When you’re travelling, knowing a few Japanese words is not sufficient to help you communicate. Most of the Japanese population aren’t fluent in English. Without the help of a translator, language becomes a huge barrier, impeding any communication. 

Translation tools help to bridge the communication gap, ensuring a continuous flow of communication. With the numerous resources and tools online, finding the best one could be a daunting task.

Below are three great free tools to help you translate the Japanese language:

Google Translate

Google translateis a free tool that helps translate from the Japanese language to another language. Google translate is available on browser and app for free! Its straightforward design makes it one of the best translation tools to translate whole sentences and words.

An excellent feature of Google translate is that it has a voice feature that can translate voice input. The voice feature can also help in the pronunciation of words. However, the most vital feature is the scanning feature, allowing the user to hover the camera over Japanese text and instantly provide a translation. The feature is essential when travelingto translate food menus, signposts, and primary documents. 

Microsoft Translator

The Microsoft translatorgives instant translations of words, paragraphs, and texts entered by hand or through voice. With Microsoft translator, there is a live microphone action that can help you translate instantly to help you hold a live conversation. If coupled with TranslationReport , your communicative competence is assured.

It has a phrasebook that contains sentences that could be used for real-time conversations. It also has a camera function that translates images and allows for the translation of documents such as street signs and menus. The display on the app is made that the translation appears in a split-screen displaying the two languages. 

Japanese English Dictionary and Translator

This application, developed by Bravolol Language Learning, doubles as a language learning tool and a dictionary. The app has a lot of features and is totally free!

It has lots of sentences, detailed kana definitions and allows the user to choose from the various fonts. It has a sentence analyzer, which breaks down sentences for its users. Unlike most translators, it features British English for UK learners.