translate

Translate English Markdown files while preserving formatting and frontmatter semantics.

1|Updated Jan 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/qmu/workaholic --skill translate-qmu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: translate
Source: https://github.com/qmu/workaholic/tree/main/plugins/core/skills/translate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/qmu/workaholic --skill translate-qmu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Translating English Markdown documents into other languages often leads to formatting drift, broken links, and untranslated technical terms. This Skill ensures translations preserve the original structure, frontmatter semantics, and code integrity.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Frontmatter translation: translate values only while keeping keys and structure intact.
  • Preserve formatting: code blocks, tables, URLs, HTML tags, and Markdown structure remain unchanged.
  • Output conventions: produce language-specific versions such as README.ja.md or parallel directories (ja/), maintaining consistent link structures.
  • Use Case: you want to publish Japanese docs for a software project without rewriting code or documentation architecture.

Quick Start

Translate the English documentation in the repository to the target language using the translate skill. For example, generate ja/README.md and corresponding translations for guidance, guides, and READMEs.

Frequently Asked Questions about translate

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I translate Markdown files while preserving frontmatter and code blocks?

To translate Markdown files while preserving frontmatter and code blocks, use this tool to target prose translation and keep code blocks, paths, URLs, and technical terms in English. It translates frontmatter values while keeping keys and structure intact.

What is the best way to localize English documentation into Japanese without breaking links?

The best way to localize English documentation without breaking links is to use a translation process that preserves formatting and enforces parallel translations. This tool maintains consistent link structures and outputs language-specific versions like ja/README.md.

Can I translate Markdown frontmatter values without changing the original keys?

Yes, you can translate frontmatter values without changing the original keys. This tool enforces frontmatter translation by converting only the values while keeping the keys and structural semantics completely intact.

Does Markdown translation support custom output naming patterns like README.ja.md?

Yes, Markdown translation supports custom output naming patterns like README.ja.md and ja/README.md. These conventions help maintain parallel directory structures and consistent link architecture across multilingual documentation.

Why does my translated Markdown documentation have formatting drift and broken links?

Translated Markdown documentation experiences formatting drift and broken links when the translation process alters structural elements. Using a tool that preserves Markdown structure, HTML tags, and URLs ensures the translated output remains consistent with the original.

What should I keep untranslated when localizing technical Markdown documentation?

When localizing technical Markdown documentation, you should keep code blocks, paths, URLs, and technical terms untranslated. This ensures code integrity and prevents broken links while translating the surrounding prose into the target language.