Living in a vibrant city like Shanghai, the language barrier can prevent you from fully engaging with local people.

Whether you're navigating daily life, exploring the city, or delving into Chinese culture, having the right translation tools can make all the difference.

Here, we'll introduce eight translation tools to help you bridge the cultural gap and improve your communication efficiency.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a multilingual communication tool that supports translation between over 200 languages.

One of Google Translate's key advantages is its offline translation feature, which can be useful in crucial moments. By downloading language packs in advance, you can access translations anytime, even without an internet connection.

Google Translate also supports both voice input and text input, improving its flexibility. Its interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

Baidu Translate

Baidu Translate can help you break through language barriers with its photo and voice input features. Whether you're reading a menu, having a conversation, or navigating unfamiliar places, the app makes communication seamless and easy.

Baidu Translation has also introduced an AI composition correction feature, which can help you polish your writing and make your sentences sound more natural.

WeChat

WeChat has a built-in translation function in the chat box. It can help you translate simple things for daily life.

If your chat partner sends you a photo with Chinese text, you can also translate it into another language by simply clicking the icon at the top right of the photo page and selecting "翻译(Translate)".

Apple Translate

Apple has a pre-installed translation app on iOS 14 and newer operating systems. This application enables users to translate between dozens of languages in both text and voice formats.

The app is equipped with a built-in dictionary that allows users to look up words.

The user-friendly interface is neat and simple, and users can download language packs, enabling them to use the app even while offline. iPhone users can also use their camera to scan text and immediately translate it (iOS15 required).

Pleco

Pleco is a Chinese dictionary app that you can use both online and offline on numerous devices. It is a great tool for learning Chinese.

With Pleco, you can use handwriting and Chinese pinyin to find almost any character you come across. It also provides useful example sentences and word combinations, which makes it easier to remember new characters.

Pleco has a comprehensive lexicon, ranging from modern internet slang and international movie stars all the way back to Chinese dynasties and historical figures.

How to use Pleco to learn Chinese (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20240226/d69da8b53799405ba96fba4fb2e95852.html)

DeepSeek

With support for more than 100 languages, including regional dialects and lesser-spoken languages, DeepSeek is an ideal translation service for users who require accurate multilingual communication. Moreover, its powerful neural machine translation (NMT) engine understands context, idiomatic expressions, and specialized terminologies.

DeepSeek excels in adaptive learning, meaning its translation service can continuously learn and adapt from each translation it performs. It refines its algorithms to handle complex sentence structures and vocabulary to deliver greater accuracy over time.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT excels in grasping context and nuances, leading to more accurate translations. It can interpret idioms, colloquialisms, and culture-specific references, producing translations that sound natural to native speakers.

With its swift processing power, ChatGPT offers near-instantaneous translations. This real-time capability is invaluable for live conversations, international business meetings, or urgent communication needs. Users can engage in seamless cross-language dialogues, breaking down language barriers in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Doubao Translate

Doubao is an AI app developed by ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. It focuses on voice chat features, with its translation function being useful for everyday conversations.

Doubao provides chat-style translation. Notably, it also takes into account what you've said previously, offering a contextually appropriate translation based on AI algorithms.

For English-Chinese translation, you can input "中英翻译" on the discovery page and select the "Add" button. Then, you can use this chatbox to translate the text. Voice input is also available.

Source: International Services Shanghai (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/)

International Services Shanghai is an upgraded, multilingual portal for the Shanghai municipal government. It offers detailed policies, news updates, and useful tips for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education, or shopping.

Some effective translation apps for seamless communication include Google Translate, known for its vast language support and real-time voice and image translation. 

Microsoft Translator offers similar features with a focus on conversation translation. iTranslate is user-friendly and supports over 100 languages. 

DeepL Translator is praised for its accuracy and natural-sounding translations. 

SayHi Translate specializes in voice and conversation translation. 

These apps utilize advanced AI and machine learning to provide quick and reliable translations, making them valuable tools for travelers, business professionals, and anyone needing to communicate across language barriers.