Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Contents
What's New? .................................................................................................................................... 4
New Topics ................................................................................................................................... 4
Updated Topics ............................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
About This Style Guide ................................................................................................................ 5
Scope of This Document .............................................................................................................. 5
Style Guide Conventions .............................................................................................................. 5
Sample Text ................................................................................................................................. 6
Recommended Reference Material ............................................................................................. 7
Normative References .............................................................................................................. 7
Informative References ............................................................................................................. 7
The entire Style Guide has been reworked and modifications have been made to all sections.
Because of the new structure of this document, some sections of the previous Style Guide version had to be
moved to different topics.
The major change in this Ukrainian Style Guide is that the information from the Ukrainian Language Kit has
been integrated into this Style Guide.
Please find below a list of New and Updated Topics. Note that changes in these sections also apply to the
corresponding sub-sections.
New Topics
The following topics were added:
Language Specific Conventions
Updated Topics
The following topics were updated:
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions (topics related to each part of speech created, the
information contained in previous SG is sorted accordingly)
Localization Guidelines (updated topics; illustrated examples)
Normative References list updated
Percentages topic
Punctuation topic (information about dashes; examples in Comma with section)
4
Introduction
This Style Guide went through major revision in February 2011 in order to remove outdated and unnecessary
content. Some topics are considered to be "Core & Common" pertaining to all Microsoft products and
services.
5
Sample Text
-
, ,
,
. . 400 :
,
, .
.
-
,
, .
, , ,
, - ,
.
Microsoft ,
.
-
, .
.
:
: 01 2011
: . , (. , 13 , . ).
.
(044) 227 84 97 -
: abc@abc.com.ua.
: .
: 400 .
: -
: ,
. ( ).
.
: http://voipopp.vn.ua/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=428:-l-r-
&catid=49:seminars&Itemid=81
20 2011 16:00
6
Recommended Reference Material
Use the Ukrainian language and terminology as described and used in the following publications.
Normative References
These normative sources must be adhered to. Any deviation from them automatically fails a string in most
cases. When more than one solution is allowed in these sources, look for the recommended one in other
parts of the Style Guide.
1. . . ...
. .: , 1990.
2. . . , . . . -
, . : , 2005. 546 .
3. / . . . . . .
.: : "", 2004. 1440 .
4. - / . . . . .: , 2003. 1424 .
5. . . - . :
"", 1995. 304 .
6. ., ., . - -
. : "", 1995.
7. . . , . . , . . . -
: . . . . .:
, 1998. 892 .
8. - / .
. . . : "", 1995. 304 .
9. ( 22.12.2010 . 527).
Informative References
These sources are meant to provide supplementary information, background, comparison, etc.
7
Language Specific Conventions
This part of the style guide contains information about standards specific to Ukrainian language
Country/Region Standards
Characters
Country/region Ukraine
Lower-case characters , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Upper-case characters
, ,
Characters in caseless
n/a
scripts
Note on alphabetical order Alphabetical order is not necessarily indicative of sorting order.
The Unicode hexadecimal codes of the Ukrainian letters occupy the range from
Unicode codes 0410 to 0429, 042C, 044, 042E, 044E, and 042F, 044F. Plus 0404/0454 for
/, 0406/0456 for /, 0407/0457 for / and 0490/0491 for /.
Notes n/a
Date
Country/region Ukraine
Calendar/Era Gregorian
Separator . (fullstop)
Example 17.03.11
Example 17 2011 .
Example 17--11
8
Country/region Ukraine
Example n/a
Example , 17 2011 .
Example , 17 2011 .
Example 17 2011 .
d is for day, number of d's indicates the format (d=digits without leading zero,
dd=digits with leading zero, ddd=the abbreviated day name, dddd=full day name)
Abbreviations in Format M is for month, number of M's gives number of digits. (M=digits without leading
Codes zero, MM=digits with leading zero, MMM=the abbreviated name, MMMM=full
name)
y is for year, number of y's gives number of digits (yy=two digits, yyyy=four digits)
9
Time
Country/region Ukrainian
Days
Country/region: Ukraine
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10
Months
Country/region: Ukraine
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Is first letter capitalized? According to the Ukrainian grammar rules (in the beginning of the sentence, in
case of numerated list if the previous item ends with full stop etc.).
Notes:
Abbreviated form should be used only if there are technical restrictions to space, f.e. in mini-calendar
etc. In plain text use full form.
Month names in the Long Date Form column are listed in the form (Genitive) that should be used
together with the date: December, 22 should be 22 . Full month name would be
though (Nominative) listed in the Full Form list.
11
Numbers
Numbers consisting of many digits are divided into groups containing three digits each, which are separated
with spaces. The spaces between groups might not be larger than the space taken up by a single digit.
Longer numbers are separated neither with periods nor commas. Decimal value is separated from the integer
number with a comma. Fractional parts are not separated by spaces. Four-digit numbers and numbers
representing years, page numbers, etc., are also kept together.
Phone Numbers
Country/ International Area Number of Separator Number of Digit
region Dialing Codes Digits Area Digits Groupings
Code Used? Codes Domestic Domestic
Notes: n/a
12
Addresses
Country/region: Ukraine
Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this entry should under no circumstances be used in
examples as fictitious information.
Address Format:
Street, building number, apartment/office number Street, building number, apartment/office number
[State/region] [State/region]
City City
[Country] [Country]
EXAMPLES
. , 2
. . , 2
49001 .
49001
13
Currency
Country/region Ukraine
The digits come first, followed by a space and then the abbreviation .
Currency Symbol Position
(always in lowercase and followed by a full stop) or the symbol.
Negative Sign Symbol - (minus symbol). No space between hyphen/minus sign and digits.
Digit Groups
Country/region: Ukraine
Decimal Separator: ,
Decimal Separator Description: comma
Decimal Separator Example: 2,87; 0,697; 674,4
Thousand Separator: space
Thousand Separator Description: space
Thousand Separator Example: 1 000; 671 235
Notes:
Period is used in product versions only. Example: MS-DOS 6.22; Windows 3.11
It is acceptable to omit thousand separator (space) for numbers with 4 digits in their integer part.
Numbers not in regular text may or may not have thousand separators. For examples, values in Excel do
not have thousand separators by default for numbers but there is an option in Format Cells dialog to use
1000 Separator.
14
Measurement Units
Metric System Commonly Used? Yes
Temperature: Celsius
Meter
Decimeter
Centimeter
Millimeter
Capacity Hectoliter
Liter
Deciliter
Centiliter
Milliliter
Mass Ton
Kilogram
Pound n/a
Gram
Decigram
Centigram
Milligram
Mile n/a
Gallon n/a
Notes:
If the unit of measure is preceded by a number, there should be a non-breaking space between the
number and the unit of measure: 35
Use the quotation mark instead of the word for inches only when it is technically impossible to
use the full variant (for example, when there are length restrictions or the English source string with
the " sign to denote inches is locked).
15
Percentages
If the percent sign is preceded by a number, there should be a space between the number and the sign:
10 %. Do not split the number and the sign between different lines (use non-breaking space if possible).
