12th Writing Lab - Trying Out Unreasonable Requests with My Own AI App - Official English Translation Edition

12th Experiment) What happens when you convert Japanese into official English?

Introduction

The product you ordered from an overseas shopping site was different from the description. You don't know how to operate the software you are using. You want to make a special request to an overseas hotel—.

In these situations, there are increasing occasions where you must communicate accurately in English. But have you ever felt that you are "not good at English," "casual English might be rude," or "unsure if Google Translate is correct"?

What is important here is that "translation" and "clear English" are different things.

Unlike translation tools that simply replace words, the [Official English Translation] button in Pro Max uses AI to read the context, intent, and nuance, and then converts it into formal, accurate English. Whether it is a complaint, a question, or a request—it finishes it into "clear English" that fits the situation at hand.

Even if you are not good at English, you want to convey your intentions to the other party without fail. The [Official English Translation] button meets that need.

This time, we will try it out in three situations.

Experiment 1: Product complaint to an overseas shopping site

First, let's look at a case where a product purchased from an overseas shopping site was different from the description. You need to send a message in English requesting a refund or exchange, and this is exactly when it is important to communicate in "proper English."
However, if you are not good at English, the hurdle is high, and even though it is something you have to do, just thinking about it being in English puts you under pressure.

Before Conversion

While the sentences are natural in Japanese, when translating to English, it is difficult to judge "how strongly to assert" and "what kind of wording is appropriate."

Google Translate tends to produce English that is close to the Japanese word order, which can sometimes appear a bit unnatural to native speakers.Pro Max understands the context of a complaint and converts it into an appropriate formal tone that does not cause misunderstandings for the other party.

After Conversion

Looking at the conversion results, the everyday Japanese complaint text has been reborn as formal English that can be used as an official complaint email to an overseas shopping site.

Let's look specifically at the differences from Google Translate.

Taking the expression "The product description and the content are different" as an example, Google Translate tends to produce a literal translation like "The content is different from the description on the product page". However, Pro Max converts it to "the items do not align with the product description provided on your website". "Do not align with" is a sophisticated expression used in business documents to mean "does not match," and it conveys the message to the recipient as an objective, fact-based report rather than an emotional complaint.

It is also noteworthy that "The size is also smaller than the description" is converted to "the dimensions are smaller than specified." By replacing "size" with the technical term "dimensions," ambiguity is removed, and the objectivity and persuasiveness of the complaint are increased.

It is also an important point that the emotional expression "Because it is completely different from what I saw in the photo" is converted to "As the items differ significantly from the product photographs." By eliminating emotion and organizing it as a logical basis, the structure makes it difficult for the other party to argue against.

Regarding "It would be helpful if you could respond as soon as possible," Google Translate tends to produce expressions like "I would be grateful if you could respond as soon as possible," but Pro Max converts it to "I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter". This is a global standard fixed expression for closing business emails, and it gives the recipient the impression that "this sender is accustomed to business".

Throughout, while maintaining the "request-based" tone of the Japanese, the "firmness" and "clarity" required for a complaint are woven into the English expression. This is a conversion born only from contextual understanding, which simple translation tools cannot judge. Even if you are not good at English, this one button completes English that conveys you to the other party as "someone who can properly assert themselves."

The following is the explanation displayed on the screen.

🔍 Explanation

• 🟦 Blue: Structural change 🟥 Red: Expression rewrite 🟩 Green: New addition

• 🔴 Expression rewrite
  I received the product I ordered the other day, but the description on the product page and the content are different. → I have received the order I placed recently; however, the product does not align with the description provided on your website.
  To use a sophisticated expression appropriate for a business document and to convey the situation clearly.

• 🔴 Expression rewrite
  The color is also different, and the size is smaller than the description. → Specifically, the color is incorrect, and the dimensions are smaller than what was specified in the product details.
  To replace size with the technical term dimensions and to describe it as an objective report of a defect.

• 🔴 Expression rewrite
  Since it is completely different from what I saw in the photo, I would like to request a refund or exchange. → Given that the item differs significantly from the images displayed online, I would like to request a full refund or an exchange for the correct item.
  To refrain from emotional claims and change to presenting logical reasoning and clear requests.

