GOOGLETRANSLATE Function in Google Sheets: Explained

In this article, you will learn how to use the GOOGLETRANSLATE formula in Google Sheets.

‍

What is the function of GOOGLETRANSLATE?

The GOOGLETRANSLATE function in Google Sheets is a built-in function that allows you to translate text from one language to another using the Google Translate service. You can specify both a source language and a target language or command the formula to detect language and translate it to your default language. If you collaborate with your colleagues using different languages, this function may help you communicate with them more efficiently. Note that the GOOGLETRANSLATE function is only available in Google Sheets and not in the compatible spreadsheet.

‍

How do I use the GOOGLETRANSLATE function?

To use the GOOGLETRANSLATE formula in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Type "=GOOGLETRANSLATE"
2. Input the text to translate by cell reference or manual input. Don’t forget to enclose it for manual input.
3. Enter source and target language codes if you want to specify them. This step is recommended to increase the accuracy of the translation. You can also skip this step.

The general syntax of the GOOGLETEANSLATE formula is as follows:

=GOOGLETRANSLATE(text, [source_language, target_language])

text: This is the text you want to translate.

source_language [Optional]: You can enter a code assigned to each language available for translation, such as “en” for (American) English or “es” for Spanish. If this argument is left blank, the formula considers this argument “auto” by default.

target_language [Optional]: Same as the “source_language”. 

‍

Note: If the “source_language” is omitted, the “target_language” must be removed, and vice versa.

‍

For example, to translate the text "Hello" from English to Spanish, you could use the following formula:

=GOOGLETRANSLATE("Hello", “en”, "es")

This would return the translation "Hola".

‍

If you wanted to translate the text "Bonjour" from French to English, you could use the following formula:

=GOOGLETRANSLATE("Bonjour", "en", "fr")

This would return the translation "Hello".

‍

The following screenshot shows examples in which we use cell references to fill arguments in the GOOLGETRANSLATE function.

‍

As we mentioned in the note above, and as you can see in the next image, the formula works without the optional arguments. However, the outcome in the second example needs to be correct, which indicates this function is beneficial but could be better. The third example shows that the formula works with “auto” code instead of specific language codes. The fourth and sixth examples show that the formula doesn’t work with one of the optional arguments filled and returns a #VALUE error. As we mention in the note, you need to enter both optional parameters or leave them blank. As shown in the fifth and seventh examples, you can combine “auto” with another particular language code in the formula.

‍

Do you have a list of language codes?

Yes. Refer to the following table (source: https://developers.google.com/admin-sdk/directory/v1/languages) and find the language codes you are looking for. Note that not all languages are covered by this translation function. (Note this list covers major languages but it is not comprehensive)

‍

How can you detect a language in Google Sheets?

You can use the DETECTLANGUAGE function in Google Sheets. Reference the following article to learn how to use the DETECTLANGUEGE formula in Google Sheets.

DETECTLANGUAGE Function in Google Sheets: Explained

‍

What are the other useful functions in Google Sheets?

If you don’t get the solution to your question in this article or you are interested in learning the other useful functions in Google Sheets, you may find the answers in the following articles.

‍

Read the following article to make some cases for your analysis.

How to Use CHOOSE Function in Google Sheets

How to Use SWITCH Function in Google Sheets

‍

Move on to these articles if you are interested in them.

How to Use RANK Function in Google Sheets - Organize your dataset by ranking items

ARRAYFORMULA Function in Google Sheets: Explained - Use arrays in non-array formulas

SEQUENCE Function in Google Sheets: Explained - Create a grid of sequential numbers

VALUE Function in Google Sheets: Explained - Convert a number, date, and time string to a number

‍

Go to the articles below to learn how to generate random numbers in Google Sheets.

RAND Function in Google Sheets: Explained

RANDBETWEEN Function in Google Sheets: Explained

RANDARRAY Function in Google Sheets: Explained

‍

Navigate to the following posts to learn how to make a hyperlink and import data from another Google Sheets file or a web page.

HYPERLINK Function in Google Sheets: Explained

How to Use IMPORTRANGE Function in Google Sheets

IMPORTDATA Function in Google Sheets: Explained

IMPORTHTML Function in Google Sheets: Explained

‍

Check the article below if you want to use translation-related function in Google Sheets.

DETECTLANGUAGE Function in Google Sheets: Explained - Identify the language used in a specified cell.

‍

Analyze your live financial data in a snap

Are you learning this formula to visualize financial data, build a financial model, or conduct financial analysis? In that case, LiveFlow may help you automate manual workflows and update numbers in real-time. You can access various financial templates on our website, from the simple Income Statement to Multi-Currency Consolidated Financial Statement. You can also customize these templates as you want without breaking the automated data inflow.

To learn more about LiveFlow, book a demo.