How to translate merch copy — Portugal workflow
5-step translation workflow to get your tagline, notecard, hangtag and EU multi-language label-pack ready in European Portuguese (PT-PT, not PT-BR), English, Spanish, French, German — proofed on the actual product before bulk print.
Step 1 — Source brief in English
Send the source copy in English with context: where it appears (hangtag / notecard / box-bottom / inner-leaflet), tone of voice, audience (employees / clients / partners), character limits, brand glossary (do-not-translate terms, preferred terminology).
Step 2 — PT-PT mother-tongue translators
We work with European Portuguese mother-tongue translators based in Lisboa and Porto for PT-PT (explicitly not PT-BR — different spelling, vocabulary, idioms). Plus EU-network partners for ES / FR / DE / NL. Each translator specialises in brand/marketing copy.
Step 3 — Glossary and back-translation
We build a project glossary in PT-PT and review with your local marketing or HR contact in Portugal. Critical claims (e.g. "Made in Portugal", "OEKO-TEX certified", "Edição limitada") back-translated to English. Glossary saved for future reorders.
Step 4 — On-product proofing
Portuguese copy printed on strike-off proof of the actual hangtag / notecard / box. Visual proof confirms font, kerning, accented characters (à á â ã é ê í ó ô õ ú ç). 3-day sign-off window from your Lisboa office.
Step 5 — Multi-language label-pack output
For pan-EU distribution: one label-pack with PT/EN/ES/FR/DE/NL, local language first, alphabetical thereafter. ISO 3758 care symbols reduce text load. Variable-data fields short to allow longest-language rendering.
FAQ — translating merch copy
Cost?
Short copy (taglines, hangtags up to 50 words): 30–80€ per language. Full label-packs: 150–400€ per language including glossary and proofing.
Machine translation?
For internal never-printed copy yes. For anything printed on merchandise no — brand voice and Portuguese idiom drift with MT.
Right-to-left languages?
Arabic and Hebrew yes, via MENA-network partners. Layouts mirror-flipped, font selection adjusted.
PT-PT or PT-BR?
Default PT-PT for the Portuguese market. PT-BR is a separate dialect — used only for Brazil-targeted campaigns by explicit request.
Claim compliance?
We flag obvious risks (e.g. "biodegradable" under EU Green Claims Directive); full legal review is your counsel's job. We can recommend IP/marketing law firms in Lisboa.