Reasons to Stop using Google Translate

What’s the first tool that comes to your mind when looking to translate something? Without a second thought, Google Translate will be the first option for many. But, did you know that your favorite translation tool can cost you, dear?

While to help with those foreign-language direction boards or some short messages, there clearly is no match, relying on it blindly for every task can be a grave mistake. This article will walk you through some very convincing reasons to stop using Google Translate.

But first, how does Google Translate work?

Google Translate, the free translation service introduced by Google in 2006, supports over a hundred languages. That means you can translate just about any word, phrase, or text, using it.

In the initial phase of its operations, Google used documents from the United Nations and the European Parliament to source necessary linguistic data. Fast forward to 2021, it uses AI and Machine Learning to improve the quality of its translating services. A software runs data analysis and compares it with the previously recorded results to deliver even better translation.

Google Translate is pretty accurate up to the point where you have to maintain a consumer-level translation. However, beyond that, it lacks at interpreting the hidden colloquialism. Despite several updates, the tool fails to decipher the intent behind a message. Here are some more reasons why you should stop using Google Translate:

Missing human touch

“Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.”

Yes, you read that right. This is an excerpt from Google Translate’s disclaimer, a clear recommendation to not rely completely on its translation service. This makes it pretty clear why you cannot use it to translate your sensitive business documents.

Since Google uses statistics to build its translation, only the best word is considered the most probable. This makes it difficult to convey the emotions or intent behind writing something. Or in other words, the translated text will lack the human touch.

Misjudged grammar

Researchers at UC San Francisco studied medical advice translated using Google Translate. And, a majority of inaccuracies were found related to grammar. A mistranslation, for instance, happened when a doctor had asked his patient to “hold the kidney medicine,” which clearly directed him to stop taking it. However, the translation into Spanish meant “keep the kidney medication going,” where in Chinese, it said, “keep taking kidney medicine.” Now, a mistake like this can be life-threatening. It is therefore always suggested to use a human translator or get help from a translation services company.

Don’t miss out on Transcreation

When you are looking to expand your business and its reach, transcreation can be a crucial element. Transcreation is a complex method of translation that keeps the original meaning, context, emotion, and tone. Obviously, there’s more than just the language barrier that you need to overcome. With transcreation, you make your message clear to your targeted audience. This makes them feel connected to your brand, thus significantly adding to your bottom line. However, realizing this will require in-depth knowledge and language skills, something that Google Translate misses out on greatly. And, adding a human factor by entrusting your needs to a translation services company is what will do the trick.

Breach of confidentiality

Free translation services can be lucrative in terms of saved time and money. But, they are certainly not the best choice when sensitive business documents are involved. Free translation tools like Google Translate don’t sign an NDA and might sell your information to third-party buyers. Some companies have even found their confidential information leaked online since one of their employees had used free translation tools. Therefore, if you are looking to translate data such as medical documents, financial reports, or documents that contain personally identifiable information, GT definitely shouldn’t be on your list.

The final word

While free translating services like Google Translate may seem like the most lucrative option, relying on them beyond the consumer-level translation is something you should avoid. If you are looking to obtain the best translation for your documents or marketing copies, hiring a translation company like U.S. Translation is the right thing to do.