Changing source string of a string translation

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

Problem:
The client wants to change the source string of a translation while keeping the existing translations intact on their website.
Solution:
We explained that it is not possible to change the source string directly through WPML, as this is part of the theme or plugin itself. To modify the source string, customization of the source code is necessary, which is beyond the scope of our support. However, for managing translations of strings, we recommend checking the String Translation section of our documentation.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend opening a new support ticket. Also, please check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, you can always contact us through the WPML support forum.

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Tagged: Custom Work

This topic contains 4 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by Lucas Vidal de Andrade 2 months, 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Lucas Vidal de Andrade.

Author	Posts
November 12, 2025 at 2:42 pm #17571430
yvonneH-2	Background of the issue: I have a string that is translated on my site hidden link using WPML. I want to change the source string while keeping the translations intact. Symptoms: No specific issue or error message mentioned. Questions: How can I change the source string of a translation while keeping the existing translations?
November 12, 2025 at 2:49 pm #17571491
yvonneH-2	origstring in plugin: _T('foo', 'domain') Already translated, I want to keep the translations but change 'foo' to 'bar' in plugin and WPML. Direct access to database or coding in php possible.
November 12, 2025 at 3:09 pm #17571542
Lucas Vidal de Andrade WPML Supporter since 11/2023 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Portuguese (Brazil) (Português ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+01:00)	Hey there, It's not possible to change the source string with WPML, as it's part of the theme/plugin itself. WPML is only responsible for showing the translated versions of such strings in other languages different from the source one. That would require the customization of the source code itself, which falls outside the scope of our support.
November 12, 2025 at 3:43 pm #17571776
yvonneH-2	That was not the question. Where is the WPML string translation for "foo" in the domain "domain" stored?
November 12, 2025 at 3:52 pm #17571806
Lucas Vidal de Andrade WPML Supporter since 11/2023 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Portuguese (Brazil) (Português ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+01:00)	Oh, I thought the question was "How can I change the source string of a translation while keeping the existing translations?". I apologize for any confusion. The answer is here: https://wpml.org/documentation/support/wpml-tables/#string-translation Check the string translation section.