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Below is a collection of some of the best translation apps to help you effectively communicate in foreign language situations. Whether you are an EFL instructor keen on improving your students foreign language skills or a traveller who loves to explore other places and cultures, these translation apps will definitely prove helpful.
Almost all of these apps offer both text and voice translation and some of them can be accessed offline. They also include photo translation allowing you to snap photos of text and have it instantly translated into numerous languages.
There are various ways to use these translation apps including to ‘read street signs in a foreign country, translate manuals of your overseas purchases or the text of any picture you already have in your phone’, and many more.
1.Google Translate
Google Translate is my favourite translation app in this list. Google Translate is a simple yet powerful app packed with great features including the ability to translate text among 133 languages, translate text in images by simply pointing the camera of your device, translate taken or imported photos, instant translation of bilingual conversations, draw text characters instead of typing, star and save translated words and phrases, and many more.
2. iTranslate Translator
iTranslate is another good translation app that offers access to a wide range of features including: support for over 100 languages, both male and female voices are available, switch among various dialects, phrasebook with over 200 predefined phrases, keyboard extension, transliteration and flashcards, access to history and different sharing options.
Compatibility: iPhone/iPad and Android / Price: Free, offers in-app purchases / Age: 4+
3. SayHi Translate
SayHi Translate is a translation app that allows you to instantly engage in foreign language conversations and communicate in a comprehensible way. Among the features provided are support for numerous languages and dialects, access to male and female languages, support for typing, copy and share conversations via email or on social media websites, support for a number of accessibility features (e.g., Dynamic Type, Voiceover, and improved navigation), and many more.
4. Speak & Translate – Translator
Speak & Translate is both voice and text translator that enables you to effectively navigate foreign language communication. Features offered include snap photos of a text and have it instantly translated, real-time voice recognition for quick translations, over 10 languages for text translations, over 50 languages for voice translations, language detection for text to text mode, iCloud integration, access to male and female voices, and many more.
Compatibility: iPhone/iPad / Price: Free, offers in-app purchases / Age: 4+
5. Voice Translator App
Voice Translator offers access to the following features: over 100 languages, real-time voice and text translation, camera translation, language detection for text-to-text mode, typing hints to speed up text input, convert text from languages with non-Latin alphabet, copy and share translations, speak the translated phrase out loud, male and female voices, and many more.
Compatibility: iPhone/iPad / Price: Free, offers in-app purchases / Age: 4+
6. Dialog – Translate Speech
Dialog is another good translation app that offers both voice and text translations. Dialog includes a number of interesting features such as a keyboard with built-in translator, use camera to translate texts in pictures, access translations in offline mode, support for 100 languages, automatic language detection, and more.
Compatibility: iPhone/iPad / Price: Free, offers in-app purchases / Age: 4+
7. Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator is a free personal translation app that supports over 70 languages. It can help you translate text, voice, conversations, camera photos, and screenshots. The app also allows you to download languages for offline translations.
Some of the features it offers include: voice translation to translate speech, phrasebooks for verified translations and pronunciation guides, view pronunciation guides, use the extension of Safari to translate websites, hear how your translated words are pronounced, and more.
8. DeepL Translate
DeepL Translate is another good translation app to consider. It supports over 29 languages and can translate various materials including text, speech, images, and files. Some of the features it offers include: text to speech translation, speech to text translation, dark mode to protect from eye strain, offers alternative translation options for words and phrases, instant camera translation , and more.
