Airui Translation

How to Translate a Corporate Tender Document

Translating a corporate tender document—also known as a Tender Document or Bidding Document—requires accuracy, consistency, and a strong understanding of both legal and technical language. Here are the key considerations for ensuring a high-quality translation:


1. Core Principles of Tender Document Translation

1.1 Accuracy and Terminology Consistency
Tender documents are rich in legal, financial, and technical terms. It is essential to use standardized industry terminology to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

1.2 Structural and Formatting Consistency
The layout, numbering, and structure of the translated document should match the original. This includes tables, appendices, and clause references.

1.3 Legal Precision
As tender documents often carry legal weight, all contractual language must be translated with precision. Literal translations are preferred over creative rephrasing.

1.4 Industry Expertise
Translators should have a solid understanding of the relevant industry—be it construction, IT, energy, or engineering—to correctly interpret specialized content.


2. Common Sections and Suggested Translations

Chinese TermRecommended English Equivalent
招标邀请Invitation to Tender / Tender Notice
投标人须知Instructions to Bidders
技术规范Technical Specifications
合同条款Terms and Conditions of Contract
投标文件格式Bid Submission Format / Bid Form
评标办法Bid Evaluation Methodology
商务条款Commercial Terms
保证金条款Bid Security Clause / Performance Bond

3. Translation Workflow (When Working with a Translation Company)

  1. Project Assessment: Understand the industry, document scope, and timeline.

  2. Terminology Setup: Create a glossary to ensure consistency.

  3. Translation: Assign professional translators with industry-specific experience.

  4. Review & Proofreading: Have legal and technical experts cross-check the content.

  5. Delivery: Provide the translated document in a format consistent with the original (Word/PDF).