16 online translation tools recommended by translators - Gengo (2023)

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated in October 2019.

The translation process can often be somewhat tedious—sometimes covering a multitude of topics, requiring extensive research and contextual knowledge. Fortunately, the digital revolution triggered the creation of tools, software and resources that helps ease the burden of translation and improve efficiency, consistency and quality. Below is a list of translation tools that are recommended by translators, for translators.

1.Linguee

A crowd favorite, this unique translation tool combines a dictionary with a search engine, so you can search for bilinguals texts, words and expressions in different languages to check meanings and contextual translations. Linguee also searches the web for relevant translated documents and shows you how a word is being translated throughout the internet. It is often used in conjunction with Google Images to help translators and language learners alike.

2.SDL Trados Studio

The most recommended computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool by Gengo Wordsmiths, SDL Trados is a wise investment for full-time translators. This software features TM, terminology, machine translation and software localization. Most large agencies require translators to work with one of the established CAT tools, so using SDL Trados could also increase your client base and broaden your horizons. If you need time to decide before purchase, try a free demo version for 30 days.

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16 online translation tools recommended by translators - Gengo (1)

3.The Free Dictionary

Available in a wide variety of languages, this comprehensive site is a dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedia in one. Get free access to medical, financial and legal dictionaries, an extensive collection of idioms, acronyms, quotes, and several languages besides English, such as Spanish, French, Portuguese and Japanese. The encyclopedia also has sections updated regularly, providing users a word or article of the day. The free mobile application is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

4.Fluency Now

Fluency Now Professional is a premium CAT tool and translation memory software created for individual freelancers. Available for $9.95 per month, it’s compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems. For organizations, Fluency Now Enterprise gives access to extra features like Fluency Flow, a project management solution. It also provides a built-in proofreading software and project and document statistics.

5.ProZ

If you prefer interaction and crowdsourcing, then ProZ should be your go-to resource. Home to the world’s largest translation network, ProZ is a portal for professional translators who wish to collaborate on terms translation, dictionaries, training as well as receive access to discounts on translation tools. Translators can ask questions and join forum discussions, too.

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6.MemoQ

A translation software designed for freelance translators, MemoQ offers a number of powerful functions that enable you to reuse previous translations. It also has features to help improve quality, check consistency and ensure the use of correct terminology. The 2015 version also has a faster spell-checking feature. See if it works for you by trying the free demo version for 45 days.

16 online translation tools recommended by translators - Gengo (2)

7.Memsource

A TM database integrated with Gengo to improve efficiency, Memsource is a cloud-based translation environment that provides an effective and efficient project-management tool. Users can further optimize their translation productivity using features like TM, editing and terminology management all within the platform.

8.Translators Café

An online community and forum where you can ask questions and advice from experienced translators. Registration is free for both professional and amateur translators, and members of Translators Café can bid and acquire jobs at no extra cost. Employers may contact the freelancers based on their bids or they can provide their information to translators. Payments are paid directly to freelancers with no escrow accounts.

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9.Zanata

A web-based system for translators, content creators and developers to manage localization projects, Zanata handles the entire translation workflow and allows translators to focus on translations, not tools and formats. Its TM also finds and suggests the best translation matches in the entire system. Zanata’s Editor works on any web browser with no installation necessary. Multiple translators can also work on the Editor, with a chat room for real-time communication.

10.WordFast Pro

Wordfast Pro is a standalone, multi-platform TM tool designed to improve the translation process, for anyone from project managers to freelance translators. Unlike other CAT tools, translators can import and export TMs even with the demo version and can be used for an unlimited time. The only limitation is the size of the translation memory (500 units). There’s no need to pay extra for tutorials and support and they provide excellent customer support.

11.SmartCAT

A collaborative CAT tool, SmartCAT streamlines the translation process by allowing the translator, editor, and other contributors to work and collaborate in real time. This cloud-based software leverages the concept of translation memories (TM) and allows translators to create glossaries for consistent translations. In addition, SmartCAT now supports multilingual translation memories, which makes creating and managing TMs easier than with some desktop applications. This feature can also be beneficial for translators working in mixed language pairs.

