Google Translate

Translate text, speech and signs

Google Translate helps people understand words and conversations in other languages. It suits travellers reading a menu or sign, students checking a phrase, and anyone who needs to make sense of text they cannot read. The app supports typing, handwriting and speech input, so you can choose a method that fits the situation.

More than typed translation

For printed text, use the camera to translate what it sees, or take a photo for translation. Conversation and transcription features can help when people are speaking rather than writing. Tap to Translate can show a translation of copied text from another app, reducing the need to switch back and forth.

• Text: Enter a phrase and choose its source and target languages.
• Camera and photos: Get help with signs, menus and other printed words.
• Speech: Use voice input or conversation tools for spoken exchanges.
• Offline use: Download language packs for translation when a connection is unavailable.

Useful when you are away from a connection

Offline language packs are a practical option for travel, though they need to be downloaded in advance and do not cover every language available for online use. Camera translation can also be handy when copying a sign by hand would be slow. Results are machine translations, so important wording may still need checking with a fluent speaker.

At a glance

Google Translate is listed in the Tools category and is developed by Google LLC. Its 4.27 rating comes from more than 9 million ratings, and the app has reached 1 billion or more installs. Those figures reflect broad use, but the best fit depends on the languages and translation modes you need.