Sorting
1. Capital letters and lowercase letters are equal. No distinction is made between them.
Sorting rules 2. Non-alphabetical characters (i.e. symbols like @ ! #) sort before the letters of the alphabet.
3. Digits sort after the non-alphabetical characters and before the letters of the alphabet.
(1040) (1072) (1041) (1073) (1042) (1074) (1043) (1075) (1168) (1169)
(1044) (1076) (1045) (1077) (1028) (1108) (1046) (1078) (1047) (1079)
(1048) (1080) (1030) (1110) (1031) (1111) (1049) (1081) (1050) (1082) (1051)
Character
(1083) (1052) (1084) (1053) (1085) (1054) (1086) (1055) (1087) (1056)
sorting order
(1088) (1057) (1089) (1058) (1090) (1059) (1091) (1060) (1092) (1061)
(1093) (1062) (1094) (1063) (1095) (1064) (1096) (1065) (1097) (1068)
(1100) (1070) (1102) (1071) (1103)
!
134
Examples of
sorted words
16
Geopolitical Concerns
Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolving of geopolitical issues.
While the US-product should have been 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
may occur
Some of these issues are relatively easy to verify and resolve: the objective should be for the localizer to
always have the most current information available. Maps and other graphic representations of
countries/regions and regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions.
Country/region, city and language names change on a regular basis and need to 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, body and hand gestures.
17
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions
This section includes information on how to apply the general rules of the Ukrainian language to Microsoft
products and documentation.
Adjectives
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Articles
General considerations
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
Capitalization
In English, it is a general practice to capitalize all first characters of the words in titles, names, etc, and
sometimes middle characters in words too. Bear in mind that this may be an error for the Ukrainian texts.
General rules
Localized names of protocols, services, packages, technologies etc. are not capitalized. Not localized names
have the same capitalization as in English.
English Ukrainian
The names of days, months, languages, nationalities, also adjectives derived from country names are not
capitalized.
18
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Calculator
The word "Internet" in compound words is not capitalized; it is capitalized when its an independent word
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Conjunctions
At the beginning of the sentence and after
the pause (period, comma, colon,
semicolon, dash, parentheses or elopsis),
despite the first letter of the next word:
,
, "OK".
,
, ,
.
19
In the sentence after the consonant if the In the sentence after the consonant
next word does not begin with letter: if the next word begins with letter:
'
In the sentence after the vowel if the In the sentence after the vowel
next word begins with any letter: if the next word begins with any
' letter, except , , , , :
.
.
'
NOTE! While choosing between and , remember that links the
words more closely
For the comparison of the notions
(contrast):
If the sentence already contains or
conjunctions:
Compounds
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
Gender
Avoid using masculine or feminine gender when referring to the user. Use neutral structures and select verbs
which do NOT discriminate any of the sexes.
Example:
English Ukrainian
Genitive
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
20
Interchange
The interchange of "-" appeared to be a problem in modern Ukrainian. Though the rules are determined in
official Ukrainian Orthography, they are contradictory and it's often impossible to apply them. In this case you
should use the following rules, which are the result of research work and consultations.
The main aim of this interchange is to provide facility of the Ukrainian written and oral speech, prepositions
and prefixes "-" are absolute synonyms.
NOTE! The slash does not denote a pause, so the interchange depends on the previous word
Exceptions list
Below is a list of words for which the interchange is not applied:
, , ( ) , , ( )
i
(but )
, , (all forms)
,
21
Remember that in some words the interchange leads to the change of the meaning:
, , , and , , ,
If the sentence contains the words in other languages than Ukrainian (f.e. product name in English) the
interchange depends on the last sound of previous word or the first sound of the next word (consonant or
vowel). To determine the sound use the phonetic transcription.
English Ukrainian
For interchange of conjunctions and prepositions see Conjunctions: Interchange of the conjunctions and
Prepositions: Interchange of /, //.
Modifiers
Please see Descriptors section.
Nouns
Accusative case
Ending of masculine gender nouns in accusative case depends on animated type (e.g., , but
).
Some terms within Microsoft products have declensional endings according to the non-animated type rather
than animated as it happens in usual speech, such as: wizard, agent, client, browser, explorer.
22
English Ukrainian
Verbal nouns
The rules provided here are for the verbal nouns denoting the processes. Such verbal nouns are created
using the stem and the - ending. Verbal nouns should be used to denote the process not the result of
the action.
English Ukrainian
Insert menu ()
(+)
23
Outlook
.
24
To denote the result of the process we do not use the verbal nouns.
English Ukrainian
Default settings ()
(+)
Please also note that in general we use the perfect verbs to create the verbal noun not imperfect.
English Ukrainian
EXCEPTIONS
We use , not
We use , not
We use [, ], not
- ending
English Ukrainian
25
Genitive case
Genitive Case for nouns of the II declension can be very treacherous. On one hand the rule itself is very long
and has a lot of exceptions, on the other dictionaries represent contradicting forms of Genitive case. So to
avoid mistakes do the following:
1. Use Genitive Case Glossary (below in this document).
2. Use the following rules from official Ukrainian Spelling.
Depending on their meaning nouns of the II declension can take the following endings in genitive case
singular: -, -, or -, -.
Neuter nouns can end only with - (hard and mixed groups), - (soft group): , ; ,
; , , , , .
1. The genitive singular of the following masculine nouns is formed by adding - (hard and mixed
groups), - (soft group):
People's names (first and last): , , , , ; ,
, , ; also personalized objects and phenomena: , , ,
etc.
Names of animals and trees: , , , , , , .
Names of objects: , , , , , , , ,
(and ).
Names of settlements and geographic places: , , , , ,
, , , , , .
Note: In compound names of settlements and geographic places -, - should be used if the second part of
the name is formed by the noun, which normally takes ending -: , ,
, , , , etc.
Other names of geographic places with a stress on the last syllable in genitive case form, and with
possessive suffixes -, - (-), - (): , , , , , ,
, , , .
Names of measuring units, units of weight, time, etc.: , , , , ,
( , ); names of months and days: , , (but
name of process), ; names of currencies: , ,
, ; numeric names: , , .
Names of machines and their parts: , , , , , .
Words of foreign origin, which describe structural components, concrete objects, geometric figures
and their parts: , , , , , , , , , etc.,
also terms of Ukrainian origin with suffixes: , , , , ,
, , , etc., but: , , and also , ,
(other types of terms see item 2.)
2. The following masculine nouns, which end with a consonant, take ending- (hard and mixed groups), -
(soft group):
Names of substances, mass, material: , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , , , , but .
Collective nouns: , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , ; here
belong the names of bushes and herbs: , , , , , ,
, , , (but ), also names of fruit trees varieties: ,
, , etc.
26
Names of buildings, constructions, rooms, and their parts: , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , ,
, , , but (mainly with a stressed ending): , , , ,
; -, - are used with nouns which describe architectural details: , , ; the
following nouns take both endings- -, - and -, -: and , and ,
and .