• 🔴 Expression rewrite
  It would be helpful if you could respond as soon as possible. → I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
  To change to a standard closing expression in business emails.

Experiment 2: Inquiry to Software Support

Next is an inquiry to the support team for overseas software. For technical inquiries such as not knowing how to operate it or an error not being resolved, if the English is ambiguous, it may not convey "what you are asking," and you may receive an irrelevant response.

Before

For technical inquiries, you need to clearly communicate three things: the situation, what you have tried, and what you want to know. While you can write naturally in Japanese, the structure is difficult when converting to English.

After

Looking at the conversion results, the Japanese inquiry text has been brilliantly restructured into professional English for technical support.

Let's look specifically at the differences from Google Translate.

Taking the expression "every time an error message appears" as an example, Google Translate tends to result in a literal translation like "An error message comes out every time." However, Pro Max converts it to "I consistently encounter an error message." "Consistently" is a standard technical term in the context of technical support to indicate a "reproducible issue," and it immediately conveys to the support representative that this is a reproducible, serious problem rather than an accidental error.

It is also noteworthy that "I don't know the cause" is converted to "I am unable to identify the root cause." By replacing the subjective expression "I don't know" with the technical term "root cause," the persuasiveness of the inquiry is increased.

It is also important that the casual expression "neither worked" is converted to "both have failed." It conveys a clear report of failure without ambiguity.

And the closing sentence, "Could you please advise on how to resolve this matter?" is a globally standard, polite expression for closing an inquiry to technical support. It is significantly more polite and clear than "How can I solve this?," which is a direct translation of "How can I resolve this?"

The structure of the entire text has also been organized. In Japanese, the order was "symptoms -> error details -> what was tried -> question -> version," but after the English translation, it was restructured to "symptoms -> error details -> what was tried -> version confirmation -> question," creating an easy-to-read flow that allows the support representative to address the question after grasping the situation.

This is the biggest difference from simple translation tools. It doesn't just replace words; it constructs English with an understanding of who is reading this text and for what purpose. Even if you are not good at English, with this one button, you can complete English that conveys you as a "business-savvy professional" to the other party.

The following is the explanation displayed on the screen.

🔍 Explanation

• 🟦 Blue: Structural change 🟥 Red: Rewriting of expressions 🟩 Green: New addition

• 🔴 Rewriting of expressions
  I started using the software last week, → I have been utilizing the software since last week. Upgrade casual expressions to formal business English / By using "utilizing" for "started using," professionalism and politeness are improved.
  

• 🔴 Rewriting of expressions
  Every time I try to export a file, an error message appears. → I consistently encounter an error message whenever I attempt to export files. Upgrade casual expressions to formal business English / Describe the subjective expression "appears" as an objective phenomenon.
  

• 🔴 Rewriting of expressions
  I don't know the cause. → I am unable to identify the root cause. Selection of technical terms / Adopt the term "root cause," which is clearer for business documents, to accurately convey the current situation.
  

• 🔵 Structural Changes
  I am using the latest version. → Please note that I am using the latest version.
  Optimization of sentence structure / By placing information immediately before the request, the prerequisites necessary for the other party to perform troubleshooting are emphasized.

• 🔴 Rewriting Expressions
  How can I solve this? → Could you please advise on how to resolve this matter?
  Reorganizing into natural word order and expressions for native speakers / By turning the question into a polite request form, it shows consideration for customer support and encourages a resolution.

Experiment 3: Special Requests to Overseas Hotels

Finally, we have special requests to overseas hotels. Whether it's a surprise for an anniversary or declaring dietary restrictions, requests to hotels require both "politeness" and "clarity." It shouldn't be too casual, but not too stiff either—that balance is the difficult part.

Before

In the context of an anniversary request, polite and warm formal English is required. Since Google Translate simply replaces Japanese with English, it is difficult to convey this nuance.

After

Looking at the conversion results, the polite Japanese request has been finished into formal English that combines prestige and warmth as a special request to a luxury hotel.

Let's look specifically at the differences from Google Translate.

