ChatGPT vs DeepL: Which translation engine is better?

1. Introduction

The Dramatic Advancement and Background of AI Translation Technology

1.2. The significance of comparison

2. Overview of DeepL and ChatGPT

2.1. What is DeepL

• A machine translation service developed by a German company.

• While gaining high praise in European languages, we are also expanding support to Asian languages such as Japanese.

• The simple UI and the 'Glossary' feature make it easy to unify and manage technical terms and company-specific terminology.

• Free version There is a **paid version (DeepL Pro)** available, and with the paid version, API integration, increased translation volume, and management settings for translation data are possible.

2.2. What is ChatGPT

• A large-scale language model developed by OpenAI, characterized by a chat-style interface.

• Not only translation, but also text generation, summarization, proofreading, and chatbot functions Various language processing capabilities are possible.

• The ability to fine-tune the style and tone of writing during interactions is a strength.

• Free version and Paid version (such as ChatGPT Plus) There is a paid plan that offers priority access to the latest models (such as GPT-4), and you can expect faster response speeds.

3. Comparison of translation accuracy

3.1. Translation accuracy in everyday conversation and business documents

• DeepL
• Capable of consistently translating formal documents such as business documents and research materials.
• It maintains high accuracy between European and Asian languages, and is particularly strong in standardized business documents.
• There is a certain possibility of omissions or mistranslations (such as reversing the original meaning). This makes it difficult to use for highly accurate texts.

• ChatGPT
• The accuracy of the translation itself is high, and it is possible to flexibly specify the style and tone in a conversational manner.
• It is very convenient when you want to translate differently according to the purpose, from business documents to casual conversation.

3.2. Ability to Handle Technical Terms and Unique Terminology

• DeepL
• There is a glossary feature, and if you register company-specific terms or brand names in advance, it is easier to maintain translation consistency.

• ChatGPT
• With the background of large-scale learning data, it is capable of handling many technical terms.
• It is possible to instruct "please translate this word like this" during the conversation as needed, making it easier to provide supplementary explanations as well.

3.3. Understanding Context and Expressing Nuance

• DeepL
• It is well-regarded for document-based translation due to its precise handling of sentence structure and grammar.

• ChatGPT
• The strength lies in the ability to reflect requests such as "a slightly more polite nuance" or "more friendly" in real-time.
• It can be used as an assistant to refine translations while interacting in a conversational format.

Number of Supported Languages and Multilingual Capability

4.1. Languages Supported by DeepL

• It supports 31 languages and is particularly well-regarded for European languages.

• However, it is often not compatible with minor languages or region-specific languages.

4.2. Languages Supported by ChatGPT

• Translation is considered possible at a certain level in many languages, and it can partially accommodate minor languages.

• Since there are strengths and weaknesses for each language, there may be variations in accuracy.

5. UI/UX Comparison

5.1. Features of DeepL: Simple and Intuitive

• A simple operation feeling of copying and pasting text to execute translation, or translating the entire file.

• With fewer unnecessary features, it is easy to use for users who purely prioritize translation.

5.2. Features of ChatGPT: Interactive Interface

• You can change the quality and style of translation while conversing with AI in the chat screen.

• It is also possible to request "to translate technical terms including supplementary explanations" along the way.

• Tasks such as text generation and summarization can be handled together on the same interface.

6. Pricing Plans and Usage Types

6.1. DeepL Pricing Plans

• Free version There is a limit to the number of characters that can be translated, and care must be taken in handling the translation results.

• Paid Version (DeepL Pro) Features such as expanded character limits, API integration, and non-storage settings for translation data are available.

6.2. ChatGPT Pricing Plans

• Free version Access may be restricted when there is a concentration of traffic.

• Paid version (such as ChatGPT Plus) Priority access and use of the latest models are available.

• API Plan Convenient for companies and developers when performing system integration or large-scale processing.

6.3. Differences in Cost Performance

• As a dedicated translation tool, DeepL is also sufficiently powerful, but If you want to utilize it as a multifunctional AI for tasks like text generation and summarization, ChatGPT takes the lead. is easy to rise.

• Both In the free version, there is a possibility that the input data may be used for learning, so for business use or translation of confidential information, The use of a paid plan is recommended.

7. Security and Privacy Aspects

7.1. DeepL's Security

• Complies with strict European data protection standards, and the corporate plan allows detailed management of translation data storage and handling.

• Note that if you are using the free version, input data may be used for learning and quality improvement. If handling confidential information is strictly regulated by internal policies, consider using the paid version.

7.2. ChatGPT's Security

• Settings to limit log storage and options to ensure privacy for businesses are gradually being developed.

• Input data may be used for learning in the free version. Therefore, it is advisable to use paid plans like ChatGPT Plus or corporate plans when handling documents containing top-secret data or personal information.

7.3. Handling Confidential Documents

• translation data storage policy (whether it is stored on servers or used for learning, etc.)

• encryption of communication and control of access rights it is necessary to check. Using paid options like DeepL Pro or ChatGPT may allow settings that do not leave logs or exclude data from learning, so it is important to decide on implementation in line with company policies.

8. Use Cases Beyond Translation

8.1. DeepL's Extensions

• Translate documents such as Word and PowerPoint in bulk.

• It can also be integrated into internal CMS and workflows through API integration.

8.2. ChatGPT's Multifunctionality

• Text Generation : Create drafts for emails and proposals.

• Summarizing and rewriting : Condense long texts or change writing styles.

• Chatbots : Can also be used as an automated response system for inquiries and FAQs.

• Brainstorming : Support in various ways such as idea proposals and keyword extraction.

9. Report on Actual Usage Impressions

9.1. Comparison of General Text Translations

9.2. Comparison of Translations Including Technical Terms

9.3. Comparison of Long or Complex Documents

9.4. Pros and Cons from the User's Perspective

• DeepL
• Pros: Stable and high-quality translations, simple UI, easy to standardize technical terms with a glossary
• Cons: Difficult to utilize as a multifunctional AI, some languages are unsupported

• ChatGPT
• Pros: Can handle language tasks beyond translation, can reflect instructions in real-time through dialogue
• Disadvantage: There are cases where incorrect completions are mixed in the responses, so final confirmation is essential.

10. Summary

10.1. The strengths of DeepL and ChatGPT

• DeepL:
• It has a high level of completion as a specialized translation tool and is very stable.
• The glossary and simple UI make it invaluable for quickly translating business documents.

• ChatGPT:
• In translation, it stands out with exceptional accuracy and high flexibility.
• It excels in flexibility because you can interactively adjust the style and content.

10.2. Usage differentiation by scene

• If you want to perform highly accurate translations → ChatGPT

• If the main purpose is translation only and you want to strictly manage specific terminology → DeepL
• However, keep in mind that DeepL's Glossary feature may sometimes be ignored.

• If you want to consider applications beyond translation, such as email drafting, summarization, and chatbot applications → ChatGPT

• If you need minor languages other than European and major Asian languages → There is a high possibility that ChatGPT can cover it

• If extremely strict management of data handling is necessary → Use DeepL Pro or ChatGPT's paid plans (to ensure data is not used for training).

10.3. Future prospects of AI translation

• DeepL is likely to leverage its strengths as a translation-focused tool to enhance broader language coverage and customization features.

• ChatGPT continues to grow as a versatile language processing tool, including translation, and is expected to expand security and privacy options for business use.