Names of institutions, establishments, organizations: , , , ,
, .
The majority of words which denote place, space, etc.: , , , , , ,
, , , , , , but: , , etc., also diminutive forms ending
with -: , , , .
Natural phenomena: , , , , , , , , , ,
, , .
Names of feelings: , , , .
Names of processes, states, properties, characteristics, formations, social life phenomena, general
and abstract notions: , , , , , , , ,
, , , (, ), , , , , ,
, , , (), , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , but: , ,
, .
Terms of foreign origin, which denote physical and chemical processes, part of an area, etc.: ,
, , , , and also philological terms: , ,
, , , , , , , , , , etc.
Names of games and dances: , , , ', , , ,
, , but: , .
The majority of compound words without suffixes (except names of animate objects): ,
, , , , , , , ,
, but: , .
The majority of prefixal nouns with different meanings (except names of animate objects): ,
, , , , , , , , , , ,
, , (), , , .
Names of rivers (except mentioned in item 1), lakes, mountains, islands, peninsulas, countries, regions,
etc.: , , , , , , , , ; , , ,
, ; , , , ; , , , , ; ,
; , , , , , ; , ,
, .
Note: The change of ending influences the meaning of some nouns: ( )
(), () (), () (), ( ,
) (' ), () (), ( )
(), () (), ()
(), () (), () ( ),
() ( ), () (), ()
(), () (), etc.
27
Genitive case glossary
You will find approved genitive case endings of the most common IT terms below. When different meanings
of the word result in different endings, the common IT-meaning is given.
'
' '
28
(
);
( ,
)
c (i.e. desktop)
29
'
()
30
()
Inflection
Plural Formation
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
Prepositions
Pay attention to the correct use of the preposition in translations. Influenced by the English language, many
translators omit them or change the word order.
Interchange of /, //
After vowel before the words that start: After vowel before the words that start with single
with two or more consonants; consonant (except , )
with or .
31
At the beginning of the sentence or row, after the pause At the beginning of the sentence or row, after the pause
that is conveyed by a period, comma, semicolon, colon, that is conveyed by a period, comma, semicolon, colon,
dash, parenthesis an ellipsis, before the consonant dash, parenthesis an ellipsis, before the vowel
' .
Before the words that start with a single If the word starts with two or more
consonant (except , , ) if the previous consonants and the first sound is ,
word ends with vowel , , , ,
Rules Examples
32
Rules Examples
nouns derived) as , , ; ;
, , ;
EXCEPTION: ()
NOTE! The preposition is not used in the following word combinations: (,
, ), (, , )
Special cases (, , )
The use of / prepositions is sometimes difficult due to Russian language influence. Whereas in
Russian the preposition is used, in Ukrainian there are more ways to convey the meaning:
Instrumental case without the preposition: ;
;
Preposition : ;
;
Preposition : ( );
( );
Preposition : '; ;
Preposition : ;
;
Preposition /: ;
(, );
Preposition : ;
;
Other wording: ;
.
33
Below is the table with the standard word combinations with the / prepositions
The Ukrainian preposition is used in almost the same context as in Russian, but there are more
prepositions to convey the meaning depending on the word combinations:
, + (G.c.) Proximity: ,
This preposition in Ukrainian cannot be used in the meaning "during" and to describe the
circumstances, which do not presuppose the presence of something nearby. For example, the Russian word
combination can be translated as ,
, , but not .
Pronouns
The frequent use of possessives is a feature of English language. However in Ukrainian try to avoid forms
, , , etc. where there is a choice. You can substitute with , e.g.,
or .
English Ukrainian-
34
English Ukrainian-
(+)
.
The settings you changed will not take effect until you () , ,
restart Microsoft NetMeeting. Microsoft NetMeeting.
(+)
Microsoft NetMeeting.
When "you/your" is necessary to indicate the direction then you should use it in the translation:
English Ukrainian
You are about to join a new meeting. You will lose the (+) .
messages that are currently displayed. Do you want to .
save the current messages? ?
Punctuation
Comma with
The word should be used with commas before and after it:
English Ukrainian
If is used at the beginning or at the end of an unattached clause, it is not separated with a
comma:
35
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Commas with
The phrase should not be used with commas.
English Ukrainian
Colon
A colon after alerting words like "Attention", "Warning", "Caution" should be replaced with an exclamation
mark.
English Ukrainian
Attention: () :
(+) !
A colon after the words Note and Example should be replaced with a period: . .
36
Remember to maintain the correct capitalization after the colon. The text may be capitalized in lists or direct
speech.
Slash
Avoid using slashes whenever possible. For example, in many cases you can substitute them with
conjunctions , or , , :
English Ukrainian
Slashes can be used when there are length restrictions (for example, in UI).
37
Usually if ellipsis is used in English UI elements, the localized UI also contains ellipsis:
English Ukrainian
The ellipsis also can be used to denote the range of values, f.e.:
10...5 C
Period
Missing trailing period is considered to be a language error when it is omitted in regular text (even if it is the
last sentence in paragraph/on page).
Follow the general rules of punctuation when translating plain texts, help content, online materials etc.:
The sentence should end with period unless its a title, heading, table column or row titles, picture
labeles etc.
For specific requirements for period use regarding UI items (such as tooltips, radio buttons, checkboxes etc.)
see Localization Guidelines
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used when referring to UI items, such as menus and commands, if they do not have
special formatting (bold, italic etc).
In the software, in product help and on web-pages use straight quotation marks (same as in English.) DO
NOT use single quotation marks.
In the documentation normally chevrons are used, inside chevrons straight quotation marks are used, e.g.
"".
Parentheses
In Ukrainian there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them.
Comma, semicolon, colon, En-dash and Em-dash are always placed after the closing parentheses. Full stop,
exclamation mark and question mark can be placed before the closing parentheses if these symbols are
related to the words in parentheses, or after the closing parentheses if these symbols are related to the
sentence in a whole.
After the closing parentheses at the end of the sentence the appropriate punctuation should be placed
(related to the sentence in a whole), independent of the punctuation in the parentheses.
38
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Template wizard ()
(+)
In case the source contains plural ending in brackets, use only plural in translation (unless singular is more
obvious). Do not add the plural ending in brackets and do not use slash.
English Ukrainian
Split Infinitive
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
Subjunctive
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
39
Syntax
This section does not apply to Ukrainian.
Verbs
In general remember that in Ukrainian its more natural to use verbs and verbal construction instead of nouns.
English Ukrainian
Do not use such word combinations as verb+noun if you can use verb only.
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
-, - suffixes
Try to avoid using these suffixes as they make the sentences less fluent.
40
English Ukrainian
If the next word stats with a vowel use -, if the word starts with a consonant use -.
English Ukrainian
Passive voice
It is recommended to use the passive voice form with impersonal verb forms (, endings).. The
object is placed usually at the beginning of the sentence in Accusative case.
English Ukrainian
But if there is an agent in the sentence the passive voice can not be used.
English Ukrainian
See the excerpt from Newsletter of Lviv Polytechnic National University Problems of Ukrainian Terminology
with the detailed explanation below (in Ukrainian):
-, -, ,
.