16 online translation tools recommended by translators - Gengo (3)

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12. Magic Search

For quicker terminology searches, Magic Search is a multilingual search engine that provides one-page search results of multiple dictionaries and other sources for different language pairs. It searches multiple sources such as Word Reference, TAUS, IETA, EUdict, and more. Users may also install a Google Chrome extension in their browser and customize the list of dictionaries and sources they’d like to search.

13. IATE (Interactive Terminology for Europe)

Launched in 1999, IATE, which stands for Interactive Terminology for Europe, is the European Union’s inter-institutional terminology database. This useful resource ensures the consistency and quality of all EU-related written communication. It plays a vital role for translators and language professionals as it covers all 23 official European languages, with 8.4 million terms EU-specific terms, 540,000 abbreviations and 130,000 phrases. Users can rate the reliability of the terms, which are fed into the database by EU terminologists and translators.

14. Microsoft Language Portal

For translators specializing in IT and software, the Microsoft Language Portal lets users search translations of key Microsoft terms and general IT terminology. The term base contains approximately 25,000 defined terms, including English definitions, translated in up to 100 languages. Users can also download the Microsoft Terminology Collection featuring standard terminology terms used across Microsoft products, as well as UI translations, Microsoft Style Guides, and the Microsoft Terminology Service API.

15.OmegaT

A free translation memory tool, OmegaT is an open-source software that allows translators to work more efficiently through fuzzy matching (computer-assisted translation) and automatic match propagation. This tool also uses multiple translation memories simultaneously and allows users to process multiple file projects at the same time. Its powerful tools include the Unicode (UTF-8) support that can be used with non-Latin alphabets; an integral spell checker, and compatibility with other translation memory applications.

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16. Website Word Count

This is a free online tool that you can use to calculate repetitions and new words on the websites which are built on WordPress platform. From the developer of Website Word Count herself, Hanna Sles: “I receive many requests daily for English to Russian translation, mostly for website localization. To make it easier to count repetitions and new words on my website, I developed this tool to help translators and customers save their time and efforts. At the end of this year, I am planning to upgrade my tool so that it can also get word counts for websites on other platforms.”

Do you use some of these online tools? Share your thoughts and other recommendations with us!

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FAQs

What is the best online translation tool? ›

5 best machine translation software options in the market
  1. Google Translate. Google Translate needs no introduction, being probably the most well-known machine translation software out there. ...
  2. DeepL Translator. ...
  3. Bing Microsoft Translator. ...
  4. SYSTRAN Translate. ...
  5. Amazon Translate.
12 Jan 2022

Can I use Google Translate with Gengo? ›

Simply copy and paste your text into Gengo's order form to get started. It's as easy to use as Google Translate, and you'll receive translations that maintain the original nuances and tone, and read as if they were written by a native speaker of the target language.

Is Gengo a legit site? ›

Yes, it is 100% legitimate and safe to work for! The most common language pairs requested are currently English and Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Chinese. Gengo is a global platform that provides services 24/7, meaning you can set your own schedule and work whenever and wherever you want.

How much can you make with Gengo? ›

The amount of money you can make on Gengo depends on your translating speed. For Standard translators, they begin at $0.03 a word. Once you feel that you've mastered the standard level of translation, you can take your test to qualify for the Pro level. If you pass, your pay gets bumped up to $0.08 a word.

What app do professional translators use? ›

Trados is the most widely-used desktop translation tool, especially among companies, LSPs, and translation agencies.

Is there a better translation tool than Google Translate? ›

DeepL is one of the best Google Translate alternatives for people who really value accuracy, especially when it comes to grasping context and local idioms. DeepL offers an API that you can use to automatically translate your website, as well as a web interface and apps to translate text content or text files (like .

Can I translate a document myself? ›

You are able to translate the paperwork yourself as long as you certify that you are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

What is the best way to translate a document? ›

Google Translate

Select the source language and target language and upload your document. Click on “Translate.” Google will give you back a translated document.

How can I translate a document for free? ›

Google Translate PDF Files for Free
  1. Access the Translate Document tool.
  2. Choose the language to translate from and to. ...
  3. Click “Choose File” and then the blue “Translate” button.
  4. Let Google work its magic.
  5. You'll get a pop-up with the PDF file translated.
16 Dec 2021

How do I pass Gengo test? ›

You must answer at least 4 out of 5 answers correctly to pass. If you get 5/5 correct answers, you may take the Standard or Pro level test. If you get 4 correct answers, you may take the Standard level test.

