You may know that Google Assistant can understand many languages, but did you know it can also be your interpreter? The “Interpreter Mode” feature is super cool and feels futuristic. We show you how it works.
As the name implies, Interpreter Mode is about more than translating sentences from one language to another. The feature is to make it easier to have a conversation with someone who speaks a language you don̵
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Interpreter mode works on many devices that support Google Assistant, including Google Home and Nest speakers, smart displays, phones and tablets. You can view a full list of supported languages on Google’s webpage.
The first thing you need to do is open Google Assistant. On Android devices, you can do this by saying “Okay, Google” or by swiping in from the bottom left or right corner.
With an iPhone or iPad, you can tap the Google Assistant app from the home screen.
To start interpreter mode, all you need to do is ask the Google Assistant to be your interpreter. The way you do this determines which languages are used. Here are a few examples:
“Hey, Google, …”
- “… be my Spanish interpreter.”
- “… interpreting from Polish to Dutch.”
- “… be my Chinese interpreter.”
You can also say, “Hey Google, turn on interpreter mode”, and it will ask which language you want to use.
There are a number of different input methods in interpreter mode. The default setting is “Auto”, which detects the language of each person and translates it to the other language.
The “Manual” mode allows you to select one language at a time to translate. Tap the microphone icon for the language being spoken.
You can also type with a keyboard. Tap the keyboard icon for whatever language you are using and it will be translated.
The “Auto” mode is the most dynamic method as it automatically starts listening after each translation. You can place the device between yourself and the other person and take turns talking with little physical input on the device.
On smart speakers and displays, the interpreter mode works only in “Auto” mode. It starts with the same assignments as before.
“Hey, Google, …”
- “… be my Italian interpreter.”
- “… interpreting from Polish to Dutch.”
- “… be my Chinese interpreter.”
Or say “Hey Google, turn on interpreter mode” and it will ask you which language you want to use.
The Google Assistant explains that you hear a sound while listening. When you hear that sound, you can speak. The assistant will automatically translate any language and you can go back and forth and wait for the sound every time.
To stop using interpreter mode, here are a few commands you can use:
- “Stop”
- “Stop”
- “Exit”
On phones, tablets and smart displays, you can also tap the ‘X’ in the top right corner.
Interpreter mode can be a very powerful tool in certain situations. Gone are the days of typing sentences in a translator.
