It’s easier than ever to interact with folks who don’t speak your native tongue thanks to apps like Google Translate. With over 100 languages supported, this powerful tool is essential for travel and every time you need to connect with someone who doesn’t speak your native tongue.
If you know how to use all of the capabilities of this sophisticated program, you’ll get the most out of it right away. Continue reading to learn the tips and tactics you’ll need to master Google Translate English to French, Yoruba to English, etc.
Checkout >>> Google Docs: What Is It and How Do I Use It?
What Google Translate Can Do
The Google Translate app, which is accessible for both Android and iOS, is one of the greatest language translation tools available. If you’re curious, here’s what it can do and how many languages it presently supports for each feature:
- Text translations: Type in the text to be translated (103 languages).
- Offline translations: type in text when you’re not connected to the internet (59 languages).
- Camera translations are instantaneous: the camera translates in real time (88 languages).
- Photos: Take a picture and upload it to get a more precise translation (50 languages).
- Conversations: A two-way, real-time dialogue (43 languages).
- Handwriting: Use the mouse to draw text and characters on the screen (95 languages).
- Phrasebook: Save translated words and phrases.
- Tap to Translate: Tap to copy text in any app and translation pops up (Android only).
How to translate text
The software is simple to use and opens to the translate screen by default. The language you’re translating from is on the left, and the language you’re translating to is on the right. The program will try to recognize your recently used languages automatically, but you can just tap on each language to get a large drop-down menu of options.
Your frequently used languages are kept at the top of the list to make it speedier the next time you use it. By tapping the two arrows in the centre, you can easily reverse the selected languages.
After you’ve chosen your languages, touch in the box below to bring up the virtual keyboard and enter in the word or phrase you want to use.
As you type, the app will translate it for you. If it thinks you’ve mistyped, it’ll offer another term, which you may tap if it’s what you’re looking for.
Every translation also has a small speaker icon on the left-hand side. When you tap it, your device will read the translation aloud to you. When you’re unclear about how to pronounce anything, this can be really helpful.
If you don’t have text-to-speech, you might need to download Google’s TTS software. On Android, make sure Google Text-to-Speech Engine is selected under Settings > System > Language and input > Text-to-speech output. This path may differ significantly depending on the phone; for example, on a Samsung Galaxy, it’s Settings > General management > Language and input > Text-to-speech.
At the bottom of the text field, you’ll see three possibilities. They allow you to switch to the camera for real-time translations or to snap images to upload, enter conversation mode, or use voice to speak rather than type your desired phrase or word. To translate handwritten text, just access the handwriting screen by clicking the pen icon on the right-hand side of the screen.
How to Share Translations
Each time the program produces a translation, you’ll see a few of icons beneath the translated text. You have the option of copying it to your clipboard and pasting it somewhere else, or you may select the three vertical dots for further options and then tap Share to send it via Messages, Bluetooth, and other apps.
How to Translate Offline
While Google Translate voice used to require an internet connection and still works best when connected, it can now be used to translate 59 languages even if you don’t have one. However, you must first download the necessary language packs. To do so, go to the top left and tap the three horizontal lines, then Offline translation.
At the top, you’ll see the accessible languages you’ve downloaded, and you can scroll down and tap on any other languages you want to add.
If you’re attempting to free up some space on your smartphone or simply want to clean things up, you can delete previously downloaded languages by hitting the trash can icon next to them.
How To Submit a Photo or Use the Real-Time Camera?
Tap the camera icon if you wish to translate a sign, a menu item, or any other written content. Any text in the first language will be found and translated into the second language using Google Translate. Once you’ve found the text you wish to translate, hit the Pause icon in the bottom right corner to put it on hold.
If it doesn’t start translating on the screen right away, hit the Scan symbol at the bottom to enable quick translation. Keep in mind that this will only work if you have access to the internet. Scanning and picking specific text can often yield better results. To begin scanning text, tap Scan, then press the Gray shutter button. Use your finger to highlight the text you want to translate, or tap Select all.
You can also use the Import option in the bottom right corner to have Google Translate scan a photo you’ve previously taken; you’ll be prompted to select a photo from your gallery app.
How to Decipher Handwriting
Tap the pen icon to bring up a screen where you may attempt handwriting whatever you want to have translated. But be warned: this won’t work for every language, and how tidy and readable your handwriting is will play a big role. Handwriting will be easier if you have a stylus or a phone like the Galaxy Note, but you can always try it with your finger.
How to Make Conversation Mode Work for You
If you are conversing with someone with whom you do not share a common language, tap the Conversation symbol to enter conversation mode. To show the other person what you’re doing, tap the hand icon in the top right corner and show them the screen. You can close the pop-up message and get started once they understand.
You’ll notice a microphone symbol next to each language at the bottom, and you may take turns speaking as the software translates your words and speaks out to your buddy in their own language. You can also press the Auto microphone option in the middle to have Google Translate listen and select the appropriate language, but be aware that this doesn’t always work.
How to use Tap to Translate
You need to turn Tap to Translate on before you can utilize it to Translate, you must first enable it. Because the functionality is available in any text-based software, you might want to disable it while not in use.
To enable the functionality, launch the Google Translate app and tap the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner to bring up the option. Then tap Settings > Tap to Translate and toggle Enable on.
With the Tap to Translate feature turned on, you may choose and copy text in any app that supports it, and Google will translate it. Simply choose the required text with your finger by dragging it over. Then press copy. When the Google Translate icon appears on the screen, tap it. The translation should display superimposed on the app very quickly.
With the click of a button, Tap to Translate can help you communicate successfully through the written word. It can also be used to learn a new language or improve your command of your native language.
How to Build Your Own Phrasebook
To save a word or a sentence, click the star in the top right corner of the text field. This star will keep a phrasebook with all of your favorites. To get to your favorites list, go to the top left’s “hamburger” menu and select Phrasebook from the options list. By clicking the magnifying glass, you can access the phrasebook’s search functionality. This useful function is ideal for language learners who wish to go through words and phrases over and again in order to memorize the ones they use the most.
How To Use Google Translate as A Dictionary?
It can be used as a dictionary as well. You can use Google Translate to define any word you choose, regardless of your primary language. Simply set both boxes to the same language. Google will do its best to explain the word in the first box in the translation box. If English is the chosen language, it does not always work, for whatever reason. Making a decision Detecting the language of your input and using English as your output usually solves the problem. All you have to do now is type or utter the word you wish to define, and Google Translate will take care of the rest.
