Handle plural forms

WEBLATE's pluralization feature enables accurate translation of quantity-dependent strings across different languages. This guide explains how to work with plural forms when translating content that changes based on quantity.

Understanding plural forms

Different languages have varying rules for plural forms.

While English typically uses two forms (singular and plural), other languages may require multiple forms based on complex grammatical rules, for example:

• English: 1 file, 2 files, 5 files

• Russian: 1 файл, 2 файла, 5 файлов

WEBLATE automatically determines the required plural forms based on your target language and displays the appropriate input fields.

The Pluralization panel

When working with pluralized keys, you'll see the dedicated Pluralization panel containing multiple input fields, each representing a different plural form for your target language.

The Other form

This is the primary required form used across all languages worldwide.

Every pluralized translation must include this form as it serves as the fallback for any unspecified cases. If you fill only the Other form and leave the others empty, WEBLATE will automatically populate the remaining forms with the Other form value. This ensures your translation remains functional while you work on completing all forms.

Default value

Under each plural form input field, you'll see the default value (typically the English source text). The display logic works as follows:

• If your target language has more plural forms than the source language (for example, Russian with 4 forms vs English with 2), default values will only appear under the corresponding number of forms.

• When no default translation is present in your target language, only English translations are displayed, maintaining the existing logic.

Translation workflow

1

Access the Pluralization panel

On the Translations page, click the right arrow icon near a corresponding key.

You'll see the pluralization tab where applicable. If not, only the Info tab is available.

2

Fill in the plural forms

1. Start with translating the Other form, as this is required for all languages. If you fill only the Other form and leave the others empty, WEBLATE will automatically populate the remaining forms with the Other form value. This ensures your translation remains functional while you work on completing all forms.

2. For languages requiring multiple forms, ensure every field is properly filled before saving. Though this step isn't mandatory, leaving some fields empty may result in incomplete translations depending on your target language requirements.

3

Save changes

All modifications within the Pluralization panel must be saved manually using the Save changes button.

The system will not automatically save changes as you type, allowing you to work on multiple forms before committing your translations.

Best practices

When working with plural forms, consider the following:

• Review all forms together: Since all forms for a key are displayed simultaneously, use this opportunity to ensure consistency in terminology and style.

• Use contextual guidance: Each form includes labels and tooltips explaining when that particular form should be used.

• Test with numbers: Consider how your translations will appear with different quantities (1 item, 2 items, 5 items, 100 items).

• Complete all required forms: Ensure all forms are filled for languages that require complete sets.

• Verify Other form: Always provide a translation for the Other form as it serves as the universal fallback.

• Save regularly: Remember to manually save your changes using the Save changes button.