use informal forms of demonstrative pronouns. In certain cases, the more neutral forms of demonstrative pronouns may be more appropriate (for example in more technical types of sentences); in other places, you might feel that you can go further and use the more colloquial alternatives.
Examples:
en-US source Czech target
This, these, that, those tento, tato, tímto etc.
This way takto
Their use may, nevertheless, be quite preferential. However, the use of the neutral/formal form should be preferred, should the resulting translation feel funny/ridiculoususing the colloquial demonstrative pronoun alternatives.
Although the choice may be in many cases preferential, focus on the source text type.
Compare the possible translations:
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en-US source Czech target
Here’s how: Uděláte to takto/takhle:
This method must be called in the application only after Aplikace musí tuto metodu volat až po metodě send. calling the send method
Tento/Tenhle sešit se nám nepovedlo v prohlížeči otevřít. Oops, we couldn't open this workbook in the browser. Je nám to líto, ale tento/tenhle sešit nám nejde v prohlížeči otevřít
Possessives
English tends to use too many possessive pronouns in comparison with Czech. Since possessives can function as determiners in English, they are often used interchangeably with the definite article, i.e. in a rather generic sense, with their attribution aspect rather weakened. In such cases, it’s often possible to omit the pronoun from the translation entirely.
When you decide to include the possessive, keep in mind that the reflexive form svůj is used when the governing noun is being attributed to the subject of the sentence. This is a common source of errors, esp. when the subject is not explicitly named in the sentence, but implied.
Examples:
en-US source Czech target
New window appears on your desktop. Na ploše se otevře nové okno.
Download the file to your computer. Stáhněte si soubor na svůj počítač.
E-mail server rejected your user name. E-mailový server odmítl vaše uživatelské jméno.
3.1.10 Punctuation
General punctuation rules for Czech are available in the recommended reference material. A few language specific notes are added below. For more detail, see http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/.
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Bulleted lists
The bulleted lists have no mandatory rules in Czech. When translating, it’s recommended to use the consistent punctuation in the same type of bulleted lists throughout the task. You can find the recommendations on how to deal with the bulleted lists here: http://prirucka.ujc.cas.cz/?id=870. Here are some recommendations:
The introductory sentence (preceding the list of items) usually ends with colon.
1. When the items in the list form full sentences, they start with the first letter in upper case and end with a full stop.
Výhody: • Dokumenty, tabulky a prezentace můžete vytvářet online nebo ve verzi Office pro počítače. • Svoje soubory můžete ukládat online na OneDrivu. • Můžete sdílet obsah s ostatními a spolupracovat v reálném čase.
2. When the items don’t form the full sentences, they can start with the first letter in lower or uppercase (but the list should have consistently all uppercase or all lowercase first letters, unless there is a product name etc. requiring an uppercase first letter in the lowercase lettered list) and end without any kind of punctuation.
S touto verzí získáte: • aplikace Office v několika zařízeních • 1 TB úložiště navíc na OneDrivu • volné minuty volání přes Skype do víc než 60 zemí
Note: If there is a mixed list with sentences and standalone items, we suggest starting all items with the uppercase and ending them with a full stop.
Comma
Ensure the correct placement of commas, especially at the end of embedded clauses. Use the comma as the decimal separator, to separate the name of the day and date, and in certain lists.
US English Czech target
"I think so," said he. „Myslím, že ano,“ řekl.
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Colon
Use colons to introduce lists. It’s also typically used in forms or dialog windows to punctuate labels of controls used for data input by the user. Often used to separate an inline heading introducing the paragraph in which it’s integrated
Examples:
US English Czech target
Error: The specified data is not valid. Chyba: Zadaná data nejsou platná.
He said: "I think..." Řekl: „Myslím si...“
Can't save—Please make sure you're online. Nejde uložit: Ověřte si prosím, že jste online.
Adding a colon is also a useful solution in sentences with a placeholder where the noun replacing the placeholder needs to be declined.
en-US source Czech target
Sharing with {0} Sdílí se s: {0}
{0} participants Počet účastníků: {0}
Dashes and hyphens
Three different dash characters are used in English:
Hyphen
The hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound word, and to express a close relationship between two words. No spaces are placed between the hyphen and the words it links
Examples:
US English Czech target
input-output devices vstupně-výstupní zařízení
Taiwan Tchaj-wan
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En dash
The en dash is used as a minus sign, usually with spaces before and after.
Example:
US English Czech target
-20°C – 20 °C
The en-dash is also used in ranges, such as those specifying page numbers. No spaces are used around the en dash in this case, as long as the expressions on both sides of the dash are single words.
US English Czech target
page 3-7 str. 3–7
AC: 100 - 240 V stř. napětí: 100–240 V
Em dash
Is not used in Czech language.
Ellipses (suspension points)
In Czech localized texts, avoid using the ellipsis entirely. It can be used only in case it’s part of UI item (button, message...)
Example:
US English Czech target
Loading data... Načítají se data...
Period
Use the period to punctuate complete sentences within a text, unless another punctuation type (such as the question mark or exclamation mark) is required due to the meaning of the sentence. It may be used as an alternative to colon when a heading is integrated into the paragraph text and not separated visually. (Note that the same
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punctuation must consistently be used for this purpose throughout the entire text.) Period terminates abbreviations (such as str., a. s. or atd.), but not acronyms (CD, USB, ČR). It also indicates ordinal numerals. The period is normally omitted in titles/headings/subheadings, image labels, official names of organizations and institutions, address lines, after date/time values or names, on business cards, etc.
