For those who professionally translate from foreign languages, there is Abbyy Lingvo. Those who are constantly faced with foreign language texts that need to be quickly processed and generally understood use Promt machine translation systems. And if you need to contact a translator only from time to time to get an interpretation of an unfamiliar word in the text or to roughly understand what it’s about? we're talking about on a Chinese website, then contextual translators are indispensable. These small programs are convenient because they are always at hand and are ready to provide translation upon request.
Contextual translators did not appear yesterday or the day before. But with the penetration of the Internet into the masses, they have completely changed. Previously, these were applications consisting of software module and dictionaries. Some dictionaries were supplied with the program; additional ones often had to be downloaded separately. An overview of such applications - “Polyglot prompters or something about contextual translators" - can be found in the archive of our website for 2007. But if you try to follow the links provided in the article, you will see that almost all the programs over these five years have ceased to exist or have been abandoned.
When broadband Internet appeared in every home, it became much more convenient to use online translation services, and with them new contextual translators appeared. They no longer store dictionaries on your hard drive, and you don't need to download anything other than shell. As soon as the user makes a request, the application searches for a translation on one of the popular web services and displays the result in its window. Of course, this approach requires permanent connection with the Internet, well, who doesn’t have it now?
⇡ Client for Google Translate 6.0
- Developer: TranslateClient
- Operating system: Windows
- Distribution: free (paid version available)
- Russian interface: yes
For several years this program was the most the best solution For quick translation words and texts. Instead of opening translate.google.com in your browser, you could use this extremely simple utility. It was possible insert text for translation directly into its window or, alternatively, copy the symbols and click on the Client for icon Google Translate in the tray. In the latter case, the translation was displayed in the cursor area, so there was no need to even switch between windows.
In mid-2011, Google changed the terms of provision of the API of its Google Translate service - developers who use the service engine in their products were asked to purchase a license worth $20 per million characters. After this innovation in free version program, the Microsoft Bing engine was added, and the translation from using Google Translate began to be offered in Pro version(along with the ability to connect dictionaries and some other functions). However, in November last year, this shop also closed. Policy changes API usage Bing services provide free use service only within 4 million characters per month. To expand the limit, you need to pay $10 per million characters.
From the moment the restriction was introduced by Microsoft, the development of the program slowed down. Client for Google Translate now only works during the first days of the month until users of the program reach the limit from Microsoft (a quota of 4 million characters is provided for everyone). After this, instead of translation, you can see the bleak message Microsoft Translator is over the quota. Try again later or switch to Google Translate. It’s clear that you can buy the Pro version, but compared to free alternative applications, the once very popular Client for Google Translate seems like a dead project.
⇡ QTranslate 4.1
- Developer: QuestSoft
- Operating system: Windows
- Distribution: free
- Russian interface: yes
It is completely unclear how the QTranslate developers managed to do this, but this free program works with translation via Google, Bing, and several other popular services: Yandex, Promt, Babylon, SDL. If desired, any of the services and supported translation languages can be disabled.
The program's interface is minimalist, but at the same time it has everything you need for quick translation: neat tabs with the names of services are located at the bottom, there are two fields for text, as well as a panel using which you can select the direction of translation, quickly change languages, clear fields. Clicking on the headphones in the text input fields turns on the text.
In order to quickly translate a word or a couple of sentences, you don’t even have to be distracted by switching to the program window. Simply copy the text to your clipboard and a QTranslate icon will appear next to your cursor. Clicking on it will display a pop-up window with the completed translation. Despite its tiny size, it can also fit several useful commands. So, with one click you can try to translate a fragment using any other supported translation system, replace the source text with the resulting translation, listen to how it should be pronounced, and copy it to the clipboard.
QTranslate can also be used to search for unfamiliar terms in dictionaries. If you select not a quick translation in the pop-up window, but open a dictionary window, you can find out what Wikipedia, Definr, ImTranslator, etc. knows about the searched word. Google search and other services.
To access web resources, you can configure the use of a proxy server, as well as set a timeout time.
By the way, if a quick translation is not needed, the program icon can be easily disabled in the settings. Conversely, it is possible to quickly display the translation immediately when selecting text. In general, as anyone likes. In addition, the program can display translation tools in the cursor area when you press predefined key combinations (default is Ctrl+Q). In the settings, exceptions are specified - applications in which QTranslate will not work. You can also enable translation of interface elements: just move the cursor to the desired inscription, press CTRL+Q - and the translation will appear in a pop-up window.
The program remembers the history of translations and makes it possible to save it as HTML file. In addition to the main features, QTranslate also offers virtual keyboard with support for about thirty languages.
