What is Google Translate?
Google Translate is Google's free translation service. It uses neural machine translation to turn words, sentences, whole documents and web pages from one language into another, covering English and over 100 other languages.
On the website you can type or paste text, upload a document, translate an image, or enter a website address to read it in your own language. Language detection is automatic, and you can listen to the translation read aloud. Google describes the service as offered free of charge, and there is no paid tier on the consumer site.
Main Features
- Text translation between more than 100 languages
- Automatic detection of the source language
- Document and image translation
- Whole-website translation from a URL
- Listen to translations read aloud
- Saved phrases and translation history
How to Get Started with Google Translate
- Open translate.google.com in your browser.
- Choose the target language, or leave the source on Detect language.
- Type or paste your text, or switch to the Images, Documents or Websites tab.
- Copy, listen to or save the translation.
Google Translate Pricing
Google Translate is completely free on the web and in its mobile apps, with no paid plan. Developers who need translation inside their own software use Google Cloud Translation, which is a separate paid service.
Who Should Use It?
- Travellers reading signs and menus
- Students working with foreign-language texts
- Online shoppers and readers of foreign websites
- People writing quick messages in another language
- Anyone who needs a fast, free translation
Google Translate Alternatives
- DeepL: AI translator known for natural-sounding translations of documents and text.
- MachineTranslation.com: Compares output from several translation engines side by side.
- Google Lens (Translate): Point your camera at text to translate it on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Translate free?
Yes. Google Translate is free to use on the web and in its apps, with no paid tier. Only the separate Google Cloud Translation API for developers is paid.
How many languages does Google Translate support?
Google says it translates between English and over 100 other languages.
Can Google Translate translate a whole document or website?
Yes. You can upload a document or enter a website address and it will translate the content for you.