The language barrier remains one of the biggest challenges in travel. The ability to connect with locals can greatly enhance your trip. To a certain extent, people who know English are a little easier. It is spoken by one in five people in the world, which makes it understandable anywhere, from Athens to Japan. But sometimes this knowledge does not help at all, for example, when you try to explain the route to a taxi driver in Tokyo or choose a medicine in France..
This is why automatic translation apps can be extremely useful when you are abroad. They will help you communicate without an interpreter and not spend months learning a new language. Google Translate is perhaps the most popular of them all. However, there are still many other decent options out there. Some of them work in real time, and some will even work without Internet access. This is especially useful if you don't have a local SIM or other way to get online.
Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator comes with a patented feature to handle conversations between multiple people. Up to 100 people can communicate at the same time. Their voices are processed almost instantly..
Among the features of Microsoft Translator are translation from images and cameras, built-in phrasebook and pronunciation guide, translation of a conversation with several people. The application translates text into 64 languages and speech - into 21. Works both with an Internet connection and offline (more than 60 languages).
Microsoft Translator provides the user with an extensive phrasebook and pronunciation guides. Phrases can be read or listened to. You can translate through the context menu in other applications, as well as exchange text..
The app is available for iPhone and Android .
Yandex translate
Yandex Translator is a powerful mobile application (download version for iOS and Android ) that supports 95 languages online. Offline, the app remains useful too. Without an Internet connection, Yandex.Translate makes translations into English from the following languages: French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. You can translate any foreign word or text by simply pointing the camera at it - no need to take pictures or print anything.
When it comes to speech translation, Yandex.Translate does not show the most outstanding results. It only supports English, Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish, German. Added examples of using words and expressions for the German language. But you can listen to the processed text. It is also possible to perform translation from camera or images in 12 languages.
Another useful feature is the translation of websites and text in other applications (without having to leave them). There is a built-in dictionary and flashcards for easier learning new words. The translated texts can be saved in the Favorites folder for quick access in the future. There is a predictive typing function that greatly simplifies the search for words or phrases.
Google translate
Google Translate is a product of the world's largest internet company with a free version for Android and iPhone . It is quite obvious that it is very popular and trusted by many users from all over the world. Even in the App Store, this app is ranked first in the category. Google Translate has some of the most advanced (if not the best) software out there.
Supports 103 languages, but speech recognition is only available in 32. Translates from the camera in 38 languages, from photos to 50, from handwriting to 93, and from 59 offline. Additional language packs must be downloaded for offline use. These files allow you to use the application offline.
The program has very cool features. Two users can communicate via smartphones with Google Translate installed and immediately hear each other's translated speech. The user does not need to log into the application every time they need to translate something. Just click on the round icon on the right side of the screen. The floating Tap to Translate icon is now movable and easy to remove. You can also translate the copied text by clicking on the notification.
Day Translations
Supports 104 languages for text and 33 for speaking. It's free for iOS and Android . Has an interpretation function - takes into account the meaning and subject matter of the text. Processes voice information. The user can speak into the microphone, receiving the translation instantly. Another function is to speak written words to practice speaking skills.
Day Translations is at the top of the list because it combines machine and human translation solutions in one interface for the ultimate user experience. Machine - called "Fast Translations" on iOS and "Free Translations" on Android. To use it, you need to specify the source and target languages. Then enter a word, phrase or sentence in the upper field. The result will be displayed in the lower field.
A translator is available 24/7 and will help you deal with difficult cases. It will translate audio, images, videos, links or text. The quality of the processed material is guaranteed - it goes through a 5-step test to exclude any errors.
iTranslate
iTranslate has many useful features including transliteration, exchange of translated texts, saving of selected texts and history. The user can select a male or female voice for speech reproduction. Can translate text to text, voice to voice, and text to voice.
The app is free (with limited functionality) and is available for Android and iOS . Supports text translations in over 100 languages and speech translations into 40. To access translation from camera, website, voice, verb conjugation guide and offline mode, you need to upgrade to the premium version.
Naver Papago Translate
Naver Papago Translate is designed primarily for travelers. Currently only 13 languages are supported (English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Russian, Italian, German, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese). Supports text and speech processing in 13 languages. In Esperanto, "papago" is translated as parrot.
The parrot has interesting features that are definitely worth trying out. From the functionality, it is possible to note the ability to translate from images and cameras, a built-in dictionary and phrasebook, as well as the Papago Kids function for basic learning of foreign languages. Built-in tests are additionally involved in the learning process. The user is offered several options from which to choose the right one. For hints, pictures are used that hint at the context.
The app is free and available for Android and iOS .
SayHi
SayHi can perform real-time processing of text, voice recordings and speaking. Supported 90 languages, there is a function of automatic translation from the camera with support for Japanese, Korean and Chinese. It also knows how to copy texts and share them via email, SMS and social networks.
At the discretion of the user, a male or female voice is installed that reads the processed text. To make it easier to understand, you can slow down the playback. This is a great tool for people looking to learn how to speak a new language. Offline mode is supported, like most other translators.
The app is available for Android and iOS .
Speak & Translate
Designed for iOS devices . Speak & Translate has one of the highest ratings on iTunes. There is a free (with limited functionality), paid and premium versions. Supported 117 languages for text and 54 for speech.
It uses Apple's proprietary speech recognition technology. When processing voice recordings, the source language is automatically determined. Offline mode is only available in the premium version. There is a sync with iCloud.
In the free version, a limited number of transfers can be made during the day (the limit can be changed). To work, you must always be online. Advertisements will appear on the screen. To get rid of ads and extend the functionality of the app, you should subscribe to the paid premium version.
TripLingo
TripLingo is like an interactive phrasebook with instant speech processing in 19 languages. There are features useful for travelers. For example, this is a tip calculator, a currency converter, the ability to call numbers in the United States via Wi-Fi or a regular Internet connection. Through the app, you can take a "cultural course" to learn about local customs.
The latest update has added many new features to the app. The speed of work has been significantly improved, cultural notes have been updated, as well as information on entry and exit, added travel tips for specific countries, getting around, shopping and restaurants. It's a straightforward guidebook.
TripLingo has over 300 thousand users from different countries. He has been featured in several media outlets including CNN, Wired, Mashable, MSNBC, Fox, and Forbes.
The app is available for Android and iOS with free (limited functionality) and paid versions.
Linguee
Linguee is a free, mostly dictionary app ( iOS and Android version ) that was developed with lexicographers. The application is based on the use of texts that have already been translated and published on the Internet. A self-learning algorithm studies them, after which they are checked by linguists. Supports text translation in 10 languages. There is no speech processing function, but there is an offline mode for 10 languages and an audio guide.
There is a quick search function that predicts the words and phrases the user is looking for. It is enough to enter the first few letters of the word into the search bar, and the available options appear on the screen. Linguee also detects spelling mistakes and suggests a possible alternative for a word or phrase.
An offline mode is also available, which does not require an Internet connection, but for this you need to download the language packs first. There are pronunciation guides in writing and audio. The Sample Sentences feature helps users learn to use new words and phrases.