⇡ Dicter 3.32
- Developer: Dicter
- Operating system: Windows
- Distribution: free
- Russian interface: yes
Dicter is one of the most simple programs for translation of texts. There are practically no settings in it; you can only change the hotkeys for calling up the translator window, the font size and autorun settings with Windows. Contextual translation is performed using a keyboard shortcut (by default, pressing the left CTRL and ALT keys simultaneously), or you can select the text and click on the Dicter icon in the system tray. By default, the program window appears in a simplified mode, when only the translation is shown, it is possible to change its direction, listen to the finished text, edit it and copy it to the clipboard. If you switch to the extended window mode, a field with the original will also appear.
To receive a translation, Dicter uses Google service Translate, but there are no restrictions on translation in the program. Possibly your own expenses for purchasing the right to use API developers are covered due to the fact that the installer with default settings installs an advertising module for services from Yandex (be careful when installing and do not forget to uncheck all the boxes!).
⇡ Google Translate Desktop 2.1
- Developer: AthTek Software
- Operating system: Windows
- Distribution: free (ads included)
- Russian interface: no
As you can guess from the name, Google Translate Desktop also uses the Google Translate engine to work. The program is free, but supported by advertising - be prepared for the constant flickering of the flash banner at the top of the window. However, if it is not yet installed on your system Flash Player from Adobe, instead of a banner you will see simply empty window. The program does not require installation and is ready to work immediately after running the ggtranslate.exe file.
Google Translate Desktop does not support translation using hotkeys, but it monitors the contents of the clipboard. That is, as soon as you press CTRL+C or copy text to the clipboard in another way, it immediately appears in the translator window.
The original language is detected automatically, but you can also hardcode it in the settings. The translation language is also specified in the settings, and here the program lacks flexibility. If, for example, the user wants to make a translation not in the usual direction (for example, Russian → English), but in the opposite direction (English → Russian), it will not be possible to receive it automatically, since the program will try to translate from English to English and will get stuck at this point. The button for quick change translation directions—if the source language is detected automatically, the button is inactive. You have to manually select a language from a long list.
The program window also has buttons for speaking text (translated only), copying results to the clipboard, and clearing the window of text. The results can be saved as a text file. It is also worth paying attention to the input line at the top of the page. By entering the site address here, you can quickly get a translation of the web page (it opens in the browser).
⇡ Lingoes 2.8.1
- Developer: Lingoes Project
- Operating system: Windows
- Distribution: free
- Russian interface: yes
Break through advertising blocks on the Lingoes website, which instead of a translator slip in installers of completely different programs, it’s not easy. But when you do succeed, you will be rewarded. Lingoes is one of the most functional free systems for quick translation, and in the program itself, unlike the website, there are no advertisements.
The program supports thirteen (!) translation services, including the ubiquitous Google Translate, Yahoo, SYSTRAN, Microsoft Translator and others. Translation can be performed either in the program window (to do this, just go to the “Text Translation” section) or in a pop-up window.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose to have a pop-up window appear when you copy text to the clipboard, when you highlight it, or when you hover over a word. At the same time, the program’s reaction is easily customizable: when translation of the selected text is enabled, you can set exceptions, and when translation is active by pointing at a word, you can specify what additional actions need to be performed for the program to translate it (for example, clicking right click mouse and pressing the Ctrl key). By default, this function is enabled to ignore numbers, but you can also ask the utility to ignore Latin, Cyrillic or other characters.
Hot keys are also fully supported - with their help you can not only open the translation window, but also, for example, read out the text. In the program settings, you can select the translation service that will be used by default, set the first and second target languages (the second will be used if the source language matches the target language).
Lingoes has built-in not only translation using online services, but also an incredible number of different capabilities. Because of them, the program interface looks overloaded, but if you need a calculator, currency converter, periodic table, unit converter, international telephone codes, a list of irregular English verbs or information about the current time in different countries— know that Lingoes has it all.
⇡ Conclusion
For a translator, especially one that is positioned as a solution for quick translation, the most important things are speed, an uncluttered interface and ease of call. In all three respects, it seems to us, QTranslate has no equal. Despite the fact that, for example, Lingoes has many more settings that describe the appearance of a translation window, there is no such convenient option as in QTranslate. An unobtrusive icon that appears when text is selected and automatically disappears if the user does not access it, this is much more convenient than a translation pop-up window constantly appearing on the screen. However, it all depends on how intensively you use the translator. Both Lingoes and Dicter also seemed to us to be very worthy programs.