Can you make a living as a translator? ›

It's certainly possible to earn a big salary as a professional freelance translator through massive output. And also by working very long hours. But these strategies will only work for a few. You can also have a great lifestyle without earning megabucks if you live, or are prepared to move, somewhere nice and cheap.

How do I become a Gengo translator? ›

How do I become a Gengo translator?
  1. Step 1: Sign up. Create an account.
  2. Step 2: Enter your details. Please enter your name and address.
  3. Step 3: Tell us your experience. ...
  4. Step 4: Take the Gengo translator test. ...
  5. Step 5: Agree to our Terms & Conditions. ...
  6. Step 6: Go to the Work Dashboard, and start working!
28 Jul 2022

Which foreign language pays the most? ›

Highest paying foreign languages to learn for jobs

According to Euro London, learning a language has been shown to increase your wage by up to 10-15%. The highest paying foreign languages for English native speakers are Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German and Arabic.

Can you be a translator without a degree? ›

You can become a translator without a degree. At a minimum, professional language translators have a high school diploma or GED. Typically, employers don't require a formal degree in the language or languages you desire to translate, though some employers or clients may prefer it.

How do I get a job as a translator? ›

  1. Become fluent in another language. To become a translator, you must master a second language. ...
  2. Get specialized training. Even if you are fluent in a language, you'll still need to develop some translation skills. ...
  3. Become certified. ...
  4. Target a specific industry and learn the terminology. ...
  5. Gain work experience.

What is the most accurate translation program? ›

DeepL Translate: The world's most accurate translator.

What is a good translator? ›

And to help you choose the best service among the thousands, we have combed through the internet to bring you 8 of the best translation websites.
  • Google Translate. ...
  • Yandex Translate. ...
  • Bing Translator. ...
  • Reverso. ...
  • Translatedict. ...
  • MyMemory Translation. ...
  • Babylon Translator. ...
  • PROMT Online Translator.
24 Jan 2022

What is the best translator on Google? ›

List of 7 Best Google Translate alternatives for Language Conversion
  • Microsoft Translator.
  • iTranslate.
  • Linguee.
  • Babylon Translator.
  • Reverso Translation.
  • TripLingo Translator.
  • MemSource.

Is Google Translate the most accurate? ›

Well, the short answer is this: Yes, Google Translate is very accurate for the most part. In some cases, it's 94%+ accurate! In fact, it's one of the top-rated translation tools when it comes to translation accuracy, though the exact accuracy will depend on the language pairs that you've chosen.

Is DeepL more accurate than Google Translate? ›

For the languages that it supports, DeepL is regarded to be a bit more accurate than Google Translate. However, DeepL Translate has a limited language selection as compared to Google Translate and also costs more money.

Who can certify translation? ›

The document can be certified in front of a practising solicitor or a notary public. The document is certified by a fully qualified translator or translation company (accredited to make certifications conforms) confirming that translation is “true and accurate translation of the original”.

What is a translation certificate? ›

According to the American Translators Association, “A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement attesting that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator's knowledge and ability.” This is also known as a “Certificate of Accuracy” and is prepared by the ...

How long does it take to translate a document? ›

How fast is the average translation turnaround time?
Document sizeDuration for simple documentsDuration for technical documents
up to 1,000 words1 day1 day
1,000 - 3,0002 - 3 days2 - 3 days
3,000 - 5,0003 - 4 days3 - 5 days
5,000 - 10,0004 - 6 days4 - 7 days
24 Nov 2020

How can I improve my translation skills? ›

8 Ways to Maintain and Develop Your Translation Skills
  1. Perform different types of tasks. Any skill requires specialization. ...
  2. Change media consumption habits. ...
  3. Volunteer and flex those translation muscles. ...
  4. Travel for language immersion. ...
  5. Do translation exercises. ...
  6. Discover new topics. ...
  7. Mentor up. ...
  8. The 5-hour rule.
17 Feb 2020

How can I improve my translation quality? ›

5 ways to improve the quality of your translations
  1. Localize as you translate. Converting copy from one language to another is excellent, but localizing it at the same time is even better. ...
  2. Never stop learning. Languages change – fast! ...
  3. Play with synonyms. ...
  4. Type faster. ...
  5. Proofread. ...
  6. Final thoughts.
28 Mar 2018

What is the best PDF translator? ›

6 Best PDF Document Translation Methods To Consider
  • #1. Using Google Translate in Chrome or Other Browsers.
  • #2. Use Google Docs for Document Translation.
  • #3. Use The Microsoft Word Tool Without Any Fee.
  • #4. Use Shortcuts on iOS to Have Document Translation.
  • #5. Use Onlinedoctranslator.com For Quick Document Translation.
  • #6.
27 Apr 2022

Can you translate a PDF for free? ›

Google Translate allows you to translate PDF files for free.

