Translating while traveling: An intro to Google Translate

When you’re in the need of a translation while you’re on the road, check out Google Translate. It is an app available both for Android and iPhones through their respective app stores. There is no cost.

Here is the description provided by Google for use of Google Translate on Android phones:

• Text translation: Translate between 108 languages by typing

• Tap to Translate: Copy text in any app and tap the Google Translate icon to translate (all languages)

• Offline: Translate with no internet connection (59 languages)

• Instant camera translation: Translate text in images instantly by just pointing your camera (94 languages)

• Photos: Take or import photos for higher quality translations (90 languages)

• Conversations: Translate bilingual conversations on the fly (70 languages)

Are the translations perfect? Of course not. But they are getting better all the time and a partial translation is usually better than no translation at all. There are quite a few features in Google Translate and it will pay to explore the app prior to your trip.

I normally use the app by typing in a word or phrase I wish translated (to or from either language). The other feature I use regularly is to hold the phone, with the app running, over a restaurant menu or in front of a sign. The words appear in English (or any other language you select) directly on the screen.

When planning a trip, you can use the Web-based Version of Google Translate, either to translate foreign text into English or by translating your own text into another language, for example, before you send an email. The Chrome Browser can also be set to automatically translate websites into English, and Gmail can translate incoming messages. Similar features are available in other browsers.