,
, , , : ,
.
, ,
(, ), , .
41
-, , -, -
, , (?) ( ,
).
-, , ,
. :
. :
.
-, - ,
.
In the sentences with negation after the transitive verbs it is recommended to put noun in Accusative (for
inanimate objects) and Genitive (for animated objects)
English Ukrainian
Pay attention to perfect or imperfect form of translated verbs. English verbs can be translated in either forms
in Ukrainian depending on whether it is a repeated or a single action.
English Ukrainian
Continuous operations
Continuous operations are usually expressed in English with a gerund which should be translated into
Ukrainian by either a reflexive verb ( ), construction with the word or verbal
noun:
42
English Ukrainian
Printing document
Downloading page
Converting file
The compound nominal predicate consists of copulative verb and noun, adjective or participle. In cases
where as copula the verb to be is used, the nominal predicate should be in Nominative case.
Example:
English Ukrainian
The choice of nominal predicate form is defined by its semantics: Nominative case signifies the permanent
feature, Accusative with the preposition () or Instrumental signify the changeable or indistinctive feature.
To simplify the choice of the case use the table below (not exhaustive)
Condition Case
43
Word Order
Please see Word Order section. In general, in Ukrainian localized SW and UA the order of actions,
commands etc. should be direct despite the English source word order.
Standardized translations
Auto
The prefix "Auto-" in terms related to IntelliSence technology will be translated with the prefix -.
English Ukrainian
AutoCorrect
AutoSearch
English Ukrainian
Multiplication Sign ()
(+)
Change Icon ()
(+)
Exception: at sign = @
Click
The verb to click in American documentation has the following meaning: to put the mouse cursor on the given
object and to press left mouse button. In this case this verb is used as a transitive one and it denotes a
certain action. While translating you have to use the word with question ?, for example,
. If it suits, when translating you can indicate the aim of this action, i. e. to indicate not
"how" to do this, but what is reached, for example, , supposing the user
knows how to do this.
44
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Drag, drag-and-drop
The verb to drag in American documentation is used to denote mouse moving with a pressed left mouse
button, thus indicating a certain action. When translating you'd better indicate the aim of action (what should
be done), at the same time leaving the reference how to do this. As a result of this you have to use the
Ukrainian word . The stem is a basis for reader, who can easily recognize a certain
action performed with the mouse.
In the cases when it's important to describe actions with the mouse you can use phrases
, but at that you should avoid to use too long phrases.
Below in the table there are given the examples of the most frequent usage of the verb drag and
corresponding Ukrainian translations.
45
English Ukrainian
To copy a file, hold the CTRL key while you drag the ,
file to a folder. , CTRL.
Audience
Please take the target audience into account when translating Microsoft products. For example, translation of
learning materials targeted at new users should be more direct and friendly than that of IT Pro materials,
which should be more formal.
The general rule is to make the translation fluent and understandable, be polite and consistent.
Style
Do not copy the grammatical structures of English source
English Ukrainian
If possible, replace the subordinate sentence with the participial phrase of past tense or adjective.
46
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
The range object is on a different document from () ' Range ' View
the view object .
(+) ' Range View .
Tone
In general please use formal tone, though in online materials the tone can be friendlier.
Voice
In general please use passive neutral voice rather than active voice, even if active voice is used in English.
English Translation
() .
You are now connected to the Internet. () .
(+) .
47
Localization Guidelines
This section contains guidelines for localization into Ukrainian.
General Considerations
The localized text should be as if it was originally written in Ukrainian. It has to be accurate, correct and clear.
To achieve that try to avoid wordiness and word-by-word translation.
Use correct and consistent grammar in all texts. If in doubt, see the reference books mentioned in
"Recommended Reference Material" chapter. The following are guidelines for consistent use in cases where
more than one solution would theoretically be possible, or where errors have been common in the past.
Accuracy: As a rule all English text needs to be translated. In some cases though, text can be omitted or
added; there should be a specific reason for that and you might need to check it with project team. The
translated text will correctly reflect product functionality.
Localization: Localization means that the translated text needs to be adapted to the to the local language,
customs and localization standards. For example, in many cases you would need to use Ukrainian names
rather than English, e.g. Edward , New York . Do not translate every word, but use
the style that is natural for Ukrainian.
Example: In the message "No line, thank you" not every word needs to be translated:
(+)
() ,
Consistency: Please ensure that all terminology is used consistently both within one component and across
different components (software, help, and documentation). In most cases terminology needs to be consistent
also across different products. Moreover please use consistent style and register and translate similar
phrases consistently.
Abbreviations
Common Abbreviations
You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space or
other reasons (such as avoiding grammatically wrong structures). Do not abbreviate words arbitrarily; use
only the commonly accepted abbreviations listed below.
(+) .
(+) .
(+) .
(+) .
(+) .
(+) . .
48
Expression Acceptable Abbreviation
(+) .
(+) .
(+)
(+) .
(+) .
(+) .
(+) .
' (+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
Generally localized term should be abbreviated if and only if source term is abbreviated. English
abbreviations should not be translated, except of very few common abbreviations, such as (PC
Personal Computer), (IR infrared). Try to add explanation word before abbreviated name of service,
protocol etc.
Sometimes English abbreviation is not quite clear. In this cases translate it as full name.
English Ukrainian
Qualified Certificate
QC
49
Accessibility
Microsoft provides people with disabilities (single-handed or with hearing or motion disabilities) with more
accessible products and services. These may not be available in Ukraine. Please check with your Microsoft
contact and remove these references from Ukrainian text if necessary.
Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Some well-known
examples are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), OLE (Object Linking and Embedding), or RAM
(Random Access Memory , ). In order for an acronym or abbreviation to make
sense, the full term should be spelled out at first mention and the abbreviation should follow the term in
parenthesis. E.g., Directory Enabled Networking (DEN).
Here are the general rules for the acronyms use:
1) Only use the abbreviation in documentation or in marketing materials after the full name is introduced, e.g.,
"Microsoft introduces Directory Enabled Networking (DEN)". After proper introduction you can use the
abbreviation.
2) Do not use the abbreviation in prominent titles or chapter headings.
3) Periodically use the full name in text of marketing materials or documentation.
4) It is OK to use the abbreviation as part of file names where needed.
5) Do not use the "TM" symbol next to the abbreviation.
6) Do not use the abbreviation prominently in advertising packaging, advertising nor promotional material.
7) Microsoft publications should follow our Microsoft abbreviation guidelines (see guidelines below).
Localized Acronyms
English acronyms with a well-known Ukrainian translation should be translated. No ending is added to the
acronyms.
Here are examples of some established Ukrainian abbreviations (they can be used without full forms):
RAM (+) ;
ROM (+)
OS (+)
PC (+) '
LAN (+)
50
Unlocalized Acronyms
Acronyms that do not have an established translation will be used as they are in English. The following
general rules apply:
No ending is added to the acronyms.