Google Translate translates PDF files directly and for free. Click here to start the process. Select the PDF file you wish to translate, then click the Translate button. Translating and displaying the file in the browser.

How do I translate an entire PDF? ›

pdf pages in the output document but they aren't translated.
  1. In your browser, go to Google Translate.
  2. At the top, click Documents.
  3. Choose the languages to translate to and from. ...
  4. Click Browse your computer.
  5. Select the file you want to translate.
  6. Click Translate and wait for the document to finish translating.

Is Google Translate free? ›

Google Translate is a free service provided by Google that translates words, phrases, and even entire texts in over 100 languages.

How do I create a Gengo account? ›

Creating your Gengo account

Please select "Customer" from the drop-down menu, read Gengo's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and agree by clicking the box, and enter your e-mail address and password. When you click the green button labelled "Create new Gengo account" you will be redirected to the screen below.

What degree do I need to be a translator? ›

Interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor's degree; common fields of degree include foreign language, business, and communications. Students who study technical subjects, such as engineering or medicine, may be able to provide a higher level of interpreting and translation.

What qualifications do I need to be a translator? ›

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation. Relevant degrees include: languages - courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential. combined degrees which include a subject like law or science with languages.

How much does a translator earn per month? ›

Translator Salary in the UK

The average salary for a Translator is £24,300 gross per year (£1,670 net per month), which is £5,300 (-18%) lower than the UK's national average salary. A Translator can expect an average starting salary of £17,500. The highest salaries can exceed £50,000.

How much do translators get paid? ›

Interpreters and Translators made a median salary of $52,330 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $72,630 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $38,410.

Can I work as a translator online? ›

Online translation is one of the best careers for language lovers who wish to see the world. Unlike teaching English as a foreign language, translating may give you more flexibility and financial freedom, akin to other popular digital nomad careers such as freelance writing or graphic design.

How much does a freelance translator make? ›

How much does a Freelance Translator make? As of Oct 2, 2022, the average annual pay for a Freelance Translator in the United States is $62,186 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $29.90 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,195/week or $5,182/month.

Which foreign language is in demand in 2022? ›

Apart from Hindi and English the top four foreign languages with the most speakers in India are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and French. Since Germany and Japan's economy has highly developed and is giving a lot of career opportunities to Indians the demand for German and Japanese languages is also high in India.

Which language is easiest to learn? ›

15 of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers - ranked
  • Frisian. Frisian is thought to be one of the languages most closely related to English, and therefore also the easiest for English-speakers to pick up. ...
  • Dutch. ...
  • Norwegian. ...
  • Spanish. ...
  • Portuguese. ...
  • Italian. ...
  • French. ...
  • Swedish.
24 Oct 2021

Which foreign language translator is in demand? ›

English is the highest in demand (but European languages are the most profitable) As the modern lingua franca, it perhaps comes as no surprise that fluent English speakers are in the highest demand.

Do translators make good money? ›

In the U.S., the average salary of a translator is $19.67/hour. However, many language experts earn at least three times the average wage, depending on their skills and area of expertise. A translator or interpreter who is also certified by the American Translators Association can make more than $66/hour.

Are interpreter and translator same? ›

The biggest difference between interpretation and translation is each service's medium: interpreters translate spoken language orally, while translators translate the written word.

What are the duties of a translator? ›

As a translator, you'll convert written material from one or more 'source languages' into the 'target language', making sure that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible. The target language is normally your mother tongue.

