Google Translate is getting better at the messy parts of language. A new update rolling out today leverages Gemini AI to help you decipher idioms, slang, and phrases that can never be neatly translated.
Instead of just swapping words, the app now shows you alternative ways to say things. It also explains the context behind it.
The feature addresses a familiar frustration. If you’ve ever typed “It’s raining cats and dogs” into a translator and come up with gibberish, this update is for you.
According to Google, the goal is to help you find the right wording. This applies whether you’re texting a friend or preparing for a professional meeting. The new tools launch today in the US and India on Android and iOS. A web version will follow soon.
How the new Idiom feature actually works
If you’re translating a tricky sentence, you’ll now see helpful alternatives. They are powered by Gemini’s multilingual intelligence.
For something like “It’s raining cats and dogs,” the app offers several options. You will also receive short tips on when and why you should use each product.
Want to dig deeper? Tap “Understand.” This gives a clear overview of the nuances of the phrase.
Do you need more details? Click on “Questions” to ask specific questions. Do you want to know how to say something in a specific country or dialect? The AI also tries to handle these follow-ups.
The update moves Translate from a blunt instrument to something more like a phrasebook.
Why sound is more important than ever
Literal translations often strip away personality as they turn casual jokes into robotic statements. They make informal conversations feel stiff.
Google assumes that people want more than just dictionary definitions. They want to sound like themselves, even in a different language.
The timing makes sense. More and more workers and travelers are relying on translation apps for real conversations.
A phrase that works at a business meeting could be a bomb at the dinner table. The update attempts to close this gap by showing you alternatives and explaining how to use them.
Where to try it and what’s next
The new tools are now available in the Google Translate app for Android and iOS. You must be in the US or India to access it today.
Google has not yet announced an exact date for the web rollout. However, it is said that the feature will be coming to desktop browsers soon.
You can test it for now by searching for phrases that can never be translated cleanly. Idioms, regional slang and colloquial expressions are intended to trigger the new options.
If you are outside the launch regions or waiting for the web version, you can expect the update to arrive on your device in the coming weeks. Google is pushing Translate towards more human-sounding results. This feels like the beginning.