Quick basic rules for software localization:
Use a period at the end of a complete sentence, regardless of the source text punctuation. Don’t use a period at the end of a fragment, which does not represent a complete sentence, regardless of the source text punctuation, unless they are followed by other strings or sentences so they need to be graphically separated. Don’t use a period in the complete sentences that represent titles or headers. Don’t use a period at the end of complete sentences, if the text is a control (for example, radio button, checkbox) name. Don’t use a period at the end of a complete sentence, if the text ends with a placeholder (%s, %d, %2, %2!#010x! etc.) and you’re not sure of what it might be replaced with – i.e. don’t use a period at the end of a complete sentence, if there is a possibility that the placeholder will be replaced with a long enumeration (for example, list of entries) each on a separate line, or with a paragraph of text (for example, an error message), which would result in a period being misplaced, or two periods (i.e. your period plus the one from the paragraph inserted) in the text rendered in runtime.
en-US source Czech target
Form that can't be saved. Formulář, který se nedá uložit
You must first enter a valid phone number for Nejdřív musíte pro tento kontakt zadat platné this contact. telefonní číslo.
Quotation marks
Quotation marks are used when referring to direct speech.
In US source strings, you may find software references surrounded by English quotation marks. Don’t use the quotation marks for Czech for this purpose. In general, the quotation marks can be left out in most of the cases where used in the English source. However, if you need to use them, use ALT+0132 and ALT+0147 („ “) to type them correctly in Czech.
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Parentheses
In English, there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them (the same applies for Czech).
Except in code samples or snippets, use only round parentheses in Czech localized products.
US English Czech target
Use only round brackets (ALT+0404 and Používejte jenom kulaté závorky (ALT+0404 ALT+041). a ALT+041).
Slash
Slash is used in some measurement units (km/h, Mb/s...).
It’s also used to express posibilities. When there is only one word on each side of the slash, don’t use spaces. If there is more that one word on any side of the slash, use spaces on both sides of the slash.
US English Czech target
Czech/French/English česky/francouzsky/anglicky
Vážená paní / vážený pane,
3.1.11 Sentence fragments
For the Microsoft voice, use of sentence fragments helps convey a conversational tone. They are used whenever possible as they are short and to the point.
In Czech, sentence fragments can also be used and can be translated in a more live and natural way.
US English source text Not recommended Recommended (possible suggestions)
Proveďte tyto akce: Ukážeme si, jak na to: Here’s how: Proveďte následující Uděláte to takhle: kroky: Jak na to:
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Postup pro přidání textu: Chcete-li přidat text, Přidání textu: To add text: proveďte následující akce: Text přidáte takhle: Text přidáte takto:
Ještě chviličku a už to bude. You're almost done. Akce je téměř hotova. Už to skoro bude.
3.1.12 Split infinitive Thanks to the looser word order in Czech, split infinitives can be translated so that the adverbial is placed appropriately in terms of syntax as well as the Functional Sentence Perspective. Example:
US English Czech target
In order to correctly close the file, click here. Jestli chcete soubor správně zavřít, klikněte sem.
3.1.13 Style of strings describing the narrator text
Based on the consultation with the ÚJČ (Czech Language Institute), the style of the strings describing what the narrator program says to the users is the following:
English Czech
You hear "Search Bing". Uslyšíte „Hledat Bingem“.
You hear "Search Bing" and the focus is Uslyšíte „Hledat Bingem“ a fokus je v poli in the Bing Image Search box. Vyhledávání obrázků Bingem.
Uslyšíte „Zadejte jméno“. You hear "Enter a name". nebo Uslyšíte „Zadejte jméno.“. (less preferred variant)
These strings include text representing both option names and the whole sentences and thus, in order to preserve a consistent style, they should not be treated as the direct speach. So please use the correct inverted commas (Alt+0132 and Alt+0147) but do not use the colon. The fullstop after a sentence within the inverted commas is optional and less preferred.
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Also please always check if the narrator program is localized into Czech. For example, JAWS is not localized as of July 2016 so the narrator text should stay in English with the translation into brackets afterwards:
You hear "Search Bing". Uslyšíte „Search Bing“ (Hledat Bingem).
3.1.14 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces
All unit symbols should be separated from their respective numeric value by a nonbreaking space. This also applies to foreign currency symbols in the form of three- letter codes (such as EUR, USD or GBP).
Examples:
US English Czech target
12x14x24cm 12 x 14 x 24 cm
126 $ / 126 USD / 126 amerických dolarů (depends on context which possibility $126 is the best)
Where the numeric value + symbol is intended to be interpreted as an adjective (typical for some percentage values), the space between the number and symbol is omitted. With symbols other than percentage, it’s recommended to spell out such adjectives in words.
Important: Under no circumstances should there be a dash or a hyphen inserted to separate the number and the non-numeric component of the adjective.
Examples:
US English Czech target
3 m cable 3metrový kabel
50% discount 50% sleva
3.1.15 Verbs
For US English Microsoft voice, verb tense helps to convey the clarity of Microsoft voice. Simple tenses are used. The easiest tense to understand is the simple present, like we
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use in this guide. Avoid future tense unless you’re describing something that will really happen in the future and the simple present tense is inapplicable. Use simple past tense when you describe events that have already happened.