Sometimes you just need a high-quality translator of foreign words at hand, on a tourist trip, when preparing for a business meeting, or just in everyday school life. Bulky books are not always convenient to use, but if you download Russian English Translator on Android you will find a compact but faithful assistant in any situation. This application is completely free, but not without advertising, and translates words and small texts from Russian to English and vice versa.
Why is it worth downloading Russian English Translator for Android?
A good plus is the voice acting of the text for a better understanding of the pronunciation of a word you are unfamiliar with. The application can be used as a regular dictionary and search in it only for the necessary complex or unfamiliar words. This is an excellent help in learning a language for schoolchildren, students and those who want to learn it from scratch or consolidate it English language after a long study. By downloading Russian English Translator for Android, you can quickly navigate an unfamiliar situation while traveling. Going to a restaurant, a museum or a regular walk along old European streets will no longer make you afraid of foreign speech. This application has a number of useful functions, which will facilitate the translation of the necessary phrases or text.
Translating words and phrases will help you quickly and accurately translate a questionable word or whole sentence. You will no longer have difficulties with the correct meaning of the searched word or the sound of an entire phrase;
translation from clipboard will help you translate easily and quickly necessary information from a foreign online store, magazine or any information site in English;
a quick search will not keep you waiting for the correct translation, the application works quickly and clearly even without the Internet;
The convenient and easy-to-use interface pleases with its laconic and strict design. The program only necessary funds for translation and nothing more.
The Android operating system is rich in all kinds of translators. However, not all of these applications cope with their task quickly and correctly. In this article we will look at the best translators who will help both at home and somewhere abroad.
Just half a century ago, a person with the appropriate knowledge was required to translate a text. And now the translation is carried out in real time - you just need to install special program to your smartphone or tablet. Some of the applications work by exchanging data with their server. Other products function without an Internet connection. The translation method also differs between different utilities.
This selection examines the six best translators with a clear interface and stable performance. After reading our article, all you have to do is install the application you like using the link leading to Google Play.
Price: Free
You need to start with the most popular translation application for at the moment. The success of the Google Translate program is facilitated by the fact that it is pre-installed on a huge number of smartphones. If you have access to the Internet, then this best choice. After all, everyone knows that in the linguistic field, Google is ahead of the rest.
In total, the program supports 103 languages. Without an Internet connection, the list is reduced to 52 languages. There is also a camera mode where the translation is displayed directly on top of the real inscriptions. It is very convenient to use it on trips abroad when you do not understand the essence of the menu or the store sign. This mode supports 37 languages. Finally, the creators did not forget the conversation mode, which translates from 32 languages. It's even possible here handwriting, which recognizes 93 languages!
There is nothing bad to say about Google Translate. We can only note the fact that in offline mode the translation is less accurate than when connected to the global web. But anyway he doesn't worse than that text that is produced by some other offline translator.
Advantages:
- Translator with voice input;
- Camera mode;
- Availability of offline mode;
- Handwriting mode support;
- A huge number of supported languages;
- It is possible to translate text selected in another application;
- Distributed free of charge.
Flaws:
- Without the Internet, translation accuracy suffers;
- A very simple interface.
ABBYY TextGrabber + Translator
Price: Free
ABBYY is well known to many computer users. Its developers work quite successfully in the field of text recognition and translation. An app called TextGrabber + Translator does just that. With its help, you can point the camera built into your smartphone at some text, after which the program will try to translate it as quickly as possible.
To use the program, you need a smartphone with a built-in camera whose resolution is at least 3 megapixels. Autofocus is a must!
Advantages:
- Competent translation;
- Camera mode;
- Supports a large number of languages;
- Sending the result to other applications.
Flaws:
- Still can’t cope with many photographs;
- Quite a high cost.
ABBYY Lingvo
Price: Free
Another application from a famous development team. It can also translate photographed words, but primarily the program is intended for translating text from other utilities. For example, you can translate a particular phrase that appears in an Internet browser.
If you decide to download the ABBYY Lingvo offline translator, then be prepared for the fact that this is in no way a replacement for a product from Google. The program is a dictionary. She is best at translating individual words. Stable phrases also lend themselves to it. But she will not be able to fully translate several paragraphs of text. That's why this application recommended for those who already know a foreign language well, but some words are still unfamiliar to them.
The program is distributed free of charge, but you will be given only 11 basic dictionaries designed to translate text in 7 languages. Additional dictionaries from world-famous publishers are offered for money. However, for most, the basic set will be enough.
Advantages:
- The most detailed definition of any word;
- Ability to work without an Internet connection;
- Availability of camera mode;
- Availability of Live translation in other applications;
- Distributed free of charge.
Flaws:
- Additional dictionaries cost money;
- The photo mode is not implemented very well;
- Cannot translate large chunks of text.
