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

Problem:
You are unable to save translations in WPML because the HTML entity   is required in French for spacing before colons, but not in English, causing issues when translating and saving content.
Solution:
We acknowledge that WPML currently expects translations to maintain the same HTML markers across languages. We have noted your feedback for a feature request to change this behavior. In the meantime, we recommend two workarounds:
1. Use CSS to hide the   entity in the English version of your content. This approach allows you to maintain the entity in French while visually omitting it in English.
2. Consider using a manual translation method for pages where this issue persists. You can find more information on using different translation editors here: Using Different Translation Editors for Different Pages.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it becomes outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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. Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to open a new support ticket at WPML Support Forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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Last updated by Dražen 1 week, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author Posts
February 10, 2025 at 4:43 pm #16688831

Philippe

Background of the issue:
I am trying to translate my content using WPML. I made a short video to show you what I get: hidden link

Symptoms:
I can't save the translation because in French I use   because there needs to be a space before the : but not in English. When I translate the French text to English, it will not let me save because I did not insert the in the English text.

Questions:
How can I save the translation without inserting in the English text?

February 11, 2025 at 7:50 am #16690166

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello,

thanks for contacting us.

I am afraid that is expected since we expect for translation to be the same for both languages and use the same HTML markers. We do have a feature request to change this and I will add your vote.

As a workaround best I can suggest is to hide it with CSS on your 2nd language if you do not need it, or use a manual translation method:

https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-different-translation-editors-for-different-pages/

Regards,
Drazen