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A Simple Method to Translate Text in Word

Author: Sun Last Modified: 2024-09-02

In the digital age, language should not be a barrier to communication, especially not in your documents. Microsoft Word offers a powerful built-in Translate feature that can effortlessly bridge language gaps within your documents. Whether you need to translate a snippet or an entire document, Word's comprehensive tools are designed to meet your needs. This guide will take you through the steps to utilize these features effectively.

Translate Text in Word

Translate text in a Word document with the Built-in Translate feature


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Video: Translate in Word

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Translate text in a Word document with a Built-in Translate feature

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The Translate feature of Word supports translating texts in a selection or the whole document.


Translate A Selection in Word

Sometimes, you only need to translate a specific portion of your text. Here’s how to do it:.

Step 1. Highlight the text you want to translate

Note: The Translate feature only supports one selection at a time; if you select multiple sections, the Translate feature will not work.

Step 2. Access Translator feature

Go to the Review tab on the ribbon and click on Translate > Translate Selection.

Translate Selection button on the Review tab

Step 3. Choose Language

A Translator pane appears on the right side of the document. Automatically it will detect the original language, you only need to specify the going-translate language. Go to the To drop-down list, click the arrow-down button, and choose the language you want to translate to.

Translator pane

Step 4. Insert Translation

Review the translation, if satisfied, you can click the Insert button to insert the translation directly into your document which will replace the original texts.

Insert button

Text translated

If you do not want to replace the original texts directly, you can select the translation, copy it, and paste it anywhere.

Notes:
  1. Back up a copy for data missing data accidentally before using the Translation Selection feature.
  2. The feature supports Undo.

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Translate the Whole Document

For those times when you need a full document translation, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the document you want to translate
Step 2. Open Translate Tool

Under the Review tab, select Translate and then choose Translate Document.

Translate Document button on the Review tab on the ribbon

Step 3. Set Languages

Specify the original and target languages. Generally, it will detect the original language, you just need to go to the To section to choose a going-translate language from the drop-down list.

Translator pane

Step 4. Translate

Click Translate button, and a new document will be created with the translated contents.

Translate button

Step 5. Review the Translation

Click View > Arrange All to arrange the two documents horizontally, then review the translation for accuracy.

Arrange All button on the View tab on the ribbon

Text translated

If the translation meets your requirements, you can copy it and replace the original content or save the new document as you need.


Tips for Using the Translate Feature

Accuracy:

While the Translate tool is useful, it may not always capture the nuances of the language perfectly. Always review translations for accuracy, especially in professional or formal documents.

Data Handling

Be mindful that when using online translation, your data is sent to Microsoft's servers, which might not be suitable for sensitive or confidential content.

Online Requirement

The Translate feature can only be translated online.

Add New Languages

You can add a new language to the To section. Click Review > Translate > Translator Preference, and click Add a language to select a language to add.


By integrating these translation capabilities, Microsoft Word helps you overcome language barriers effortlessly. Whether it’s for business, academic, or personal use, these tools make your document management truly global.

For additional transformative Word strategies that can significantly enhance your data management, explore further here.

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