Czech tends to utilize more verbs than English, where verbo-nominal (incl. infinitive and gerundial) structures abound. In fact, the subject of Czech sentences is often omitted or implied, so verb phrases naturally carry more semantic weight. Keep this in mind: When your translated sentence contains multiple nouns (and possibly a verbo-nominal predicate), consider whether it could work better if a full verb (or a subordinate clause) is inserted.
In Czech, we use different voice, rather, not the tense. In general, use the active voice, which emphasizes the person or thing doing the action. It’s more direct and personal than the passive voice which can be confusing or sound formal. Sometimes, however, you might feel that the passive voice might be more appropriate.
US English source text Czech use of verb tense
When you save this document, it’ll be updated Když tento dokument uložíte, aktualizuje to include changes made by other authors. se, aby obsahoval změny od jiných autorů.
The settings will be changed. Nastavení se změní.
Be positive. Emphasize what customers can accomplish, rather than what they can't.
US English source text Czech use of verb tense Czech classic use of verb voice
The virtual machine will Virtuální počítač bude mít Virtuální počítač nebude mít not have network připojení k síti, až se tento připojení k síti, dokud nebude connectivity until this problém vyřeší. problém vyřešen. problem is resolved.
Sdílená nastavení budete Sdílená nastavení nelze We can't sync your shared moct synchronizovat, až pro synchronizovat, dokud settings until you svůj účet Windows Live ID neověříte svou e-mailovou verify your email address. zadáte pár dalších informací. adresu.
Sdílená nastavení budete Sdílená nastavení nelze We can't sync your shared moct synchronizovat, až ke synchronizovat, dokud ve settings until you provide svému účtu Windows Live ID svém účtu Windows Live ID a little more info for your uvedete několik dalších neuvedete několik dalších Windows Live ID. informací. informací.
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4 Localization considerations
Localization means that the translated text needs to be adapted to the local language, customs and standards.
The language in Microsoft products should have the "look and feel" of a product originally written in Czech, using idiomatic syntax and terminology, while at the same time maintaining a high level of terminological consistency, so as to guarantee the maximum user experience and usability for our customers.
The general style should be clear, friendly and concise. However, being friendly does not mean using overly colloquial language; always maintain a professional tone. In order to appeal to the intended audience of the Microsoft Microsoft voice, use contemporary, up-to-date style and terminology, close to what people actually say in everyday settings rather than the formal, technical language that’s often used for technical and commercial content.
Create Czech translation, which is friendly, approachable and conversational, but which at the same time still looks and feels professional (in other words, avoid being too formal, but also too informal)–the translator's task is to find a perfect balance between the two extremes.
Recommendations for translation
Descriptors in UI references
The standard general Microsoft style guide requires you to use descriptors almost in every situation. This also applies to the case, where there is no descriptor in the source text. Thus you, as a translator, sometimes need to do a lot of investigations to be able to use the right descriptor.
You’re now encouraged to omit them in certain cases, mainly in procedures.
The rules to apply:
• If there is a descriptor in the source, use it in the translation. • If there is no descriptor in the source, you don’t have to use it.
Examples:
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en-US text Recommended translation
Select Save... Klikněte na Uložit...
In the Help menu select Options. V nabídce Nápověda klikněte na Možnosti.
Klikněte na Start, přejděte na Všechny Click Start, point to All Programs, point programy, přejděte na Microsoft Office, přejděte to Microsoft Office, point to Microsoft na Nástroje sady Microsoft Office a potom Office Tools, and then select Microsoft klikněte na Jazykové nastavení sady Microsoft Office 2010 Language Settings. Office 2010.
On the Design tab, in the Themes group, Na kartě Návrh ve skupině Motivy klikněte na select the theme you want to apply motiv, který chcete použít.
For more choices, in the Themes group, Pokud chcete zobrazit další možnosti, klikněte ve select More skupině Motivy na Více.
Click the File tab. Klikněte na kartu Soubor.
Select Save. Klikněte na Uložit.
In certain cases, you may need/want to use the UI item descriptor to make the translation text clearer, however, this may not be so frequent.
en-US text Recommended translation
In Customize IPsec Defaults, in Key V okně Upravit výchozí nastavení protokolu IPSec exchange (Main Mode), select vyberte v části Výměna klíčů (hlavní režim) možnost Advanced, and select Customize. Upřesnit a klikněte na Přizpůsobit.
4.1 Accessibility
Accessibility options and programs are designed to make the computer usable by people with cognitive, hearing, physical, or visual disabilities.
Hardware and software components engage a flexible, customizable user interface, alternative input and output methods, and greater exposure of screen elements.
General accessibility information can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en- us/accessibility/.
For reference in Czech, you can check: http://www.pristupnost.cz/.
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4.2 Accuracy
The accuracy now needs to be focused more on the meaning of the sentence, not just on including every "key word" from the source text. Up until now, the accuracy factor meant that the translated text had to include the translation ONLY for the text, which was included in the source text (i.e. it was important not to add any extra text in the translation), and that it includes also every "key word" from the source text.
