Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for accurately translating instant messages in real time. The system includes a source computing device used to compose an instant message in a first language. Furthermore, the system includes a server connected to the source device through a network, the translation server translates the instant message to form a translated instant message in a second language. In addition, the system includes a destination computing device connected to the translation server through the network and the source computing device to receive the translated instant message, the destination computing device is used to edit the translated instant message to form a revised translation of the instant message. The system further includes an edits server connected to destination computing device through the network to receive and save the revised translation of the instant message for future translation of another instance of the instant message.