Microsoft Translator
For some time now, the company has been developing its own application designed for text translation. Its program supports translation into 60 languages, and this number is gradually growing. It is not necessary to connect to the Internet - offline translation is available for most language areas. Another function that may come in handy is the simultaneous translation of two interlocutors - this starts a split-screen mode when one half of the display is displayed upside down.
Microsoft Translator is ideal for teaching foreign language. This is evidenced by the ability to view transliteration, which helps to understand how to correctly pronounce a particular phrase. This is further facilitated by the automatic pronunciation of translated phrases by the built-in robot.
Among other nice features of the application, we should highlight the translation of text found in the image. This means you can point your camera at a sign or advertisement and immediately receive the correct translation. And also Microsoft product works great in conjunction with Android based Wear - you can talk directly in them.
Advantages:
- Large number of supported languages;
- Simple and intuitive interface;
- Translation from photo is possible;
- A special mode for translating a conversation between two people;
- Offline translation is available;
- Distributed free of charge.
Flaws:
- The accuracy of the translation cannot be called ideal.
Translate.ru
Price: Free
This program was created by PROMT. It was one of the first to enter the market of services designed for translating foreign texts into Russian. At one time, it was with the help of PROMT services that computer and console games were translated. And everyone remembers how terrible such a translation was. But since then the situation has changed a lot. The company has developed a perfect translation algorithm, thanks to which the text turns out to be completely sane.
The mobile version of the translator is distributed free of charge. However, if you require wider functionality and large volumes of translation, you will have to splurge on the paid version, which costs about two hundred rubles. Also, the PRO version does not have advertising, which is usually located at the bottom of the interface. It is also capable of translating text without connecting to the World Wide Web.
Advantages:
- Application with voice input;
- Built-in phrasebook (voice phrases for foreigners);
- Translation in other applications;
- Detailed definition of any word;
- Not the largest volume of dictionaries;
- The 1000 most recent translations are stored in memory.
Flaws:
- Almost all useful functionality can be obtained only for money;
- Translation accuracy is sometimes inferior to competitors.
The best offline translator for Android
Usually, during a trip abroad, we do not have constant access to the Internet. Or our traffic is seriously limited, which is why we don’t want to spend it at all. In such cases, you need to look towards offline translators. Theoretically, even . You just need to remember to download the necessary dictionaries first. But it’s better to have some alternative on your smartphone. It can serve as ABBYY Lingvo And Translate.ru. The first program translates words and individual phrases. The second one works according to the principles of Google, but at the same time requires a certain amount for its offline functionality.
Best voice translator
And here it also shows itself quite well. It's surprising that many people forget that this program is capable of providing voice translation. You can also install it on your smartphone Microsoft Translator. His main feature is a translation of a conversation between two people.
The best online translator
There are simply no competitors here. Google can easily be called a linguistic giant. If you access its servers, you will receive the most correct and understandable translation from any of the hundred supported languages. That's why this app is a must have on your phone.
This article contains programs (translation memory programs, electronic dictionaries, programs for text recognition, programs for calculating statistics, programs for localizing applications, programs for translating websites, other programs for translators), including free ones, which allow you to translate more texts in less time. Also given brief descriptions of these programs with links to original sources for downloading and installation. We hope that you will find something useful for yourself here.
TRANSLATION MEMORY PROGRAMS
Translation memory (translation memory, translation memory) - programs that allow you to “not translate the same thing twice.” These are databases that contain previously translated text units. If a new text contains a unit that is already in the database, the system automatically adds it to the translation. Such programs significantly save the translator’s time, especially if he works with similar texts.
Trados. At the time of writing this article, it is one of the most popular programs Translation memory. Allows you to work with MS Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, HTML documents and files of other formats. Trados has a module for maintaining glossaries. Website: http://www.translationzone.com/trados.html
Déjà Vu. Also one of the leaders in popularity. Allows you to work with documents in almost all popular formats. There are separate versions of the program for freelance translators and for translation agencies. Website: http://www.atril.com/
OmegaT. Supports a large number of popular formats, but documents in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint need to be converted to other formats. A nice feature: the program is free. Website: http://www.omegat.org/
MetaTexis. Allows you to work with documents of the main popular formats. There are two versions of the program available - a module for MS Word and a server program. Website: http://www.metatexis.com/
MemoQ. The functionality is similar to Trados and Déjà Vu, the cost of the program (at the time of writing) is lower than that of more popular systems. Website: http://kilgray.com/
Star Transit. Designed for translation and localization. Currently only compatible with Windows OS. Website: http://www.star-group.net/DEU/group-transit-nxt/transit.html
WordFisher. Free system Translation Memory, created and maintained by a professional translator. Website: http://www.wordfisher.com/
Across. 4 offered different versions programs that differ in the scope of functionality. Website: http://www.across.net/us/translation-memory.aspx
Catnip. Demon paid program, the “successor” of the MT2007 program. Website: http://mt2007-cat.ru/catnip/
ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES
Here we have presented only electronic dictionaries for battery life(without internet access). There are much more online dictionaries; a separate article will be devoted to them. Although the Internet has penetrated into the most remote corners of the planet, it is useful to have at least 1 dictionary for working in offline mode. We reviewed dictionaries for professional use, phrasebooks and dictionaries for language learners are not included here.
