Small Thing Number Fifteen: Get the Google Translate App!

I know I know Google translate has a pretty bad reputation and in general it's best for having a good laugh, but if you know how to use it can be very helpful.

My Japanese teacher said Google translate was horrible for sentences but it was pretty good for individual words. I use it a lot while doing homework so I don't have to dig through a dictionary or handouts.

Now why the app specifically? First of all it's easier to use than the browser version. Not a huge difference but I like being able to hit a button and have it pop up. The second thing is something that isn't in the browser version and that is the picture button. Basically you point your camera at the text (such as kanji you don't know), take a picture, highlight what you want translated, and it pops out an answer.

I wanted to see how well it worked so I picked up my 卵 egg and gave the function a shot.

Pretty cool, huh? I think there are some other cool functions on the Google Translate app but I haven't messed with it too much.

So basically this is just a good app to have if you are going to Japan and need help understanding words and kanji around you. The even better part is you can download it for use offline as your phone probably won't work in Japan.