User Interface

Big Numbers

Characters like 万 and 亿 are impossible to translate in other languages, and writing code like {n}万 will create issues.

Example: If the 10.0万 in the image is written as {n}万, the localization won't be possible. 10万 equals 100k, and if translated as {n}0k, once n=100 or more, it could appear as 1000k, which is wrong in English. The same issue will propagate to all other languages.

Solution: Don't write code as {n}万 and {n}亿. Create a different numeric division system for non-Chinese languages based on individual grammar rules.

Chinese Discount Format (折)

Like big numbers, percentages written as {n}折 will not be possible in other languages. In Chinese, the discount is expressed by how much of the full price you'd pay, while in other languages, it's the value that's discounted.

Example: If 88折 is written as {n}折, the localization would be impossible. 折 can't be translated as "% off," as it would become "88% off", which is VERY different from the actual 12% discount.

Solution: Don't write code as {n}折. Create a different code for using {n}% where n represents the value of the discount and adjust according to linguistic needs.

% Value (%价值)

Avoid the x% Value discout format abroad. Some marketers assume that  by adding a big number, e.g. 1.000%, will draw more attention, but: 

a) this format is unusual, it has a high cost of understanding; b) it is not user friendly, as require an unusual calculation; c) it's ambiguous, posing legal risk. 

As thos format is unnatural abroad, people may refrain from buying if they are unsure of the benefit, which defeats the purpose of being persuasive.

Example: People would need to calculate 1.000% of $99.99, but even tho, they wouldn't be sure if  it is "pay $99,99, get $99,990" or if they get 1.000% on top of the original price (a total of $99,99 + $99,990 worth of items).

Solution: Avoid hard-coding using "% value" format. The most common formats abroad are discounts, either "{n}% Off" or "Original: {n} /Discount ed price: {n}", as they can convey the same message in a more clear and persuasive way.