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:
- How to Translate Text
- How to Translate an Entire Document
- Pro Tip: How to Turn Off Spelling and Grammar Suggestions for Translated Text
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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 2021, Word 2019, and Word for the web. These steps don’t apply to Word for mobile.
How to Translate Text
- Select the text that you want to translate.
- Select the Review tab.
- Select Translate in the Language group.
- Choose Translate Selection from the drop-down menu.
The Translator will auto-detect the original language.
- Choose the language you want the text to be translated into from the To menu in the Translator pane.
- Select the Insert button to replace the original text with the translated text.
How to Translate an Entire Document
- Select the Review tab.
- Select Translate in the Language group.
- Select Translate Document from the drop-down menu.
The Translator will auto-detect the original language.
- 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.
- Select the 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.
- Return to the original document, select the OK button in the Translator pane, and then close the pane.
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
- Select the translated text.
- Select the Review tab.
- Select the Language menu arrow.
- Select Set Proofing Language from the drop-down menu.
- Ensure that Selected text is selected in the Language dialog box.
- Select Do not check spelling or grammar.
- Select the OK button.
Word for the web
- Select the translated text.
- Select the Review tab.
- Select the Editor menu arrow.
- Select Set Proofing Language from the drop-down menu.
- Ensure that Selected text is selected in the Language dialog box.
- Select Don’t check spelling or grammar.
- Select the OK button.
Related Resources
How to Use the Editor in Word for Microsoft 365 (Updated)
How to Convert Microsoft Word Documents to PowerPoint Slides Using Word for the Web