Don’t be afraid to be creative: you can add extra text or paraphrase the text, provided that you:
• Still keep all the source text "key words" • Still keep the meaning of the source sentence
Examples:
en-US text Example translation Comment
Crashes happen. Bohužel není vždycky všechno bez "Crashes happen" translated as The power goes problémů. Může vám spadnout „Bohužel není vždycky out. The network počítač, vypnou elektřinu nebo všechno bez problémů. Může goes down. vypadne síť. vám spadnout počítač…“
The words "protect your files" Protectyour files in Zapnutí automatického obnovení in this article title are not case of a crash–turn a automatického uložení (abyste included in the translation word on AutoRecover and nepřišli o soubory, když vám for word, but the text is rather AutoSave spadne počítač) paraphrased as „abyste nepřišli o soubory“
Note: This will not always be possible and the applicability of these instructions will depend on the text type. Based on the source text type and the level of context known, this may be easier to do in user-friendly messages or marketing materials, but you may still need to stick to the source text more and use the mere word-for-word translation for example in very technical types of texts.
Methods to avoid gender correct formulations
In general, it’s better to avoid gender correct formulations, but don’t be afraid to use them, if need be.
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en-US text Recommended translations Also possibble, but less preferred
Ano, jsou to moje změny. Ano, změny jsem udělal(a) já. Ano, změny Yes, it was me. Ano, změny jsou moje. jsem udělal/udělala já.
Note: Be careful if there is a non-zero ending. In these cases, you will need to use the whole word for the gender formulation of masculine and femenine.
Compare: udělal(a)/udělal/a and odešel/odešla
You can use Czech present tense for English present perfect tense, if applicable, to avoid the gender correct formulations.
Also possible, but less en-US text Recommended translations preferred
%1 has invited you to a party. %1 vás zve na párty. %1 vás pozval(a) na párty.
%1 has sent you a message. %1 vám posílá zprávu. %1 vám poslal(a) zprávu.
Phrases using the instrumental case like Klepnutím...
In the classic (formal) voice, phrases using the Czech instrumental case were quite frequent. Please try to avoid these structures using for example, subordinate clauses in order to contribute to the informal feel of the text.
Also possible, but less en-US text Recommended translations preferred
Tap again to stop Když klepnete znovu, nahrávání Dalším klepnutím nahrávání and send. zastavíte a můžete nahrávku poslat. ukončete a nahrávku odešlete.
Pull down to record Když posunete prst dolů, můžete Posunutím prstu můžete začít your first video. začít nahrávat svoje první video. nahrávat svoje první video.
Phrases using Pomocí
The classic (formal) voice also often uses phrases with Pomocí. These also sound formal so please try to replace them in the informal voice, where possible.
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en-US text Recommended translations Also possible, but less preferred
Call using Skype Volat přes Skype Volat pomocí programu Skype
Shared mailboxes allow Díky sdíleným poštovním Pomocí sdílených poštovních a group of users to schránkám může skupina schránek může skupina uživatelů view and send email uživatelů číst a posílat e-maily číst a posílat e-maily ve společné from a common ve společné poštovní schránce poštovní schránce a sdílet mailbox and share a a sdílet společný kalendář. společný kalendář. common calendar.
If you come across a term, which in your opinion needs to be changed, because it keeps you from reaching the Microsoft voice style (either because you find it too formal, or because it simply does not correspond to the way it’s mostly used among the product users), ask your language moderator or the person responsible for the product to issue a term change request.
4.3 Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics/traits of behavior to things) helps in making the software more personal, but should not be overdone:
en-US text Recommended translation Not recommended
Outlook is trying to get V aplikaci Outlook probíhá Outlook se snaží získat data. data pokus o získání dat. Outlook can’t find the Složka nebyla v aplikaci Outlook nemůže najít složku. folder. Outlook nalezena.
Skype creates a group Skype vytvoří skupinu Ve Skypu se vytvoří skupina and starts a new chat. a spustí nový chat. a spustí nový chat.
Also, you can use anthropomorphism, whenever you feel that the user might be offended by the "We" wording. If the following messages appear in Outlook/SharePoint, you can supply the app name instead of the "we" phrase to make the user feel more comfortable (so that they don’t feel uneasy about the fact that someone else, Microsoft, may be in control of their data)…
en-US text Recommended translation Also possible
We are trying to get your data Outlook se snaží získat data. Snažíme se získat vaše data.
SharePoint nahrává váš Nahráváme váš soubor na We are uploading your file. soubor na server. server.
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Note: You may not always know the application name, sothis may not always be possible.
Don’t normally use the first person singular ("já") when talking to the user from the computer or application point of view—one of the reasons being that you will be using a lot of first person plural ("we"). However, there might be some products like Windows Phone where this will be required so please always check the project instructions, as well.
en-US text Do Don‘t
Saving data… Ukládají se data… Ukládám data…
Searching folder… Prohledává se složka… Prohledávám složku…
4.4 Applications, products, and features
Product and application names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the future and are therefore rarely translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked, too (for example, IntelliSense™). Before translating any application, product, or feature name, please verify that it’s in fact translatable and not protected in any way. his information can be obtained here.
Version numbers
Version numbers always contain a period (for example, Version 4.2). Note punctuation examples of "Version x.x":
US English Czech target
ActiveSync version 4.2 ActiveSync verze 4.2
Version numbers are usually also a part of version strings, but technically they are not the same.
