The present paper provides some notes on the relation between human translation and machine translation. Using two contrasts, text type (dynamic general vs. controlled domain-specific) and quality requirements (high vs. indicative) a matrix of four types of MT circumstances are formed: 1) controlled domain-specific text and high-quality output; 2) controlled domain-specific text and indicative output; 3) dynamic general text and indicative output; and 4) dynamic general text and high-quality output. Each type is thoroughly discussed.