The gender of the acronym is determined by the main word in the full translation. In text normally use a
descriptor word (usually the main word from the translation) to provide for the declination, or otherwise use
neutral constructions. Descriptors can be omitted if there are length restrictions (for example in UI) or if the
translated text sounds awkward. The descriptor should not be omitted if it is impossible to determine the
grammatical form of the acronym (for example, its case) without it.
Please refer to the following table when translating word combinations that include English acronyms.
Translation of such complex words (the position of the acronym before or after the noun, and the presence of
a dash) depends on the noun.
(except when used with with a dash, after the acronym (+) RAS-, COM-
product names) Exception: COM+
(when used with product without a dash, before the acronym (+) UNIX
names)
(except when used with with a dash, after the acronym (+) DHCP-, RAS-,
product names) OLE-
(when used with without a dash, before the acronym (+) UNIX, Windows
product names)
51
Descriptors
In Ukrainian, you always need to add a descriptor before the names of objects, menus, commands, dialog
box elements, icons, etc as it provides for correct declension and number forms in the target text. Often such
descriptors are not found in English text.
In Ukrainian we use modifiers:
1) to avoid personification of programs, applications, tools, features etc.;
2) to standardize the translated text by declining the descriptor.
Example:
English Ukrainian
Click Save ()
(+)
Click Save ()
(+)
() Word [2]
Word is deleting file [2]
(+) Word [2]
Note: If the UI item is bold (or accented in other way, i.e. italic or underlined) there is no need to use the
quotation marks.
English Ukrainian
As a general rule, a product name should also have a descriptor in front of it to connect it grammatically with
the rest of the string/sentence. The extended descriptors listed in this table (like ,
etc) can be used optionally to avoid monotonous repetition of
and .
Access
FrontPage / -
Internet Explorer -,
MS-DOS ,
52
Product/Program Ukrainian product descriptor
Outlook
PowerPoint
Project
Publisher ,
Visual Basic
Windows ,
Word
Still do not overuse mentioned above descriptors, they should be used mainly in marketing materials,
descriptions, welcome texts etc. In SW and DOC try to use the standard ones as they simplify the sentence
structure.
English Ukrainian
The following rules should be used to choose a descriptor for a Microsoft Office product/component:
or descriptors should be used for standalone Microsoft Office applications
only. Examples of standalone Microsoft Office applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft OneNote, etc.
descriptor should be used for Microsoft Office server products such as Office SharePoint
Server, Microsoft Office Project Server, etc.
or - descriptors should be used for Microsoft Office services such as
Microsoft Office Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and Windows Live services etc.
- or - descriptors should be used for Microsoft Office web access
products. For example, Excel Web App and Word Web App.
or descriptors may be used for Microsoft Office editions/suites
such as Microsoft Office Professional and Microsoft Office for Small Business.
To reference the UI elements you should use the following standard descriptors:
53
English Ukrainian
Button
Command OR ()
Option
Checkbox
List item
Link
Microsoft product names and non-translated feature names are used without definite or indefinite articles in
the English language.
The rule is that product names are not translated if they include the word Microsoft and/or they are registered
as trademarks (e.g. Microsoft Draw or Microsoft Graph).
For the most current information on Microsoft trademarks refer to the Microsoft Trademarks web-page:
http://www.microsoft.com/About/Legal/EN/US/IntellectualProperty/Trademarks/EN-US.aspx
English Ukrainian
54
Localized Feature Names
Example:
English Ukrainian
Calculator
Try to translate file names in examples or sample file names, if there are no specific instructions to leave in
English.
English Ukrainian
Elegant Letter.dot .dot
Solutions.mdb .mdb
English Ukrainian
Unable to delete the .doc file () .doc.
() DOC-.
(+) DOC.
NOTE! This rule does not apply to the file formats list in File Type box or similar list. See the
screenshots below
In similar context the extensions in parentheses should be left as is, with a period.
55
Frequent Errors
Below is the list of most conflictive words, word combinations and phrases for translators.
English Ukrainian
(Asian text) () (- )
(+) (- )
The usage of conjunction , has a stylistic coloring, so you you should use the conjunction ...,
, which is stylistically neutral in Ukrainian.
English Ukrainian
In similar constructions you should use . In sentences more than a 100 the word is used.
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
56
(, )
Use for objects, menu items, UI elements etc. Use for abstact notions (method, way
etc.) or to choose between similar and peer options. The verb requires prepositions (//
choose from a list or set etc.; other cases /; if it's required by the nouns). The verb does
not require prepositions: select + noun in Accusative case.
English Ukrainian
() () ()
English Ukrainian
57
English Ukrainian
Use to delete/discard from the set, f.e. (delete from the list).
The verb means remove the possibility, f.e.
.
Use in all other cases, f.e. (delete the file).
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
58
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
The usage of the word in this context is wrong, you should use the word .
English Ukrainian
() (, )
The adjective in Ukrainian means faithful not correct. Do not use this adjective in this meaning.
To denote the presense of errors, malfunction, wrong performance use . that
does correspond to some rules, restrictions, requirements etc.
English Ukrainian
59
,
English Ukrainian
Use / for devices; for mode, function etc. use . The noun mode can
also be used with such verbs as and .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
60
Show Details >> () >>
(+) >>
When it's told about the low resources, you should use the word "" for such constructions.
English Ukrainian
, ,
. ,
. "allow" , "let"
. (. . ).
English Ukrainian
61
, . ,
.
() (+)
. .
Despite the fact that the superlative degree of adjectives can be formed in two ways, the
better variant is still to form a superlative degree using synthetic form.
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Danish ()
(+)
, .
62
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
, ( )
It is not allowed to use the words , , . Instead you should use the
word combinations , .
English Ukrainian
, ()
63
Note:
1. =.
2. .
3. () .
4. , .
English Ukrainian
(, , ) , , ,
English Ukrainian
64
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
With inanimates correct variant is . With animates both variants can be used.
English Ukrainian
65
, recording device, ,
--.
NB. Burner, Writer, Recorder .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
/ /
Correct is /.
English Ukrainian
66
You should avoid using the words , . Use of the other 4 variants is context dependent.
Concerning software we usually use . Noun is weaker and usually represents
translation of problem. Failure translates as , or .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
If it is about something temporary, the correct translation is , if not then . For such
cases you should always use .
English Ukrainian
Mixed Content ()
(+)
67
English Ukrainian
(?),
(? ?, ? ?).
English Ukrainian
() (+)
, . , .
Correct choice ( )
English Ukrainian
, ( ), .
, , , .
68
English Ukrainian
(,
). , : , ,
.
English Ukrainian
, . ',
() , ,
' . - .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
69
, .
English Ukrainian
Car Phone ()
(+)
, , (
).
.
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
70
English Ukrainian
The word combination you should use with legal documents, sertificates, in other cases
.
() (+)
, ,
. .
'
' .
English Ukrainian
( ) ( )
When the action names for buttons are meant better translations are and .
English Ukrainian
The usage of the word in context is a mistake; you should use the word .
English Ukrainian
71
- '
,
.
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Next Column
Next week
English Ukrainian
72
You should try to formulate similar sentences in tha past tence since these messages in most cases are
about already failed procceses.