Recommendations for translating the product names
1. Declining product names
Microsoft voice will introduce the possibility of declining application names in Czech. It depends on how the product name is used. In some cases, it’s appropriate to decline the product name but in some cases the product name should not be declined and in this
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case an appropriate generic word should be used before the product name (this generic word should be declined).
en-US source text Recommended translations Comments
In Word ve Wordu
In Microsoft Excel v Microsoft Excelu
In Microsoft Access 2010 v MicrosoftAccessu 2010
In Outlook v Outlooku
Never decline the Office product In Office v Office name: With Office s Office v Officu, s Officem. Officy
In Internet Explorer 10 v Internet Exploreru 10 Thanks to SkyDrive díky SkyDrivu Using Hotmail pomocí Hotmailu in Lync v Lyncu in Skype ve Skypu
Search in Bing hledat v Bingu On Facebook na Facebooku On Twitter na Twitteru In Windows Server na Windows Serveru In SharePoint Online na SharePointu Online In SharePoint Server na SharePoint Serveru In SharePoint Foundation v SharePointu Foundation
In Exchange v Exchangi
With Exchange s Exchangem
Also:
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en-US source text Recommended translations Comments
Also Possible dokument Wordu dokument z Wordu Word document wordový dokument even dokument aplikace Word if appropriate in the context
Excel spreadsheet excelový sešit
Access database accessová databáze
Outlook file outlookový soubor
Office installation instalace Office
Note: Don’t use the "-ovský/á/é" endings ("wordovský," "excelovský," "accessovská," "outlookovský"), although they are also grammatically correct.
Whenever you’re not sure, ask your language moderator.
2. Handling application name placeholders
You can do the following:
• Structure the sentence in a way the declination of the product name is not needed. • Add a descriptor in front of the product name. • Add the inflection outside the placeholder, for example, (!idspnExcel_NV)u or Excel (displayed with grey font that differs from the rest of the words in the string). However, you can do this only in case you’re sure the product name that will replace the placeholder has a zero ending, like Excel, Word, PowerPoint. This procedure will not work with product names like OneDrive, OneNote or Skype that will need to change for the declination (i. e. drop “e“ at the end: OneDrivu, OneNotu or Skypu. Also if it’s not clear what product name will be used or if the version number/year is included we suggest not to use this option. • Sometimes strings contain placeholders that are editable (especially in the Leaf tool) so you can edit the placeholder directly and use the declination you need. However, the placeholders can be treated this way only if you receive the specific declination form list and instructions to do so from the project team.
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In other words, this means that we will decline product names everywhere where it’s as a normal text. If it’s in a tag, a non-editable placeholder, etc. decline it only when you’re sure what the placeholder will be replaced with and that it’s ok do decline.
en-US source text Incorrect translations
Chcete soubor radši otevřít v {0:Excel}u? Chcete soubor místo toho Do you want to otevřít v {0:Excel}u? open the file in Note: As you can’t be sure about the placeholder value, this might lead {0:Excel} instead? to a translation like this: Chcete soubor radši otevřít v Microsoft Excel 2013u?
en-US source text Correct translations
Chcete soubor radši otevřít v aplikaci {0:Excel}? Chcete soubor místo toho otevřít v aplikaci {0:Excel}? Do you want to Note: The variant with {0:Excel}u (without a descriptor) is correct only if open the file in you know that the placeholder will be replaced with the application {0:Excel} instead? name (without the version year). You can sometimes get this info in the Instructions field.
Exceptions: "Windows”, product names ending with a non-letter sign (Schedule+, Visual C++, Windows Plus!), product names ending with a pronounced diphthong (NetShow), product names pronounced in the way that the shape does not allow assigning of proper grammar pattern (Query, PhotoDraw).
These are not inflected, however, the descriptor is left out in phrases without predicate, in sentences where the product is not the subject (= the predicate does not need to be inflected to indicate the grammatical gender) or in sentences where the product is the subject but the predicate ending is the same for all genders.
To put it simply, just use Windows without the descriptor, unless you find yourself in a situation where you would have to figure out the gender and number of "Windows." So for example, neither "Windows požádaly," nor "Windows požádal" is correct—in situations like these, always use the "systém" descriptor in front of "Windows"— "systém Windows požádal."
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en-US source text Translations Comments
Activate so you can Aktivujte systémWindows, abyste Here, the descriptor personalize Windows. si homohli přizpůsobit. must be kept.
Enter your product key to Zadejte kód Product Key a aktivujte You can omit the activate Windows. Windows. descriptor here.
There are files on your PC that V počítači jsou soubory, které brání are preventing activation. You aktivaci. Budete si muset koupit You can omit the need to buy and reinstall a novou verzi Windows a tu descriptor here. new version of Windows. nainstalovat.
Windows search history has Historie hledání ve Windows je You can omit the been deleted. odstraněná. descriptor here
Windows can't set up a SystémWindows nemůženastavit Here, the descriptor homegroup on this computer. domácí skupinu v tomto počítači. must be kept.
Where do you want to install You can omit the Kam chcete Windows nainstalovat? Windows? descriptor here.
Note: Although many users say "Windowsy," this form is unacceptable.
3. Declining the Microsoft company name
You can decline the Microsoft company name—this has been approved by the Microsoft Czech subsidiary. The recommendation here is to use it for situations, where it really feels appropriate, for example, in marketing materials etc.
Examples of recommended translations:
Examples
OneNote od Microsoftu
Skype definitivně patří Microsoftu.
Soutěž Microsoftu o nejlepší aplikaci pro Windows Azure a Windows Phone pokračuje.
Na privátním cloudu od Microsoftu pustíte i Linux.
Microsoftu vzrostl zisk o 51 %.
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Note: Generally, it’s still perfectly OK to use the descriptor "společnost" ("společnost Microsoft").
4.5 Attitude
Be polite, supportive, and encouraging.
