Google Translate is a service for translating content from one language to another for free. It can translate web pagesdocumentsand even text in images or audio files. The service can be used as an extension for the Google Chrome browserdownloaded as a mobile application for Android and iOSor used online via a website. And if you connect it with a Google accountyou’ll be able to check your translation history from any platform.
The service offers translations between 108 languages with good resultsbut the quality depends on the source and target languages. You’ll be able to translate from and into EnglishSpanishFrenchChineseJapaneseItalianGermanRussianPortugueseArabicbut also less-known languages such as LatinTatarKurdishMalayCrimeanTamilCatalanIndonesianBatakHindiand more.
It’s extremely easy to use: once you have downloaded Google Translateall you have to do is provide the text for translation and select the languages. You can also use the Text-to-Speech feature to listen to the translation and understand it better. Depending on the platform you’re onyou can use different translation sources: textimagedrawingor dictation.
Google Translate allows you to translate text between 108 languages by typing. The Tap to Translate feature lets you copy text from any app and tap the Google Translate icon to instantly translate it into any language. You can also translate offline without an internet connection in 59 languagesincluding English. With Instant Camera Translationyou can point your camera at text in the real world and see it translated instantly in 94 languages. Finallythe Conversation mode of the app lets you discuss with someone in another language more easily.
Why Should I Download Google Translate?
Google Translate is the most popular translation service online as it supports more than 100 languages and integrates some practical features. Since it was developed by Googleit’s free and available on all the most commonly used platforms and systems.
The online service
When using the Google Translate websiteyou can choose from 3 translation options: text (up to 5000 characters)document (up to 10 MB)or website. When translating textyou can copy and paste your content into the text field on the left or use the microphone icon to dictate the text you want to translate. The service automatically detects the source language of your textbut you can also change it manually. On the right sideyou will see the translation in the selected language. You can then check the translationcopy itlisten to itshare itor rate the quality.
Below the translationyou can find word definitionssynonymsabbreviationsexamples of usageand much more. When translating documentsyou can upload your files in .docx.pdf.pptxand .xlsx formats. The file must not be larger than 10MBand PDF files cannot exceed 300 pages.
For Website translationjust paste the URL of the page and confirm. This will open a new tab in your browser where you can select the destination language and see the translated website.
When using the Google Translate website with a Google accountyou can also review the history of your translations or save translations to a personal repository by clicking the star icon.
Mobile applications
The Google Translate apps for Android and iOS are extremely practical when traveling. They support hundreds of languagesand you can use the apps to translate content whether or not you’re connected to the internet. When offlineyou can use about 60 languages. You can also translate from imageswhich is very helpful for signsdirectionsmenus in restaurantsetc.
Another option that’s great for fast and smooth conversations is to use the app when talking to someone. You just need to select the 2 languages that you’re usingand you can just start talkingwhile the Google Translate app translates what both of you are saying and reads it aloud.
The Google Chrome extension
When using the extensionyou get a new button on the browser toolbar that allows you to automatically translate whole websites with a single click. Another option you get is that when you highlight a word on a web pageyou can translate it with Google Translate from the context menu (right-click on the mouse).
You can also click on the extension icon to request a translation of a specific word or play the audio of its pronunciation. Then just select from the drop-down menu the languages to use or open the Google Translate website. In the extension settingsyou can select your native language or choose if you want to enable or disable the translation pop-up.
Is Google Translate Free?
Yesyou can downloadopenand use Google Translate for free on any operating system. There are no costs for using Google Translateand it is available for all users.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Google Translate?
The Google Translate app can be downloaded on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. The website can be accessed from any operating system (WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidand iOS) and does not require downloading or installing any softwarebut you need an internet connection. You can also use Google Translate directly in the Google Chrome browser with the dedicated extension
What Are the Alternatives to Google Translate?
Same as GoogleMicrosoft also offers its own translation service called Microsoft Bing Translator. It’s free (but limited to 1000 characters) and available as a website and as mobile applications. It also supports automatic detection of the source language. It can translate more than 100 languagesincluding Klingon (yes)ZuluUzbekWelshSwahiliNorwegianNorwegianKurdishCreolethree kinds of Chineseand more.
Reverso is another provider of free translation servicesboth as a website and mobile apps for Android and iOSwhich can install Reverso in fellow apps like WhatsApp. It supports multiple languagesincluding Englishand has a Text-to-Speech option to read the text aloud. While it allows fewer characters than Google Translateit has a spell checker that its competitor doesn’t have. And from the Reverso websiteyou can translate full documents. Note that this service is not entirely free.
Deepl is the next free translation tool that’s available on all platforms. You can use it to translate text (up to 5000 characters) or whole documents (up to 3 documents per month). While it only supports 28 languagesincluding EnglishFrenchPortugueseGermanArabicand Chinesethe platform focuses on qualityand it’s the perfect tool for writers. Deeplapart from the free versionalso offers a paid pro upgrade. Both versions use a state-of-the-art AI translation tool that was created by Deepland is capable of understanding what it is translating (most of the time)which results in incredible translations.
