proper noun

Google Translate

GOO-guhl trans-LAYT

Google Translate (proper noun) means a free machine translation service run by Google that converts text, speech, images and web pages between a large number of languages. Example: “I ran the menu through Google Translate and ordered more or less what I wanted.”

proper noun

A free machine translation service run by Google that converts text, speech, images and web pages between a large number of languages.

"I ran the menu through Google Translate and ordered more or less what I wanted."

"Google Translate handles the gist well but mangles idioms."

noun

informal Used loosely and often dismissively for stilted, obviously machine-produced translation.

"The instruction manual reads like pure Google Translate."

How to use Google Translate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGoogle's free tool for translating between languages.

When to use it

Capitalised as a brand name. The verb use — 'I Google Translated it' — is informal and disliked in edited writing.

Memory tip

Treat its output as a rough draft: it is reliable for gist and vocabulary, unreliable for tone, idiom, legal wording and anything you will publish.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Google Translate vs. DeepL machine translation vs. human translation

Common pairings

run it through Google Translate Google Translate app according to Google Translate

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Test yourself on “Google Translate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I ran the menu through _____ and ordered more or less what I wanted.

Etymology

A compound of the company name Google and translate.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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machine translation translation tool

Rhymes for Google Translate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for Google Translate →

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Translate accurate?

It is generally accurate for gist between major, well-resourced language pairs, and much weaker on idiom, register, humour and less common languages. For anything with legal, medical or reputational consequences it should be checked by a human translator.

What is the difference between Google Translate and a human translator?

Google Translate maps patterns statistically and has no understanding of context, audience or intent, so it produces fluent text that can be confidently wrong. A human translator resolves ambiguity, matches register and adapts cultural references, which is why published and legal work still uses one.

What is the meaning of Google Translate?

"Google Translate" (proper noun) means a free machine translation service run by Google that converts text, speech, images and web pages between a large number of languages.

What is another word for Google Translate?

Other words for "Google Translate" include machine translation, translation tool.