ABBYY Lingvo. Currently allows you to translate from 15 languages. There are several versions of the program with different sizes of dictionaries. There is a version for mobile devices. Paid version The dictionary is installed on your computer and can work without an Internet connection; the free version is only available online. The program is compatible with Windows, Symbian, Mac OS X, iOS, Android. Website: http://www.lingvo.ru/
Multitran. Not everyone knows that there is an offline version of this popular dictionary. Can be installed on computers (desktop and pocket-sized), smartphones. Works with Windows, Symbian and Android, as well as Linux (via browser). Currently allows you to translate from/to 13 languages. Website: http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe
Promt. This program has versions for professional use. The advantage of Promt is that it allows you to work together with Trados. Website: http://www.promt.ru/
Slovoed. Can translate from/to 14 languages. Installed on desktop computers and laptops, mobile devices and Amazon Kindle readers. Works with operating systems iOS, Android, Windows, Symbian, BlackBerry, bada, Tizen. The dictionary has several versions, including highly specialized thematic dictionaries. Website: http://www.slovoed.ru/
PROGRAMS FOR TEXT RECOGNITION
ABBYY FineReader. Recognizes text in photographs, scans, and PDF documents. The latest (at the time of writing) version recognizes text in 190 languages, and does a spell check for 48 of them. You can save the resulting text in almost all popular formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, html, etc.) Website: http://www.abbyy.ru/finereader/
CuneiForm(OpenOCR). The program was created as a commercial product, but is currently distributed freely. Operating room compatible Linux systems, Mac OS X, Windows. Website: http://openocr.org/
PROGRAMS FOR CALCULATING STATISTICS
Translator's Abacus– free program for counting the number of words in documents various types. Website: http://www.globalrendering.com/
AnyCount– a paid program with a large number of settings. For example, you can count the number of characters with or without spaces, the number of words, lines, pages, or set the counting unit yourself. Website: http://www.anycount.com/
FineCount– the program is available in two versions, paid and free, which differ in the scope of functions. Website: http://www.tilti.com/
PROGRAMS FOR APPLICATION LOCALIZATION
PROGRAMS FOR SITE TRANSLATION
OTHER PROGRAMS FOR TRANSLATORS
ApSIC Comparator– a program for comparing files (source text VS text with changes made by a translator). Website.
Skype Translator – useful application for simultaneous translation of calls and video messages of the video communication service of the same name into 9 languages.
An interactive translator will overcome the language barrier and help family, colleagues and friends understand each other when communicating on Skype. The software is based on machine learning technology based on neural networks, which allows the service to learn and improve itself as users use it.
NeoDic is a convenient free program for translating the necessary words and phrases. A special feature of this utility is instant translation by hovering the mouse over the desired text.
The developers have created a pop-up hint window in which you will see the translation of the necessary words. You won't have to search online translators, copy and paste the text and wait for translation. Three dictionaries with Russian, English and Ukrainian languages are built into the program base. But this does not mean that NeoDik cannot translate into other languages. You can go to the creator's website and download the necessary dictionaries for free.
A multifunctional online translator, thanks to which you can easily translate texts on the Internet, programs and instant messengers from foreign interlocutors. The software is free and suitable for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.
When reading literature on the Internet, visiting websites, communicating in social networks very often the question of translation from a few foreign words to entire texts arises. This software will perfectly cope with your requirements, since the functionality is designed to translate up to 50 thousand characters and stores about 48 languages in the database. It will be useful for schoolchildren and students to use a translator - the text is translated in a matter of seconds, it does not need to be divided into paragraphs, and the program itself is small in size, which allows you to install it on a PC with a small amount of memory.
NI Transliterator is a free translator of texts into Russian and back into transliteration. This software will instantly translate the required text into a language you understand.
The developers have added a good entertainment base to Clownfish. When communicating, you can distort your voice, draw with emoticons, and send original greeting cards. An integrated chatbot will help you use this online translator as an answering machine. Possible choice convenient service for translation.
