Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Translate Text in Microsoft Word (PC, Mac & Web)

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This tutorial shows how to translate text in Microsoft Word. First, we will look at how to translate specific text. Then, we will look at how to translate an entire Word document. Lastly, the Pro Tip at the end shows how to turn off spelling and grammar suggestions (the red lines) for the translated text.

Table of Contents:

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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a., Word for Mac), Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word for the web. These steps don’t apply to Word for mobile.

Important Note: You must be connected to the Internet to use Word’s Translator.

How to Translate Text

  1. Select the text that you want to translate.
  2. Select the Review tab.
  3. Select Translate in the Language group.
  4. Choose Translate Selection from the drop-down menu.
Translate Selection option in Word 365
Figure 1. Translate Selection option

The Translator will auto-detect the original language.

  1. Choose the language you want the text to be translated into from the To menu in the Translator pane.
  2. Select the Insert button to replace the original text with the translated text.
Translator pane in Word 365
Figure 2. To menu and Insert button

How to Translate an Entire Document

  1. Select the Review tab.
  2. Select Translate in the Language group.
  3. Select Translate Document from the drop-down menu.
Translate Document option in Word 365
Figure 3. Translate Document option

The Translator will auto-detect the original language.

  1. Choose the language you want the text to be translated into from the To menu. If your choice is always the same, you can select Always translate to this language.
  2. Select the Translate button.
Document tab in the Translator pane in Word 365
Figure 4. To menu and Translate button

 

The translated version of the document will open in a separate window. You can save that document as a different file from the original using your usual saving method.

  1. Return to the original document, select the OK button in the Translator pane, and then close the pane.
OK button and Close button in the Translator pane in Word 365
Figure 5. OK button and Close button

Pro Tip: How to Turn Off Spelling and Grammar Suggestions for Translated Text

You can remove the spelling and grammar suggestions (red lines) without changing the proofing language for the entire document.

Microsoft Word for PC and Mac

  1. Select the translated text.
  2. Select the Review tab.
  3. Select the Language menu arrow.
  4. Select Set Proofing Language from the drop-down menu.
Set Proofing Language option in Word 365
Figure 6. Set Proofing Language option
  1. Ensure that Selected text is selected in the Language dialog box.
  2. Select Do not check spelling or grammar.
  3. Select the OK button.
Do no check spelling or grammar for selected text in Word 365
Figure 7. Do not check spelling or grammar option

Word for the web

  1. Select the translated text.
  2. Select the Review tab.
  3. Select the Editor menu arrow.
  4. Select Set Proofing Language from the drop-down menu.
Set Proofing Language option in Word for the web
Figure 8. Set Proofing Language option
  1. Ensure that Selected text is selected in the Language dialog box.
  2. Select Don’t check spelling or grammar.
  3. Select the OK button.
Don't check spelling or grammar option for selected text in Word for the web
Figure 9. Don’t check spelling or grammar option

Related Resources

How to Transcribe Audio Files in Microsoft Word 365 and Word for the Web

How to Use the Editor in Word for Microsoft 365 (Updated)

How to Use Read Aloud in Microsoft Word (Listen to Text)