3 Google Translate features you didn’t know of

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been nearly two decades since Google Translate launched, and that we now take translation so much for granted that language is no longer a barrier for basic communication. The tool has evolved significantly over the years, and its abilities are all the more impressive and seamless. 

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We can now translate text, voices, overlay translations on existing signs, and so much more. It’s a powerful and wonderful tool that’s installed on most of our phones by default, and while it has been around for nearly 20 years, we still have a lot to learn about its capabilities. Here are three things you probably didn’t know about!

Offline translation

This is a feature that’s easily overlooked, but one that’s essential for any kind of travel. The last thing you want is to be roaming a foreign land and then suddenly discovering that a lack of internet connectivity has severely limited your ability to communicate. Google Translate lets you download language packs for offline translation, and we strongly recommend you do so if you intend to travel soon.

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To do this, open Google Translate, tap your profile icon, tap ‘Downloaded Languages’, and download all the languages you need.

Simplified conversations

Another feature that’s often missed is the conversation mode within the app. Normally, you type or speak, and then Google Translate will perform a translation to a desired language. However, Google Translate also has a conversation mode, which, when enabled, will let you converse with another person in another language in real-time. 

Translations will appear on the screen while both parties are speaking in their native tongues. While the option was a bit hidden earlier, you can now access it by tapping the ‘Conversation’ icon next to the mic icon at the bottom of the app window.

Use the Phrasebook

Another cool feature of Google Translate is that you can use it to save phrases and translations that you use regularly. For example, questions like “Where is the nearest train station?”, “Thank You”, and the like can all be saved for quick access. Just tap the star icon on the top left of the Translate app to see the Phrasebook. You can add or remove phrases from this interface.

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We take Translations for granted today, especially given how deeply and seamlessly the features are already integrated into the apps and services we use today. However, it’s worth getting to know the app itself and figuring out its myriad functions. Many of Google Translate’s most powerful tools are missed simply because we’re not aware they exist.