Use "please" in your translation—i.e. if you see "please" in the source, include it in the translated sentence as well.
en-US text Recommended translation Not recommended
Please wait while the server is Počkejte prosím, než server Počkejte, než server working on that. dokončí, co je třeba. dokončí danou akci.
Please contact your system Kontaktujte prosím správce Obraťte se na správce administrator. systému. systému.
Akce s duplicitním ID již An action with duplicate ID already V seznamu už je akce se v seznamu existuje. exists in the list. Please choose a stejným ID. Vyberte prosím Vyberte pro tuto akci different ID for this action. pro tuto akci jiné ID. jiné ID.
Include "sorry" in your translation, if you see it in the source.
en-US text Recommended translation Not recommended
We’re sorry, the service Omlouváme se. Služba teď není dostupná. Služba nyní není isn’t available right now. Služba teď bohužel není dostupná. dostupná.
We're sorry, but Je nám to líto, ale něco se nepovedlo. Došlo k chybě. something went wrong.
4.6 Color names
Standard colour names, along with swatches of each colour, are provided below.
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Names of colour hues
English Czech
Dark … Tmavě...
Light... Světle...
Bright … Jasně...
Pale … Bledě …
Medium... Středně …
Names of standard colours
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4.7 File extensions
To make the text clearer to the user, write file extensions with the dot (.) and with all small letters (.bmp instead of BMP). This makes the text more understandable, because while some file extensions are generally recognized (.jpg, .bmp, .pdf, .xlsx), other file extensions may not be so obvious (.wim, .iso, .bin, .cue) to the average user.
The rule here is: copy the style from the source text.
en-US text Recommended translation Not recommended
Open the .docx file. Otevřete soubor .docx. Otevřete soubor DOCX.
Now you can mount Teď můžete soubor.wim připojit. Teď můžete souborWIM připojit. the .wim file.
Format name abbreviations are OK to be left in capital letters.
en-US text Recommended translation
The image could not be loaded because it’s Obrázek se nedá načíst, protože není ve not a PNG or JPEG. formátu PNG ani JPEG.
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4.8 Geopolitical concerns Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolution of geopolitical issues. While the US-product is designed and developed with neutrality and a global audience in mind, the localized product should respond to the particular situation that applies within the target country/region. Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target country/region may occur in any of the following:
• Maps • Flags • Country/region, city and language names • Art and graphics • Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or political references are present
Some issues are easy to verify and resolve. The localizer should have the most current information available. Maps and other graphical representations of countries/regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city, and language names change on a regular basis and should be checked, even if previously approved. A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is required for checking the appropriateness of cultural content, clip art and other visual representations of religious symbols, and body and hand gestures.
4.9 Trademarks
Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn’t be localized unless local laws require translation and an approved translated form of the trademark is available. A list of Microsoft trademarks is here.
4.10 Progressive action
Use the reflexive "se" to express statements of progressive actions.
en-US text Recommended translation Not recommended
Waiting for server… Čeká se na server… Čekání na server…
Probíhá instalace systému Installing Office… Instaluje se Office… Office…
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Checking Kontroluje Probíhá kontrola kompatibility… compatibility… se kompatibilita…
Copying files Kopírují se soubory. Kopírování souborů…
Exception: If the subject of the segment is unexpressed, use the general style guide rule for progressive action.
en-US text Recommended translation
Saving... Ukládání...
Systém čeká... Waiting... Aplikace čeká...
4.11 Software considerations
This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, and other UI elements that should be consistently translated in the localized product.
4.11.1 Error messages
Here is an example:
Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user of an error that must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. The messages can prompt the user to take action or inform the user of an error that requires restarting the computer.
Considering the underlying principles of Microsoft voice, translators are encouraged to apply them to ensure target translation is more natural, empathetic and not robot-like.
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First you need to sign in to Windows with the corresponding Microsoft account.
English term Recommended Czech translation
Sorry, you need to have administrator Je nám líto, ale k instalaci tohoto softwaru privileges to install this. potřebujete oprávnění správce.
First you need to sign in to Windows Nejdřív se musíte přihlásit do Windows přes with the corresponding Microsoft příslušný účet Microsoft. account.
Please refine your search. Zadejte prosím přesněji, koho nebo co hledáte.
Udělejte si teď prosím čas a uložte si svoje věci. Please take a moment to save your Udělejte si teď prosím čas a uložte si svoje změny. work. Udělejte si teď prosím čas a uložte si svoje soubory.
Standard phrases in error messages When translating standard phrases, standardize. Note that sometimes the US uses different forms to express the same thing. These phrases commonly occur in error messages. When you translate them, try to use the provided target phrases. However, feel free to use other ways to express the source meaning if they work better in the context. Examples:
English Translation
Can’t … Nejde.../Nedá se.../Nemůžeme... Could not … Nešlo.../Nedalo se.../Nemohli jsme...
Failed to … Nepovedlo se.../Nedalo se.../Nešlo... Failure of … Chyba:.../Zjistili jsme chybu.../Našli jsme chybu...
Can’t find … Could not find … Nejde najít.../Nedá se najít.../Nemůžeme najít... Nešlo najít.../Nedalo se najít.../Nemohli jsme najít... Unable to find … Nejde najít.../Nedá se najít.../Nemůžeme najít... Unable to locate …
Not enough memory Nemáte dost paměti.
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Insufficient memory There is not enough memory There is not enough memory available
... is not available ...není dostupný/dostupná/dostupné/k dispozici. ... is unavailable ...není dostupný/dostupná/dostupné/k dispozici.