English Ukrainian
You should avoid using in this meaning. It is considered to be a loan word from Russian. Instead
you should use . However, can be used in meaning .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Correct choice .
English Ukrainian
73
,
For such contexts the usage of the verbs and is incorrect. You should use the
verb .
English Ukrainian
( ),
( )
.
English Ukrainian
Passive Alert () c
(+)
English Ukrainian
74
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
. , , .
English Ukrainian
The usage of the verb is incorrect; you should use the word .
English Ukrainian
75
Correct choice .
English Ukrainian
The meaning of the noun is wider than the noun . The noun is used in
the meaning a problem, an issue, and the noun in the meaning a question.
() (+)
, . , .
( , )
English Ukrainian
...
English Ukrainian
New Subfolder ()
(+)
, '-
.
76
English Ukrainian
(, ) (, )
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
, .
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
77
English Ukrainian
. ,
, .
English Ukrainian
/ /
/ / , () / .
/ .
English Ukrainian
Fill Right ()
(+)
English Ukrainian
78
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
79
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
Popup ()
(+)
80
English Ukrainian
, ,
, /, / .
English Ukrainian
.
should, must. , .
English Ukrainian
The only correct translation for such context is ; is the influence of Russian.
English Ukrainian
81
,
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
'
' .
,
, .
, .
, , ,
, .
English Ukrainian
82
English Ukrainian
(+)
English Ukrainian
English Ukrainian
. .
English Ukrainian
83
is the Russian influence and its usage is inadmissible. You should use the word .
English Ukrainian
, ,
-. Installation ,
. ,
, ' ,
. , .
English Ukrainian
Despite the fact that in Ukrainian both conjunctions are used, a better variant for localization is conjunction
. If in the source sentence there a few conjunctions or, you can use conjunction .
() (+)
BUT: ,
, ,
..., ... .
() (+)
, ,
. .
84
You should differentiate the words and . In such cases you should use .
English Ukrainian
The usage of in similar constructions is the influence of Russian, you should avoid it.
English Ukrainian
created by merging () .
(+) .
() (+)
. .
, , , ,
() (+)
Microsoft Microsoft
Office, '; Office, ';
, , , ,
. .
() (+)
, , , ,
, , , ,
. .
85
2. In participial constructions when the usage of participle is impossible. You should take into consideration
that in Ukrainian the usage of participles is a rather problematic thing in spite of Russian.
In these cases you should use the conjunction .
() (+)
,
, , , ,
. .
, ', , ',
. .
English Ukrainian
,
,
English Ukrainian
Fictitious Information
Fictitious content is legally sensitive material and as such cannot be handled as a pure terminology or
localization issue. Below is some basic information and contact points when dealing with fictitious content:
Vendors and Localizers are not allowed to create their own fictitious names.
Fictitious E-mail Address
One fictitious e-mail address is available for Ukrainian: abc@example.com (for your reference: it used to be
someone@microsoft.com.)
86
Fictitious URL
The sample Web site address http://abc.example.com/, used in documentation and Wizards, is to be left
unchanged.
Recurring Patterns
Not applicable to Ukrainian.
Standardized Translations
There are a number of standardized translations mentioned in all sections of this Style Guide. In order to find
them more easily, the most relevant topics and sections are compiled here for you reference.
The importance of standardization
Frequent Errors
Standardized Translation
Standard Phrases in Error and System Messages
Frequently used expressions
Standard legal text
Unlocalized Items
Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldnt be localized. A list of Microsoft
trademarks is available for your reference at the following location: http://www.microsoft.com/trademarks/t-
mark/names.htm.
In English and Ukrainian, it is prohibited to use MS as an abbreviation for Microsoft (may only be used when
there is space restriction. So you can use, for instance, "MS Management Console" in these cases, and as
long as the whole name has been used beforehand.).
Unlocalized product names: The word "Microsoft" is not transliterated in unlocalized product names.
Localized product names: In localized product names we translate the word "Microsoft" using the following
pattern: <Translated product name in Ukrainian> (Microsoft).
Referencing Microsoft Corporation in text: The word "Microsoft" is translated as
when referring to Microsoft Corporation.
Legal documents: In the definition section include the following note: Microsoft Corporation (
) and use in the body of the document.
Referring products/programs/services etc.: When using the word Microsoft in combination with services,
products, web-sites etc. we do not transliterate Microsoft.
87
English Ukrainian
88
Software Considerations
This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, etc., which should be
consistently translated in the localized product.
User Interface
In general, you should always try to translate Ribbon tabs and groups using nouns in nominative case.
Below is the table with examples from the screenshot. Please note that verbs are substituted by verbal nouns
and the Home tab is translated as .
English Ukrainian
Home ()
(+)
Insert ()
(+)
Review ()
(+)
89
Where it is not possible to use a noun, use verb in the infinitive, or other parts of speech. For example, on the
screenshot below the group name Show/Hide is translated as two verbs (using verbal nouns would result in
a very long translation and possible truncation).
The same rules apply to menus translation: In general, you should always try to translate menu names as
nouns in nominative case.
Where it is not possible to use a noun, use verb (always infinitive) or any part of speech. For example below
is a screenshot of toolbar with UI items translated as verbs or verbal constructions.
Both ways are acceptable with one limitation: the translation should be consistent in one window and across
applications. For example, the screenshot below represents the wrong localization of toolbar (both verbs and
nouns used while it is possible to use the similar forms for all menus translations).
The preferred action to be performed with menu titles and menu items is (select), even if the
original ignores a similar recommendation given for English.
Commands
Command names should be consistently translated in all localized products; the same US term should have
identical translation in all localized applications.
90
Command names should be preferably translated as verbs, e.g., Save (), Cut (), Paste
(), always infinitive.
Many command names are translated as nouns, always nominative, e.g., List (). There are some
exceptions: About <program name> ( ), What is it? ( ?).
Pay attention to menu commands in the form of adjectives. Ukrainian adjectives, unlike the English ones,
have gender and number and it is impossible to localize single adjective correctly without having a context or
when the context require the adjective to be in masculine, feminine or neuter at the same time (this often
happens in menus). In these cases try to localize the adjective with verb or noun. See below example for
New command.
English
Ukrainian
When possible, try to use the following combinations of word classes in menus:
91
Menu title Menu items Example
The word classes of the US term and the localized term do not have to coincide, i.e. please do consider the
possibility of translating a verb as a noun or vice versa, if that improves the result. Adjectives are used
relatively rarely and adverbs only in exceptional cases.
Referring to commands
When translating dialog box interface you should remember that you are expected to use consistent
terminology and language style in all dialog boxes, not only within currently localized application. You also
need to ensure that your translations are consistent with translations in other localized applications. Take also
into account that currently not localized applications may be localized in the future and solutions adopted now
must be usable there as well.
This is particularly important when localising common (identical dialog boxes) found in several applications.
For example, see below screenshots of Insert Hyperlink dialog box in Word and Excel.
