Translate written words

You can use the Google Translate app to translate written words or phrases. You can also use Google Translate in a web browser like Chrome or Firefox. Learn more about Google Translate in a web browser.

Important: To translate in Chrome on your mobile device, you need JavaScript. Learn how to turn on JavaScript.

Translate text

  1. On your computer, open Google Translate.
  2. At the top of the screen, select the languages to translate.
    • From: Choose a language or select Detect language .
    • To: Select the language that you want the translation in.
  3. In the text box on the left, enter the text that you want to translate.
  4. Choose what you want to do:
    1. Look up details: To check available details for each result, such as definitions, examples or other translations, click Look up details. This is currently only available for select languages.
    2. Listen: To hear the translation, click Listen Listen. To change the audio speed, click Settings Settings at the top right and select NormalSlow or Slower.
    3. Copy: To copy the translation to the clipboard, click Copy translation Copy.
    4. Rate or edit: Suggested edits can help improve translations. To rate a translation or suggest an edit, click Thumbs up or Thumbs down .
    5. Share: To send the translation through email or Twitter, click Share translation Share.

Important: Some words may have different meanings. To help the translation capture your intended meaning, write your word in a phrase or sentence.

Translate longer text

You can translate up to 5,000 characters at a time when you copy and paste your text.

  1. On your computer, open Google Translate.
  2. At the top of the screen, choose the language that you want to translate to and from.
    • From: Choose a language or select Detect language.
    • To: Select the language that you want the translation in.
  3. Copy and paste your text into the text box.
  4. You can review sections of translated text. At the bottom bar, click Back Back or Forward .

Tip: You can also translate documents and websites.

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