There's a problem with... Máme problém s/se...
Error messages containing placeholders
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to anticipate what will replace the placeholder. This is necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase. Note that the letters used in placeholders convey a specific meaning. Examples: %d, %ld, %u, and %lu means
4.11.2 Keyboard shortcuts
Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These letters refer to keyboard shortcuts, which help the user to perform tasks more quickly.
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Usage: is it Keyboard shortcuts special options Notes allowed?
"Slim characters," such as I, l, t, r, f can be Not preferred due to Yes used as keyboard shortcuts accessibility concerns.
Characters with downstrokes, such as g, j, Not preferred due to y, p and q can be used as keyboard Yes accessibility concerns. shortcuts
Only after all other possible Extended characters can be used as Yes keyboard shortcuts assignments keyboard shortcuts have been exhausted.
An additional letter, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as No Never a keyboard shortcut
A number, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as No Never a keyboard shortcut
A punctuation sign, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as No Never a keyboard shortcut
In extremely rare cases this is Duplicate keyboard shortcuts are allowed admissible. Each occurrence No when no other character is available must be individually approved by the project manager.
No keyboard shortcuts is assigned when no more characters are available No Never (minor options only)
Content writers usually just refer to “keyboard shortcuts” in content for a general audience. In localization, however, we distinguish the following terms:
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Term Usage
A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A letter or number that the user types to access UI controls that have text labels. Access keys are assigned to top-level controls so that the user can use the keyboard to move through the UI quickly. Example: F in Alt+F Example in UI localization: H&ome
access key
In keyboard shortcuts, most access keys are used with the Alt key.
The letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed. In UI localization, the key tip is the last character present in the strings after the “`” character. Example: In UI localization Home`H key tip
A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A key that the user types to perform a common action without having to go through the UI. Shortcut keys are not available for every command.
shortcut key Example: Ctrl+N, Ctrl+V In keyboard shortcuts, most shortcut keys are used with the Ctrl key. Ctrl+letter combinations and function keys (F1 through F12) are usually the best choices for shortcut keys.
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4.11.3 Shortcut keys
Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes that perform defined functions in a software application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and are sometimes given next to the command they represent. While access keys can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut keys can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.
Standard shortcut keys
US English Czech shortcut US command Czech command shortcut key key
General Windows shortcut keys
Help window F1 Nápověda F1
Context-sensitive Help Shift+F1 Kontextová nápověda Shift+F1
Display pop-up menu Shift+F10 Zobrazit místní nabídku Shift+F10
Cancel Esc Zrušit Esc
Activate\Deactivate Aktivovat/deaktivovat panel F10 F10 menu bar mode Nabídek
Switch to the next Přepnout do další spuštěné Alt+Tab or Alt+Tab primary application aplikace Alt+Tabulátor
Display next window Alt+Esc Zobrazit další okno Alt+Esc
Display pop-up menu Zobrazit místní nabídku pro Alt+Spacebar Alt+Mezerník for the window aktuální okno
Display pop-up menu Zobrazit místní nabídku pro for the active child Alt+- Alt+- aktivní podřízené okno window
Display property sheet Zobrazit stránku vlastností Alt+Enter Alt+Enter for current selection vybraného objektu
Close active application Alt+F4 Zavřít okno aktivní aplikace Alt+F4 window
Switch to next window Přepnout do dalšího okna v within (modeless- Alt+F6 Alt+F6 rámci (nemodální) aplikace compliant) application
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US English Czech shortcut US command Czech command shortcut key key
Capture active window Uložit snímek aktivního okna Alt+Prnt Scrn Alt+Prnt Scrn image to the Clipboard do schránky
Capture desktop image Uložit snímek plochy do Prnt Scrn Prnt Scrn to the Clipboard schránky
Access Start button in Aktivovat tlačítko Start na Ctrl+Esc Ctrl+Esc taskbar hlavním panelu
Display next child Ctrl+F6 Zobrazit další podřízené okno Ctrl+F6 window
Display next tabbed Zobrazit další kartu s Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Tab pane podoknem Ctrl+Tabulátor
Launch Task Manager Spustit Správce úloh a and system Ctrl+Shift+Esc Ctrl+Shift+Esc inicializaci systému initialization
File menu
File New Ctrl+N Soubor – Nový Ctrl+N
File Open Ctrl+O Soubor – Otevřít Ctrl+O
File Close Ctrl+F4 Soubor – Zavřít Ctrl+F4
File Save Ctrl+S Soubor – Uložit Ctrl+S
File Save as F12 Soubor – Uložit jako F12
File Print Preview Ctrl+F2 Soubor – Náhled Ctrl+F2
File Print Ctrl+P Soubor – Tisk Ctrl+P
File Exit Alt+F4 Soubor – Konec Alt+F4
Edit menu
Edit Undo Ctrl+Z Úpravy – Zpět Ctrl+Z
Edit Repeat Ctrl+Y Úpravy – Znovu Ctrl+Y
Edit Cut Ctrl+X Úpravy – Vyjmout Ctrl+X
Edit Copy Ctrl+C Úpravy – Kopírovat Ctrl+C
Edit Paste Ctrl+V Úpravy – Vložit Ctrl+V
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US English Czech shortcut US command Czech command shortcut key key
Edit Delete Ctrl+Backspace Úpravy – Odstranit Ctrl+Backspace
Edit Select All Ctrl+A Úpravy – Vybrat vše Ctrl+A
Edit Find Ctrl+F Úpravy – Najít Ctrl+F
Edit Replace Ctrl+H Úpravy – Nahradit Ctrl+H
Edit Go To Ctrl+G Úpravy – Zpět Ctrl+G
Help menu
Help F1 Nápověda F1
Font format
Italic Ctrl+I Kurzíva Ctrl+I
Bold Ctrl+B Tučné Ctrl+B
Underlined\Word Ctrl+U Podtrhnout Ctrl+U underline
Large caps Ctrl+Shift+A Všechna velká Ctrl+Shift+A
Small caps Ctrl+Shift+K Kapitálky Ctrl+Shift+K
Paragraph format
Centered Ctrl+E Zarovnat na střed Ctrl+E
Left aligned Ctrl+L Zarovnat vlevo Ctrl+L
Right aligned Ctrl+R Zarovnat vpravo Ctrl+R
Justified Ctrl+J Zarovnat do bloku Ctrl+J
4.11.4 The use of passive participles
Czech passive participle is often considered a bookish form. Use "the long form" of the respective deverbative adjective instead, wherever possible, or use the reflexive "se."
