Google Translate vs contract risk review — what freelancers actually need
You pasted the MSA into Google Translate — “looks fine.” Two months later: payment upon acceptance with no deadline, uncapped indemnity, work for hire on code you reuse.
Word translation does not explain consequences. You need risk structure.
What MT does well
- Fast gist of a paragraph
- Email context and section headers
- Free “rough read”
Where contracts break MT
| English | Literal feel | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| indemnify and hold harmless | reimburse + protect | You pay client losses, maybe uncapped |
| sole discretion | their choice only | They decide if work is accepted |
| time is of the essence | time matters | Delay = material breach |
| entire agreement | this is all | Verbal sales promises dead |
“Meaningful review” ≠ translation
- Red flags — payment, IP, liability, termination
- What could happen if you sign as-is
- Questions to send the client
Contractoor does this on PDF/DOCX with explanations in EN, RU, 中文, etc.
When you need a human translator
Bank, visa, court → certified translation. For sign today or not → AI review first, lawyer on hot sections.
Informational only, not legal advice.