Google Translate is probably the most popular translation software out there—and for good reason. The tool includes a wide range of features and is constantly being improved, with Google always adding new options. Whether you're just starting out with Google Translate or you're a seasoned user, this comprehensive list of tips and tricks will help you get the most out of the service.
What popular languages does Google Translate support?
As of November 2021, Google Translate supports 109 languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Icelandic, Malay, Nepali, and Thai, to name a few. While Google Translate can translate across multiple forms of text and media, these features are not supported in all languages. For example, voice input is limited to only 45 of the listed languages.
How to access Google Translate
The best way to experience Google Translate (Android | iOS) is through your mobile device, as it offers the most features. However, some options are only available in your browser.
Google Translate is also available in some web browsers as an extension. You can get it at Chrome (Directly from Google) and Firefox, as well as in Opera, although its scope is more limited.
How to translate text using Google Translate
The ability to easily translate text is a key feature of Google Translate. Whether you're using your web browser on a computer or a mobile device, the steps are very similar.
On your desktop, go to the page Google Translate Or you can simply type something like “translate in French” into the search bar to bring up the Google search box for you.
On mobile, simply open the app or use your browser to bring up the Google Translate box.
- On the left side of the screen, manually select the source language or the language you want to translate from.
- It's your choice whether to leave the default "Detect Language" enabled and paste or simply type in your own text. Google Translate will detect any language, but if you want to be sure it's correct, select the language yourself.
- On the right side of the screen, select Target language , which language you are translating into.
4. Paste or type your text into the The first square.
5. The translation should immediately appear in the box below.
6. Copy the translation by clicking the button below it, then paste it anywhere – for example, in a conversation you're having or in a Word document.
How to translate handwriting with Google Translate
On mobile, you can manually type the text you want to translate. Follow these instructions:
- Click on the icon the pen Below the target language.
2. A new window will appear with the prompt. Write here Underneath it.
3. Use your finger To write in the source language (in this case, English).
4. The translation below should appear in real time during Writing the text.
5. Once the translation is complete, you can click the icon. Loudspeaker located below the target language and is pronunciation of phrases.
This makes it much easier to ask questions when interacting with someone who doesn't speak your language. This could be a coworker or someone you met while traveling abroad.
How to translate speech in Google Translate
You may not know this, but it's possible for translations to rely solely on your voice. Continuing with the example above, you can decipher what a foreigner you meet while traveling is saying simply by asking them to speak near your phone. It's possible to use your voice as translation input even if you're using Google Translate on your desktop, but the mobile alternative is much more useful.
- click on the button Loudspeaker On the right.
2. Start speaking as clearly as possible in the source language. If nothing appears, press the button. Speak now In the middle. The app will convert your speech to text.
3. Once Translation appears Edit any errors that may have crept in.
On mobile, you also have the option to copy. Just note that translation doesn't yet have a copy option in any language.
- In the mobile translation app, tap Transcribe icon located below the text box.
2. Select Speaker's language in the upper left.
3. In the top left, select Translation language.
4. If you already have a voice recording ready, start playing it. Your phone should automatically begin translating the conversation. The results will appear immediately.
How to translate images using Google Translate
You can also use images in Google Translate, translating any text they contain in seconds. This is another option available only on mobile. Again, it's an invaluable tool when you're traveling abroad and might be looking to decipher text from a menu.
- Open an app Google Translate For mobile, click on the icon Camera Below the text box.
2. Take a photo or import one from your photo gallery.
3. If you select the first option, the next step is to point your device at the text. The translation will appear overlaid on the original text.
4. Results are not always accurate. 100 percent This means that some text may not be translated. In this case, we recommend trying to point the camera at the text from a different angle.
How to translate documents in Google Translate
Google Translate can also translate documents for you. You can do this on your computer, but not on mobile.
- Go to page Google Translate on desktop.
- Click on the button Documents At the top next to "The text".
3.The program can translate doc, docx, odf, pdf, ppt, pptx, ps, rtf, txt, xls, xlsx. Press the button “Browse your computer” To upload your file.
4. Search for File And download it.
5. Set the source language and target language, then click the button. "translation".
6. The translation will appear in the same tab. This is a very useful feature when conducting research, such as when your only sources are in a foreign language you don't know well.