Recommended use of Not recommended use of en-US text verb verb
Almost done installing Systém Windows je už Systém Windows je již Windows skoro nainstalovaný. téměř nainstalován.
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This partition type isn't Tento typ oddílu není Tento typ oddílu není supported. Please select podporován. Vyberte jiný podporovaný. Vyberte jiný. another partition. oddíl.
Windows Setup is already Instalační program Instalační program systému running. Windows už je spuštěný. Windows už je spuštěn.
Tento kód Product Key Tento kód Product Key funguje This product key only works funguje jenom v počítači, pouze v počítači, který on PCs that are activated. který je aktivovaný. je aktivován.
Dashes will be added Pomlčky se přidají Pomlčky budou přidány automatically automaticky. automaticky.
Žádné změny, které jste Žádné změny, které byly Any changes made to your udělali v počítači, se provedeny v PC, nebudou PC won't be saved. neuloží. uloženy.
The installation was canceled Instalace je zrušená. Instalace byla zrušena.
4.11.5 Translating interjections
English interjections—words that have no grammatical meaning, but just signify emotions, such as "Aha," "Oops," "Wow," "Uh-oh" or "Whoops"—are now more often in the source text. These may be totally omitted in the translation, but sometimes you may feel that leaving them in the translation might just feel appropriate, or you can come up with a creative translation.
en-US text Recommended translation
Tenhle sešit se nám nepovedlo v prohlížeči otevřít. Oops, we couldn't open this Je nám to líto, ale tenhle sešit nám nejde v prohlížeči otevřít. workbook in the browser. Á, tak tohle nevyšlo. Vypadá to, že tenhle sešit nejde v prohlížeči otevřít.
Oops! You need to add a Aby se dal formulář uložit, musíte do něj přidat otázku. question to your form before A jsme tu zas. Ve formuláři totiž chybí otázka a bez ní se we can save it! formulář nedá uložit.
However, make sure you don’t blame the users as in:
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en-US text Possible translation
Oops! You need to add a question to A jsme tu zas. Zapomněli jste totiž do formuláře your form before we can save it! přidat otázku a bez ní se formulář nedá uložit.
NOTE: You’re encouraged to get creative to provide a translation which does not stick word for word to the source text, but always make sure you stick to the Microsoft voice rules and characteristics.
4.11.6 English pronunciation
General rules
Generally speaking, English terms and product names left unlocalized in target material should be pronounced the English way. For instance, “Microsoft” must be pronounced the English way. However, if Czech has an established pronunciation for a common term (such as "server"), use the local pronunciation. Pronunciation can be adapted to the Czech phonetic system if the original pronunciation sounds very awkward in Czech.
Microsoft must be pronounced the English way.
If numbers are involved, pronounce them in Czech language.
Example Phonetics
SecurID [sı’kjuər aı di:]
.NET [dot net]
Skype [skaip]
Acronyms and abbreviations
Acronyms are pronounced like real words, adapted to the local pronunciation:
Strict acronyms are pronounced like real words. They should be pronounced the Czech way.
Example Phonetics
RADIUS [radius]
RAS [ras]
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ISA [isa]
LAN [lan]
WAN [van]
WAP [vap]
MAPI [mapi]
POP [pop]
URL [url]
Other abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter.
Example Phonetics
ICMP [í cé em pé]
IP [í pé]
TCP/IP [té cé pé í pé]
XML [iks em el]
HTML [há té em el]
OWA [ó vé á]
SQL [es kvé el]
URLS
"http://" should be omitted; the rest of the URL should be read entirely.
"www" should be pronounced as [vé vé vé].
The "dot" should be omitted, but can also be read out. If you read it out, then it must be pronounced the Czech way, as [tečka].
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Example Phonetics
[vé vé vé majkrosoft kom lomeno c z e] http://www.microsoft.com/cze – or – [vé vé vé tečka majkrosoft tečka kom lomeno c z e]
Punctuation marks
Most punctuation marks are naturally implied by the sound of voice, for example, ? ! : ; ,
En dash (–) are used to emphasize an isolated element. It should be pronounced as a comma, i.e. as a short pause.
Special characters
Pronounce special characters such as / \ ˘ < > + - using the Czech approved translations.
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