Microsoft Word
92
Microsoft Excel
The main titles of the dialog boxes should be the same as the names of the commands or buttons which
evoke them, for instance, if the command or button names were , or , the
dialog box titles should be as well , or .
If the command is translated as a verb, the dialog box title should be changed to a noun.
93
Dialog Box Tabs
Dialog box tabs should be treated similarly to dialog box titles (see above), plus obvious length constraints.
The dialog box tabs are either nouns, always nominative; or verbs, infinitive; seldom they can be adjectives.
See the examples of different forms below.
Please note that tabs can be horizontal or vertical, but in both cases they should be translated consistently
and referred to correctly (as to tabs, not list items or commands).
Pay attention to consistency with other tabs of the same dialog and with similar dialogs elsewhere. An
example of a common dialog box containing the same terminology the <Program name> Options dialog box
(Ukrainian):
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Referring to tabs
Group boxes
A group box is a labeled rectangular frame that surrounds a set of related control.
95
Verbal construction
Group titles usually are not grammatically connected to the options that follow. This means that the options
are capitalized as usual and their form does not depend on the form of the group title.
System:
Nouns, adjectives and questions are translated as nouns, adjectives and questions
96
Checkboxes and Radio Buttons
Check boxes and radio buttons that are verbs may be written as commands to the system or options
available for the user. Translate the former as normal commands and the latter noun
Check boxes and radio buttons that are nouns should normally be translated using the nominative case. Do
not try to make full sentences out of groups of check boxes.
In the case check boxes or radio button names form a list, they should not be capitalized:
In some cases check boxes names cannot be forming a list, in this case they can start with a capital letter.
For example:
Regardless of how US check boxes end with or without a period the Ukrainian translations never end with
a period unless they are complete sentences (unless it is a full sentence.)
The preferred actions to be performed with check boxes are (check) and (clear,
uncheck).
English Ukrainian
If the original does not mention the check box, and only refers to the item the check box applies to, then use
(check) and (uncheck) in reference to the items themselves.
English Ukrainian
97
Buttons
When possible, try to use verbs for command buttons. The word classes of the US term and the localised
term do not have to coincide, i.e. please do consider the possibility of translating a verb as a noun or vice
versa, if that improves the result.
Generally if the button name is verb, translate as verb; if the name is a noun, translate as noun.
Do not use nouns and verbal nouns for buttons where you can use verbs!
() (+)
Standard translation of such phrases as Reset to default, Use default settings etc. is
Referring to buttons
English Ukrainian
Dropdown lists/tables
The list titles and list elements usually cannot be grammatically connected and they do not take any inflection
to reflect connection between the list title and the elements of that list. Nevertheless try to make them as
grammatically connected as possible, for example, adjectives should have the same gender (feminine,
neutral or masculine) as the nouns they modify. F.e. on the screenshot below the adjectives in dropdown list
are agreed with the noun :
98
If the title of the list influences the list items translate accordingly:
Column and row titles in tables start with capital letters and do not end with any punctuation marks.
When the table items are complete sentences, each of them starts with a capital letter and ends with a
period. When the table items are not complete sentences, they normally start with small letters and do not
end with a period. However the whole column must be consistent, i.e. start with either small or capital letter.
Tooltips
Most of the buttons ToolTips have the names identical with the commands they represent. You should ensure
that this consistency is maintained in the localized software as well. If for some reason that rule doesn't apply
in English product, then the rule doesnt apply in Ukrainian either; you just translate the English text selecting
appropriate terminology.
UI item translated as noun tooltip translated as verbal noun + noun (different US source)
99
Please note that so called SuperTooltips consist of two levels: title and description. In the case of
SuperTooltip the title should correspond to the command (f.e. ) and the description may
de translated as verbal noun, verbal construction etc. Please see the example below. The main requirement:
the descriptions forms should be used consistently, i.e. if you choose verbal construction use this form.
Regardless of how the US simple tooltips end with or without a period tooltips localized into Ukrainian do
not end with a period.
SuperTooltips: titles should be translated without the ending punctuation (as simple tooltips). The description
part should end with a period.
Messages
It is important to use the correct Ukrainian style in the localized messages, and not just translate the US
messages. Standardize!
Avoiding wordiness
Do not use extra words if they do not add to sentence/string meaning and are not needed to complete
grammatical structure of a string.
100
()
?
(+) ?
Continuous operations
Continuous operations are usually expressed in English with a gerund which should be translated into
Ukrainian by either a reflexive verb or verbal noun or a construction with the verb "":
Please
The word "please" is often used in English sentences. In Ukrainian equivalents the literate translation "
" is out of place. Do not overuse it! If messages like "Please wait a minute" often appear on the
screen. They should be translated as "".
Welcome to
Translate as <application name> or omit and leave only the product
name as this string is usually a concatenated one and there might be a problem with grammar.
Status Messages
What is a Status Bar Message?
A status bar message is an informational message about the active document or a selected command as well
as about any active or selected interface item. Messages are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the
window when the user has chosen a menu, a command or any other item, or has started a function. The
status bar messages refer to actions being performed or already complete (for example in Windows Live Mail
below).
In English, the status bar messages have different forms dependent on the information they must convey. In
Ukrainian, the majority of menu and commands status bar messages should be translated using nouns. If it is
not possible/inappropriate to use a structure with noun, use alternative structures with verbs. In rare cases
(such as "Done" ) other parts of speech can be used.
101
English Status Bar Ukrainian Status Bar
Name Ukrainian Name Category
message message
(+)
Copy to Copies the selected items to
menu
Folder... a new location
(+)
New command Creates a new document
(+)
Word is converting the .
document. Press Esc to stop. Esc,
.
Done (+)
Insufficient memory .
102
Placeholders in Status Bar Messages
Whenever you find status bar message with a placeholder try to use the best possible translation that will
correspond to the source and will not violate the Ukrainian grammar rules.
Strings with number placeholders may require different grammatical forms of words in this string with different
values of the placeholder. One of the following two options should be used:
1. Change sentence structure so that it is grammatically correct with all possible values.
For such messages as %d messages change the word order to be show in Ukrainian as :
%d. Otherwise the endings will not be agreed with number in all cases. For example:
2. Use abbreviation
English Ukrainian
Error Messages
What Is An Error Message?
Here is an example:
Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user that there is an error that
must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. For example, the messages can prompt the user
to take an action or inform the user of an error that requires rebooting the computer.
103
Ukrainian Style in Error Messages
It is important to use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not just
translate as they appear in the US product. Try to standardize similar error messages.
Many error messages in English end with exclamation marks, but usually they should not be used in
Ukrainian. Exercise your discretion to decide whether exclamation mark is appropriate in Ukrainian translation
in each particular case.
When translating standard phrases, standardize. Note that sometimes the US uses different forms to express
the same thing.
In the table below you will find the most common constructions used in the error and system messages and
the recommended translations. These translations should be used in all new Microsoft translations and fixed
in legacy strings if such strings review is a part of the current translation/review project. There is no need to
request special/separate review to use the below translation in legacy materials as long as legacy translation
is correct.
