Localization platform that leverages previously translated content

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for translating textual content. The technique includes receiving a request to translate an element of source text from an origin language to a target language and searching a database for an element of matching text in the origin language that at least partially matches the element of source text. The technique further includes, if an element of matching text is found in the database, then reading from the database an element of previously translated text that is mapped to the element of matching text and includes at least one word that is translated into the target language, and transmitting the element of source text, the element of matching text, and the element of previously translated text to a location for translation, or if an element of matching text is not found in the database, then transmitting the element of source text to the location for translation.