Skip to main content
Not sure where to start? Take a short quiz to get personalized recommendations.
Google Translate: Translations on-the-go.
5 minutes to complete

Google Translate: Translations on-the-go.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_TitleCard.jpg
Speak the language just about anywhere in the world.
GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_TitleCard.jpg
Start

Wherever you go, speak the language.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card1_Image1.jpg

Whether you’re on assignment across the world, or in an immigrant community across town, you may find yourself in a situation where you need help bridging a language gap.


The Google Translate app, on iOS or Android, is the most powerful way to translate between over 100 languages. Sure, you can type in a phrase and get a translation on your desktop computer, but there’s even more you can do on your mobile.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card1_Image1.jpg

A two-way interpreter that fits in your pocket.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card2_Image1.jpg

Perhaps the most useful tool for a reporter is Conversation Mode. When you touch the microphone button, Translate listens to a conversation, recognises which of the two languages are being spoken, and translates it aloud and on screen into the other language.

Need that in Portuguese? Conversation Mode has voice recognition support for 30 languages.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card2_Image1.jpg

Use your phone’s camera to translate signs.

What if you need to figure out what a sign or document means? Use Word Lens for instant translations.


Set the language you want to translate and the language you want it translated to. Then tap the camera icon.


Point the camera at the words you want translated. 


In a split second Word Lens will translate whatever words are in front of the camera.


If the text isn’t recognizable by Word Lens, you can use the scan function. Just highlight each word or phrase for a translation.

Translating without an Internet connection.

GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card4_Image1.jpg

If you’re out of mobile range or just looking to save on data charges, no worries. For most phones, you can download a language pack for instant translations offline. And Word Lens works on all phones without a data connection.


Have conversations, read signs, and translate offline — all with the Translate app. To download it for free, just go to the App Store on your iPhone or the Play Store on Android.


GO801_GNI_TranslationsOTG_Card4_Image1.jpg
ANSWER THIS QUESTION TO COMPLETE THE LESSON.
How many languages does the Google Translate app support with voice recognition?
Next
1_jTN9LYq.jpg
QUESTION 2 OF 5
In the Google Translate app, what does “conversation” mode do?
Next
2_frgGNmF.jpg
QUESTION 3 OF 5
After you set the language pairing, what’s the simplest way to use the app to translate a sign or document in most languages?
Next
3_QKPrDvM.jpg
QUESTION 4 OF 5
What is the scan function good for?
Next
4_yN55wfW.jpg
QUESTION 5 OF 5
How can you use the Google Translate app without an internet connection?
Submit
5_h6NKScV.jpg
Quiz Complete
Congratulations! You've just finished Google Translate: Translations on-the-go.
Review the Lesson and Try Again
in progress
Recommended for you
  • Increase traffic with Google's search products

    Lesson
    Help more people discover your news
    Remove from your account
    Save to your account
  • Google Scholar: Access court cases, academic papers and sources.

    Lesson
    Quickly find hard facts and expert opinions.
    Remove from your account
    Save to your account
  • Google Earth creation tools: Tell your story across the world

    Lesson
    How to use Google Earth to create compelling stories
    Remove from your account
    Save to your account