# Translation Strings

> Use when reviewing a codebase for internationalisation readiness, setting up an i18n library, or preparing strings for a new locale.

- Skill: `thedaviddias/translation-strings` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add thedaviddias/translation-strings`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/thedaviddias/translation-strings/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: thedaviddias (https://skillmd.com/u/thedaviddias)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/thedaviddias/translation-strings

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# Write internationalisation-friendly translation strings

Naive string concatenation produces untranslatable sentences because word order varies dramatically across languages. A pattern like "Found " + count + " results" cannot be translated correctly into languages where the number appears in a different position or where the noun form changes depending on the count. Bad i18n strings force translators to work around developer mistakes — or simply leave content untranslated.

## Quick Reference

- Never concatenate translated strings with variables — use named placeholders
- Use ICU MessageFormat for pluralisation, gender, and select patterns
- Keep translation keys descriptive and scoped to their feature context
- Extract all user-visible strings — do not hardcode any copy in components

## Check

Check whether translation strings use proper message formatting with placeholders rather than string concatenation.

## Fix

Replace concatenated translation strings with ICU message format patterns and ensure pluralisation is handled via the library, not conditionals.

## Explain

Explain why string concatenation breaks translations and how ICU MessageFormat handles variable word order, pluralisation, and gender.

## Code Review

Review components and utility functions for hardcoded user-visible strings, string concatenation involving translated text, and missing plural forms.

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For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance,
see `references/rule.md`.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/en/rules/javascript/translation-strings