ChatGPT Translate is now a standalone translation site and it targets the habit that most of us already have, paste text, get quick result, go.OpenAI didn't make much noise around its launch, but the tool is live and supports more than 50 languages with automatic language recognition.
But it's the next thing that sets it apart.
After your translation appears, ChatGPT Translate provides a one-time prompt option that takes the results into ChatGPT for rewriting, for example, to make it more fluent. Switching to a formal business model makes the word easier for children. Or does it make it more rigorous for learners, making it feel less utilitarian?
At first it looks like Google.
The interface is instantly familiar.Write on one side, get output on the other, and you don't need to choose the source language if you don't want to.
A shortcut will then appear under the results. And the product will change shape.Tap on one and you'll be taken to the main ChatGPT experience with complete instructions attached, so you can repeat it without starting from scratch.You can keep the meaning, but use softer words. Make it sound more to the point. Or change the wording to better suit the person you are talking to.
The missing part is clearly visible
ChatGPT Translate's current shortcomings are more about coverage than quality.The page supports translating uploaded images, but there is no obvious way to add an image to the translation field on the desktop at the moment, so it acts like a regular text translator.
Mobile is a bit more flexible.You can use the microphone in your phone's browser to speak what you want to translate.That said, there's no support here for documents, handwriting, websites, or real-time chat, areas where Google Translate has been strong for years.Another limitation is the number of languages, more than 50 is useful, but Google offers many more.
What to watch next
Google isn't standing still.It announced a translation update running on Gemini, including better handling of idioms, slang, and regional expressions, as well as a beta for live language translation using headphones and new languages.
This sets the bar for OpenAI.For now, use ChatGPT Translate if you care about how your message sounds, not just what it says.Go ahead with Google Translate if you need breadth and depth.If OpenAI can add real image input, document support, and wider language coverage, this competitor will quickly become bigger.