Examples:
Are you sure you want to ... Are you sure you want ?
to delete the file?
attempted An unsupported
operation was
attempted.
You have attempted to .
access an unconfigured
device.
104
English Ukrainian English Example Ukrainian Example
Fatal Error
No system message is
available.
No error occurred.
105
English Ukrainian English Example Ukrainian Example
not currently available. .
Searching... ...
106
English Ukrainian English Example Ukrainian Example
for this device, or you
can use the name
supplied below. .
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to find out 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, see examples below:
%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means <number>
%c means <letter>
%s means <string>
Keys
The keyboard is the primary input device used for text input in Microsoft Windows. For accessibility and
efficiency, most actions can be performed using the keyboard as well. While working with Microsoft software,
you use keys, key combinations and key sequences.
In English, References to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys, appear in normal text
(not in small caps).
Key names that are usually typed on keyboard are left in English. In this case capitalize only first letter in the
key name. Key names that are not visible on most keyboards should be translated into Ukrainian. Namely,
this is the Space bar, Tab key and arrow keys.
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English Ukrainian
Enter Enter
Page Up Pg Up
Tab
Space bar
() (+)
Enter Enter
Alt Alt
OR
Alt
Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These
letters refer to access keys (also known as hot keys) that allow you to run commands, perform tasks, etc.
more quickly.
Whenever possible access keys should be assigned to Cyrillic letters or numbers not to Latin letters (so that
users don't need to switch to other keyboard layout.)
.
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Hot Key Special Options Usage: Is It Allowed? Notes
can be used as hotkeys are no other options (i.e. all other
character have hotkeys assigned to
them)
Additional notes:
1. Use the first character in the string (command, menu, label, etc.), e.g., .
2. In a string containing more than one word, use the first character of one of the following words, e.g.,
.
3. In compound words, use the first character of the second (or third, etc.) word element, e.g.,
.
4. In strings containing a rare or unusual character, use that character, e.g., .
5. Use the first available character, going from left to right, e.g., ("" is already taken by ).
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right arrow key moves
input focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left arrow moves input focus to the previous
control. Home, End, Up, and Down also have their expected behavior within a group. Users can't navigate out
of a control group using arrow keys.
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English Ukrainian
Up
Down
Right
Left
The arrow keys can be translated using the descriptor or avoiding it:
(+)
(+)
Numeric Keypad
It is recommended that you avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it is
required by a given application. In case which keys to be pressed is not obvious, provide necessary
explanations. For example: Ins . Or you can use the abbreviation
. if there is shortage of space, e.g., 5 (.).
Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes used to perform defined functions in a software
application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and they are sometimes given next to the command they
represent. In opposition to the access keys, which can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut
keys can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.
Help window F1 F1
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US US English Ukrainan Ukrainian
Command Shortcut Key Command Shortcut key
File Menu
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US US English Ukrainan Ukrainian
Command Shortcut Key Command Shortcut key
Edit Menu
Help Menu
Help F1 F1
Font Format
Paragraph Format
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Key combinations and sequences
While working with Microsoft software, you use keys, key combinations and key sequences.
Don't surround "+" sign with spaces, except one of the key names contains two words.
If key combination contains arrow key, write "" before key-combination, e.g.
Ctrl + .
If key combination contains sign key (+, -, *, etc.), put sign key name in quotas and surround "+" sign with
spaces, e.g. Ctrl + "-".
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Document Translation Considerations
Document localization may require some specific considerations that are different from software localization.
This section covers a few of these areas.
General Guidelines
Show all hidden text, field codes, and nonprinting characters at all times when translating Help.
Do not translate, delete or in any way touch any hidden text or field codes.
Translate one paragraph at the time. Do not delete or replace paragraph marks, they contain
formatting information which is crucial to the building process.
Do not translate or in any way touch footnotes or footnote indicators (K#$ etc.) unless you are
specifically instructed to do so, and given tools with which to do it.
Do translate double or single underlined text unless specifically instructed not to do so.
Definitions, keywords, index entries etc. must be in concordance with references in documentation.
Language Guidelines
Titles
1. In English the titles for chapters usually begin with "How to " or with phrases such as "Working with
" or "Using ". In the Ukrainian version of Microsoft documentation, try to use nouns or verbal
nouns whenever possible.
English Ukrainian
2. Headings for topics in Troubleshooting Help are often constructed after the pattern "I have done so
and so, but this or that does not happen". Translate these directly.
3. Headings in the form "XXX command, YYY menu" are translated in the form YYY,
XXX. These can often be longer, and parentheses are often used to separate the parts: "XXX check
box (YYY tab, ZZZ command, NNN menu)". This is translated as follows: XXX (
NNN, YYY, ZZZ). The parts within the parenthesis are always sorted in order of
action (first select menu, then command, subcommand and tab or button), even though the English
text is not always consistent in this respect.
4. The same form is used for Reference Help headings (e.g., for Visual Basic language reference).
Headings in the form "XXX method" are translated XXX, .
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5. Example headings in reference help are as follows: "YYY function example" is translated
YYY.
English Ukrainian
Print Property |
How? ?
Show me
Troubleshooting
Note(s)
To Press | Do this ()
See also .
Where paragraphs start with a phrase in bold type, followed by three non-breaking spaces, use a similar
appearance in Ukrainian as well. If the phrase can be considered a part of the following sentence, treat it as
such (don't capitalize the word after the three spaces). If it can't (i.e. words like Note or Tip), then add a full
stop after the word, preserve the spaces as usual, and start the next sentence with normal sentence
capitalization. For consistency, make the full stop bold if the preceding word is bold.
English Ukrainian
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Typographic Conventions
Consistent use of typographic conventions in documentation helps users locate and interpret information
easily. The following guidelines present specific typographic conventions which will be used in US and
localized print and online documentation. The US format should be followed as closely as possible.
Please note that typographic conventions for Help localisation may differ from those for software.
User Interface
User Input
Key names and combinations Initial Caps press Enter ... Enter
press Shift+F2 ...
Shift+F2
Cross-References
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Item Ukrainian English Example Ukrainian example
format
4, "Programming .
Fundamentals."
Miscellaneous
Always refer to UI components using the same form as appears in the UI, especially if the reference is
highlighted as bold text. This means that the UI component must not be declined, and a modifier must be
added. To select a suitable modifier, find out what kind of component is in question.
English Ukrainian
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Use the correct verbs while referring to UI elements. Please see the table below for the most used verbs.
Object Action
Word Order
As often opposed to English, when referring to a menu command first indicate the menu and then the
command
English Ukrainian
OK OK.
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Text type Ukrainian standard phrase
Alt+(underlined character).
Scroll screen
Pg Up Pg Down.
Drag -
, ,
.
Copyright
Copyright protection is granted to any original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression
from which it can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated.
Translation of copyright text should be consistent both within the product being localized and across
Ukrainian versions of Microsoft products. Important things to remember:
No changes in copyright text are allowed until English text is different.
The word "Copyright" is omitted in the localized term, only the sign is preserved.
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Standard legal text
English Ukrainian
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