Translation Features & Apps
Simple ways to understand and communicate in different languages
Translation technology has improved quickly in recent years and can be incredibly helpful for seniors, carers and multicultural families.
Many phones and computers can now help you:
Translate conversations
Understand messages in another language
Read signs, menus or letters
Translate websites
Speak with family, carers or services in another language
Feel more confident when travelling
The good news is that many translation tools are already built into your phone, computer or internet browser — and many are free to use.
You do not need to speak another language or be “good with technology” to try these tools.
What Can Translation Technology Help With?
Translation tools can help in everyday situations such as:
✔ Talking with family or friends who speak another language
✔ Reading letters, signs or forms
✔ Understanding messages or emails
✔ Travelling overseas
✔ Supporting someone in aged care or health settings
✔ Looking at websites in another language
✔ Shopping or reading product information
Remember: Translation technology is helpful, but it is not always perfect.
Common Symbols You May See
These symbols may look slightly different depending on your phone, tablet or computer.
Globe symbol - Often means language, translation or changing language.
Microphone symbol - Speak instead of typing.
Camera symbol - Use your camera to translate signs, menus, letters or labels.
Speech bubble or conversation symbol - Helpful for translated conversations.
Speaker symbol - Listen to translated words spoken aloud.
Three dots - Often means more options or settings.
Settings symbol - Extra choices such as changing language.
Google Translate
Google Translate is one of the most useful translation tools available and works on most phones and computers.
It can help you:
✅ Translate words or sentences
✅ Speak and hear translations
✅ Translate signs using your camera
✅ Translate websites
✅ Help with simple conversations
Simple steps
Open Google Translate (app or website).
Choose your language and the language you want translated.
Type, speak or tap the camera.
Read or listen to the translation.
Camera translation
Point your camera at:
Menus
Signs
Letters
Product labels
Instructions
Conversation mode
Two people can speak different languages and see translations on screen.
Pros
✅ Works on Apple, Android and computers
✅ Large number of languages
✅ Helpful camera feature
✅ Free to use
Things to know
⚠️ Works best with internet access
⚠️ Some translations may not be perfect
⚠️ Short sentences often work best
Apple Translate
Many Apple devices include a translation app already built in.
It can help you:
✅ Translate speech
✅ Type and translate words
✅ Listen to translations
✅ Support simple conversations
Simple steps
Open the Translate app.
Choose your languages.
Type or tap the microphone to speak.
Listen or show the screen to another person.
Camera translation
Point your camera at:
Menus
Signs
Letters
Product labels
Instructions
Conversation mode
Helpful for face-to-face conversations.
Pros
✅ Already included on many Apple devices
✅ Simple and easy to use
✅ Helpful for everyday conversations
Things to know
⚠️ Fewer languages than Google Translate
⚠️ Some older devices may have fewer features
Translation Built Into Your Keyboard
Many phones can type or listen in different languages.
Helpful for:
Sending messages to family overseas
Multilingual households
Speaking instead of typing
You may see:
Globe symbol = change language
Microphone symbol = speak instead of type
Pros
✅ Helpful for messaging in another language
✅ Speaking can be easier than typing
✅ Good for families using more than one language
Things to know
⚠️ Voice typing may not always understand every accent or word
⚠️ Different Android phones may look slightly different
Translation in Messaging Apps
Many people receive messages in different languages from family or friends.
Common messaging apps include: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Messages
Some messaging apps may include translation features, but an easy option is:
Press and hold the message.
Copy the text.
Open a translation app or AI tool.
Paste the message.
Read the translation.
understand a sign in another language
Translating Websites
Many internet browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari, can translate websites automatically. Note that not all websites support translation.
Helpful for:
Travel websites
Overseas family information
Community information
Shopping websites
News from other countries
Simple steps
Open a webpage in another language.
Look for a message asking if you want it translated.
Select Translate.
If you cannot see it, try the three dots or more options (…) menu
Helpful Tip for Websites
If translation does not appear:
Copy the text.
Paste it into Google Translate or an AI tool.
Translation in Email
Emails sometimes arrive in another language from:
Family overseas
Travel companies
Shopping websites
Community organisations
Health or service providers
Simple steps
Open the email.
Look for Translate message.
If you cannot see it, try the three dots (…) menu.
Simple way to translate any email
If translation is not available:
Copy the email text.
Open Google Translate or an AI tool.
Paste the text.
Read the translation.
Tip: Long emails may work better if translated in smaller sections.
AI Translation Tools
AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini can also help with translation and understanding meaning.
AI can help:
✅ Translate messages
✅ Explain confusing wording
✅ Make language simpler
✅ Help write messages in another language
Try asking:
“Can you translate this into Tagalog?”
“Can you explain this in simple English?”
“Can you help me write a polite message in Chinese Mandarin?”
Things to know
⚠️ AI is not always correct
⚠️ Avoid sharing private information
⚠️ Double-check medical, legal or financial information
Helpful Tips for Better Translation
✅ Use short sentences where possible
✅ Speak clearly if using voice translation
✅ Try translating smaller sections of text
✅ Use official apps or trusted websites
✅ Double-check important information