Advanced Google Translate Options
Interpreter mode
The Interpreter mode allows you to translate conversations in real time. It's available on mobile devices (both Android and iOS) and can produce relatively accurate results with correct pronunciation.
The idea behind the Interpreter mode is to allow users to have conversations with people who speak different languages in real time. If you'd like to activate the feature, we have Detailed tutorial Let us show you how to do this.
Have a conversation
To use the interpreter mode, you have to go through Google Assistant, but if you don't want to do that, know that the Translate app allows you to start a conversation and translate your lines in real time.
- In Google Translate, set Source and target language.
- click on the button Conversation.
3. It will be opened new tab The screen is divided into two parts.
4. Tap the microphone of the first language (English in this case) and start speaking. The translation in the target language will appear below.
When it's time for the other participant to speak, tap the second language microphone to get the translation in the first language.
There is also an auto mode that can automatically detect which languages are spoken.
Use Google Translate in any app on your device.
If you're using the Android app, you don't have to switch to the translation app every time you need to translate a few words. The app includes an option that lets you easily translate from any other app on your phone. Here's how to activate it.
- in Translation application , Click on Three horizontal lines list in the upper left corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click on Click to translate above.
4. The option will run in the background by default, but you can choose to have a floating icon on the screen.
5. To start the translation process, open application , Such as WhatsApp.
6. Find the text you want to translate and copy it.
7. You'll notice the Google Translate icon hovering at the top of the screen. Tap it to see the translation. It's that easy.
8. You can type a reply in your language and copy/paste the translation back into the conversation.
The feature also works offline, so you are not required to have an internet connection to be able to use it.
Use offline translation
Speaking of offline mode, did you know you can use translation completely offline on your mobile device? You'll just have to do a few things beforehand.
- Open an app Google Translate on your device.
- press menu three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the screen.
3. Select an option Offline translation.
4. Select the languages you want to translate to even offline by clicking the button. Download Next to it.
That's it. You can now translate even when you don't have a valid internet connection.
Use it as a dictionary.
Google Translate can double as a dictionary on your phone or desktop. Here's how to quickly access definitions right on your device.
- in Translation application Or The browser Click on the source language and select the option. "Discovering Language".
2. Choose English language As the target language for definitions.
3. Write a word and see its definition below it.
Additional Google Translate options
Switch to full screen mode
You may want to view your translations in full-screen mode, which will make them larger and easier to read. Note that you can only do this in the mobile translation app.
- After translating some text in the translation app, find the box where the translated text appears and tap The three points On the right.
2. Click on full screen.
3. The translated text will now cover the entire screen.
Block offensive words
If you're used to handing your phone to your kids and want to make sure they don't try to translate any offensive words, you might want to enable this setting.
- Open the translation app on your phone.
- Click on Three horizontal lines list in the upper left corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select the tab "Speech input" At the bottom.
5. Switch to option "Ban offensive words" If it is not on by default.
Now your translation app will block offensive words as they appear in translations.
Manage your translation history
Google Translate lets you easily delete your translation history. All you have to do is go to Settings, then tap the button. "clear history" Which appears below.
On desktop, the process is slightly different. Find the History button at the bottom of the screen, then tap it. Your previous translations will appear on the right side of the screen.
Click “Clear all history” To remove all of your searches. Alternatively, you can remove individual queries by clicking the three dots next to the item and selecting the option “Remove from registry”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are there any worthy alternatives to Google Translate?
answer. Google Translate is among the best options when it comes to translation. However, Apple has introduced its own competing service called Apple Translate, which is definitely worth exploring. Find out more in our Google Translate vs. Apple Translate comparison post..
Q2. How can I easily translate web pages without having to copy/paste everything into Google Translate?
answer. This is quite easy to do if you use Chrome. You can easily translate web pages in Chrome for both desktop and mobile. Our guide He will teach you how.
Q3. What if the resulting translation is inaccurate?
answer. You can help make it better. On desktop, tap the "pencil" button to suggest an edit. Google may use your contribution to improve the translation quality. This option is not yet available on mobile.
Now that you've learned how to use Google Translate to the fullest, you might want to learn more about other Google services. For example, you might be interested in checking out Our Google One Review:Google's subscription-based cloud storage service.
