# General Translation Python SDKs: t_fallback
URL: https://generaltranslation.com/en-GB/docs/python/reference/functions/t-fallback.mdx
---

title: t_fallback
description: Interpolate a string without a translation lookup in General Translation Python. API reference for t_fallback.

---

Interpolates variables into a message string without performing a translation lookup. Use it for strings that should be interpolated but not translated, such as content already in the default locale.

## Overview [#overview]

Call `t_fallback` with a source string and interpolation variables as keyword arguments. It returns the interpolated string, delegating to [`interpolate_message`](/docs/python/reference/functions/interpolate-message). Unlike [`t`](/docs/python/reference/functions/t), it never reads the manager or looks up a translation, so it works without an initialised manager.

```python
from gt_i18n import t_fallback

message = t_fallback("Hello, {name}!", name="World")
```

Signature:

```python
t_fallback(message: str, **kwargs: object) -> str
```

Import `t_fallback` from `gt_i18n`. It is not re-exported by the framework packages.

## How it works [#how-it-works]

* **No translation.** It only interpolates — it does not hash, look up, or fetch a translation.
* **Interpolation.** Variables are substituted using ICU MessageFormat syntax, including any declared `_gt_` variables in the source.
* **Error safety.** If the message cannot be formatted, `interpolate_message` returns the raw source rather than raising.

## Parameters [#parameters]

| Parameter             | Description                                  | Type         | Optional | Default |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------ | -------- | ------- |
| [`message`](#message) | The ICU MessageFormat string to interpolate. | `str`        | No       | —       |
| [`kwargs`](#kwargs)   | Variables to interpolate into the message.   | keyword args | Yes      | —       |

### `message` [#message]

**Type** `str` · **Required**

The ICU MessageFormat string to interpolate.

### `kwargs` [#kwargs]

**Type** keyword arguments · **Optional**

Variables to interpolate into the message.

## Returns [#returns]

**Type** `str`

The interpolated string.

## Example [#example]

```python
from gt_i18n import t_fallback

t_fallback("Welcome, {name}!", name="Alice")
# → "Welcome, Alice!"
```