5 Useful Google Translate Features Everyone Should Know

1. Handwriting input

Google Translate not only supports typing words using the keyboard, but also handwriting input. Moreover, this applies to both the web version of the service and the mobile application. In the first case, you just need to click on the pencil icon at the bottom of the input window. No touchscreen or stylus support required.

You can write in the window that opens using the mouse, holding down its left button. Words that the service was able to recognize will appear below the input area.

In the mobile application, handwriting input is much more convenient. It is activated by clicking on the pen icon, after which you can draw both individual letters and whole words with your finger. This input method can be especially useful for learners of hieroglyphic languages: Japanese, Chinese, or Korean. Another example of this option is https://gglot.com/.

2. Offline translation

Mobile "Google Translate" has long been able to work without a network connection. You just need to pre-load the dictionaries of the languages ​​you need. This can be done from the side menu of the application by selecting Offline Translation.

In this section, language packs can not only be saved, but also deleted from the smartphone`s memory.

3. Simultaneous translation

In the mobile "Google Translate" there is a voice-over of the typed text and even voice input, but a much more useful function is "Communication". It allows you to switch to a special mode with simultaneous translation for a dialogue with a foreigner.

In this mode, the application listens and translates all phrases into the interlocutor`s language, pronouncing them in a voice and displaying them in text. To invite someone to chat through the "Chat" function, you need to select a language and click on the palm icon in the upper right corner. After that, a special welcome message will be displayed on the screen in the language of your choice.

Also note that for simultaneous interpretation and voice input in general, you can activate the censorship function. It will hide behind asterisks (***) any profanity it recognizes. You can find this function in the application settings, in the "Voice input" section.

4. Instant translation via camera

An equally useful function of the mobile application is text translation using a smartphone camera. In real time, the finished text will be displayed instead of the caption you are shooting. Instant translation comes in handy when you need to find out what a sign or warning sign means. It will be especially convenient abroad.

To access this function, you just need to launch the camera from the application toolbar. In the shooting mode itself, you can open any previously received photo, where there is something to translate.

5. Own dictionary

You can save translations of any words or phrases in your own dictionary so that you can return to them later. To do this, you just need to click on the star. In the mobile "Translator" it is displayed directly opposite the translation, and in the web version of the service - below it.

You can go to the list of saved translations on your smartphone through the main menu by clicking on the "Phrasebook". On a desktop, the path to this section is through the asterisk button above the translation area - read more on how it works here Wiki.