What skills should a translator have? ›

Here are some skills that translators use on the job:
  • Language knowledge. The ability to speak and write fluently in at least two languages is the top skill of a translator. ...
  • Cultural knowledge. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Writing. ...
  • Research. ...
  • Computer-assisted translation (CAT) ...
  • Active listening. ...
  • Organization.
1 Mar 2021

How do you introduce yourself as a translator? ›

Interpreter Introduction I am (your first name), Professional MCIS (your target language) Interpreter. I will interpret everything said and keep it all confidential. Please speak to each other in short sentences, I may interrupt for clarification. of conversation).

Is translation a good career? ›

Global translation services are very important because they act as a communication medium between two languages. Translators connect two languages, two different cultures, and two very different people. This job is still very important and prevalent on a large scale.

Is DeepL better than Google Translate? ›

It depends on what you need. For the languages that it supports, DeepL is regarded to be a bit more accurate than Google Translate. However, DeepL Translate has a limited language selection as compared to Google Translate and also costs more money.

Is Google Translate the best? ›

Well, the short answer is this: Yes, Google Translate is very accurate for the most part. In some cases, it's 94%+ accurate! In fact, it's one of the top-rated translation tools when it comes to translation accuracy, though the exact accuracy will depend on the language pairs that you've chosen.

Is DeepL Translate accurate? ›

If you want the most accurate translations possible, DeepL is definitely one of the best options. When it comes to translation accuracy, DeepL is regularly rated as the best, even beating out Google Translate. You can use the web interface or desktop apps for personal translation.

Which translator is the most accurate? ›

DeepL Translate: The world's most accurate translator.

Which translation is best? ›

And to help you choose the best service among the thousands, we have combed through the internet to bring you 8 of the best translation websites.
  1. Google Translate. ...
  2. Yandex Translate. ...
  3. Bing Translator. ...
  4. Reverso. ...
  5. Translatedict. ...
  6. MyMemory Translation. ...
  7. Babylon Translator. ...
  8. PROMT Online Translator.
24 Jan 2022

What are the tools of a translator? ›

10 tools for professional translators
  • Linguee. Linguee.com is a unique translation tool. ...
  • SDL Trados studio. This tool is very good value for money. ...
  • The Free Dictionary. Dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedia all in one. ...
  • Fluency Now. ...
  • ProZ. ...
  • MemoQ. ...
  • Zanata. ...
  • OmegaT.
22 Oct 2019

Are pocket translators worth it? ›

Pocketalk Translator makes it easy to hold conversations in different languages, and can really help break down barriers when you're traveling for work or pleasure, but it's at the pricier end of the market so make sure it covers the languages you need before investing.

How much does DeepL cost? ›

Choose between annual and monthly billing
Starter $10.49 $6.99 per user per month billed annually Try for free Free for 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Translate textUnlimited *
Translate whole files (per user)5 files/month Up to 10 MB file size
Formal/informal tone
Glossary (limited languages)1 glossary with 5,000 entries
4 more rows

Does DeepL have a limit? ›

Translate text without limits

With DeepL Pro, you can bypass the free translator's limit of 5,000 characters and translate as much as you need via the web and desktop apps.

Do professional translators use Google Translate? ›

The translation software that professional translators use is called a CAT tool, which stands for “computer-aided translation.” And while that might sound a lot like Google Translate at first glance, it isn't.

Are translations accurate? ›

When you try to translate only a bunch of words or a few sentences, the results are fairly reliable. But, when you convert a whole page into a browser, things begin to decline. Yes, the translated text is often accurate. But the sentences and meaning might not always be right.

What algorithm does Google Translate use? ›

Google Translate's NMT system uses a large artificial neural network capable of deep learning. By using millions of examples, GNMT improves the quality of translation, using broader context to deduce the most relevant translation. The result is then rearranged and adapted to approach grammatically based human language.

Why is Google Translate not accurate? ›

Google Translate often produces translations that contain significant grammatical errors. This is due to the fact that Google's translation system uses a method based on language pair frequency that does not take into account grammatical rules. Google Translate does not have a system to correct for translation errors.

Is Google Translate improving? ›

Google Translate is the world's number one translation software. Since its launch in April 2006, Google Translate's quality of translation has improved a lot thanks to advances in machine learning, such as the GNMT (Google Neural Machine Translation) model.

How safe is Google Translate? ›

Google Translate offers no security or confidentiality for your data. Everything translated through Google Translate is stored and analysed by Google in accordance with their terms of service. Google Translate offers only a ”rough” translation.

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