Taking "Could you prepare champagne and flowers at check-in?" as an example, Google Translate tends to result in a literal translation like "Could you prepare champagne and flowers at check-in?" However, Pro Max has converted it to "arrange to have champagne and flowers placed in our room prior to our check-in."The expression "arrange to have... placed" is a natural and elegant phrasing for a request to a luxury hotel, and it is an expression more suited to the hospitality industry context than "prepare."

Regarding "My wife has a gluten allergy, so I would like to check if there are breakfast options," the sentence structure itself has been reorganized. In Japanese, the order was "reason -> request for confirmation," but after the English translation, it was converted to the order of "request for confirmation -> reason."In English business documents, it is standard to state the conclusion first, and the structure allows the other party to grasp the requirements immediately. This is a conversion born only from contextual understanding, which Google Translate cannot judge.

It is also worth noting that "It would be helpful if you could let me know in advance if this is difficult to accommodate" has been converted to "Please kindly inform us in advance should any of these requests be difficult to accommodate."By using the subjunctive mood "should...", it conveys the nuance of "if it happens to be difficult" in a polite tone that does not burden the other party. It is a much more sophisticated expression than literally translating it as "If it is difficult."

Even in a special situation like an anniversary, do not get emotional, and organize the requirements in a way that is easy for the hotel to handle—this is the essence of "conveying in official English."Even if you are not good at English, with this one button, English that conveys you as a "reliable guest" is completed.

The following is the explanation displayed on the screen.

🔍 Explanation

• 🟦 Blue: Structural Changes 🟥 Red: Rewriting Expressions 🟩 Green: Newly Added

• 🔴 Rewriting Expressions
  I am planning to stay for my wedding anniversary next month. → I am scheduled to stay at your hotel next month
  The ambiguous context of the Japanese was converted into clear English, and the subject and verb were specified to organize it into a proper format as a request to a hotel.

• 🔴 Rewriting Expressions
  Could you please have champagne and flowers ready at check-in? → arrange to have champagne and flowers placed in our room
  I upgraded a casual request into polite, professional business English suitable for a stay at a luxury hotel.

• 🔵 Changing Structure
  My wife has a gluten allergy, so I want to check if there are breakfast options. → please confirm the availability of gluten-free options for breakfast
  Optimization of sentence structure. By stating the conclusion—the request for confirmation—first and placing the reason afterward, I rearranged it so the recipient can immediately grasp the requirements.

• 🔴 Rewriting Expressions
  If it is difficult to accommodate, please let me know in advance. → Please kindly inform us in advance should any of these be difficult
  Conversion to natural business expressions for native speakers. By using the subjunctive 'should,' I changed the tone to a polite offer that does not burden the recipient.

Summary

Through these three experiments, it has become clear that the [Official English Translation] button is not just a simple 'translation tool'.

Google Translate is a tool for 'replacing Japanese with English.' It is fast and convenient, but it does not convert context, nuance, or the atmosphere of the situation. Whether it is a complaint, a request, or a question—choosing the English that fits the purpose and situation is ultimately a human job. Because of this, many people likely feel uneasy about sending Google Translate results as they are.

The [Official English Translation] button in Pro Max is different. The AI reads the context and selects the 'formal English that will convey the message most accurately to the recipient in this situation.' It crafts English suited to each scenario—resolute expressions for complaints, elegance and warmth for hotel requests, and structured compositions for technical inquiries.In this experiment as well, subjunctive constructions like 'should...' and technical terms like 'dimensions' and 'consistently' were naturally selected. This is something only an AI that understands context can do.

For those who are not confident in English, this leads to a great sense of relief.Being freed from the anxiety of 'is what I want to say really being conveyed?' allows you to press the send button with confidence. That alone significantly lowers the hurdles of communicating internationally.

And this is not just about business situations. Overseas shopping, hotel reservations, software support inquiries—now that global services have become the norm, everyone encounters situations where they need to communicate in English on a daily basis. If you find yourself worrying every time, thinking,'I'm not good at English... how should I say this? I don't want to make a mistake...'—the [Official English Translation] button in Pro Max solves all those worries.

I will continue the Pro Max experiments next time. Stay tuned❣️

We are currently preparing to make 'AI Writing Assistant Pro Max' available to everyone. Once it is released, please try it out and experience its convenience for yourself❣️

Writing Lab: Putting My Custom AI App to the Test
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