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This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
The client is unable to find category descriptions in the String Translation section of WPML for translation purposes.
Solution:
If you're experiencing issues with translating category descriptions because they do not appear in the String Translation section, we recommend using the Taxonomy Translation. Here's how you can do it:
1. Navigate to WPML → Taxonomy Translation.
2. Select the taxonomy you need to translate, such as Categories.
3. Locate the category and add your translations directly within this interface.
This method is specifically designed for translating items like category names and descriptions, providing a clearer and more direct way to manage these translations compared to the String Translation section.
If the category descriptions still do not appear or if there are any discrepancies, please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance. We also suggest checking out a related discussion on this topic at https://wpml.org/forums/topic/where-to-translate-category-description-text/.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case. We highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If the issue persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by pooladd 3 weeks, 5 days ago.

Assisted by: Mihai Apetrei.

Author Posts
June 7, 2025 at 1:14 pm #17115572

pooladd

Background of the issue:
I am trying to translate the category descriptions on my website using WPML.
I deactivated and activated all the plugins.

Symptoms:
I can't find the text in the String Translation section after scanning the entire site.

Questions:
How can I translate category descriptions if they don't appear in the String Translation section?

June 7, 2025 at 7:50 pm #17115832

Mihai Apetrei
WPML Supporter since 03/2018

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Bucharest (GMT+03:00)

Hi there, and thank you for reaching out!

We totally understand how important it is to get those category descriptions translated smoothly. If the texts aren’t showing up in the String Translation section, that’s actually expected behavior — category descriptions are typically translated in a different place.

The best way to handle this is to go to WPML → Taxonomy Translation, then choose the taxonomy you want to translate — for example, Categories. From there, we can find the category and add the translations directly in that interface.

This section is specifically made for translating things like category names and descriptions, and it gives us a much clearer view than String Translation in this case.

If anything still seems off or the description doesn’t appear even there, just let us know and we’ll be happy to dig deeper together.

PS: You can also take a look at my colleague's recommendation in this existing ticket here that is related to the same topic:
https://wpml.org/forums/topic/where-to-translate-category-description-text/

Kind regards,
Mihai Apetrei

June 8, 2025 at 8:07 pm #17116635

pooladd

Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

I’m facing another issue now.
How can I exclude the product category descriptions from being translated?
I’ve already translated them manually under Taxonomy Translation, and going through the process again would be very time-consuming for me.

Please find the attached screenshot for your reference.

Thank you,
Poolad

Screenshot_1.png
June 9, 2025 at 2:12 pm #17118746

pooladd

nohting