How to use Google Translate’s new AI features

Google

Google Translate just got a big boost with AI, making it easier than ever to connect with people and learn new languages. Thanks to Google’s Gemini AI models, you can now have live conversations in real time and practice languages in a way that’s tailored to you.

To start a live conversation, open the Google Translate app on your phone and tap “Live translate.” Choose the languages you and your conversation partner speak, and then start talking. The app will translate your words out loud while showing transcripts in both languages on your screen. It even understands pauses, accents, and intonations, so the conversation feels natural. This feature works well even in noisy places like cafes or airports, and it’s currently available in the U.S., India, and Mexico.

If you want to practice a language, tap the “Practice” section in the app. You can set your skill level and learning goals, and the app will generate exercises just for you. These sessions let you listen to conversations, tap on words to check comprehension, or practice speaking with hints when needed. The app tracks your progress each day, helping you gain confidence in real conversations. Right now, this beta feature is available for English speakers learning Spanish or French, and for Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers learning English.

All of this is powered by Google’s advanced AI, which goes beyond simple word-for-word translation. Gemini models improve text-to-speech, conversation flow, and even visual translations, so you can understand, communicate, and learn more effectively. With these updates, Google Translate is no longer just a dictionary—it’s a personal language coach and travel companion, all in one.