“Siri, translate ‘Hello’ into Spanish.” Sounds simple, right? But behind this command lies a world of linguistic possibilities. I’ve spent over a decade at Apple, fine-tuning Siri into the versatile language tool it is today.
In this guide, we’re diving into Siri’s ability to translate your spoken words into various languages. We’ll explore voice-to-text translation and the extensive list of languages Siri supports. Whether you’re a globe-trotter or a language enthusiast, Siri’s capabilities are here to make your journey effortless and enjoyable.
Ready to embark on this multilingual adventure with Siri? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Keeping Up With Siri
- “Siri, How Do You Say…?” – Unlocking Siri’s Translation Abilities
- “Speak to Me, Siri” – Converting Voice to Text
- “Siri’s Language School” – Exploring Siri’s Language List
- Translation Command List
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Discover the World with Siri Translate
Keeping Up With Siri
Want to learn all 366 commands you can ask Siri to do? You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Keeping Up With Siri. In this series, I outline Apple’s Siri Guide with the full lineup of commands and capabilities. This area focuses on using Siri to translate between languages.
“Siri, How Do You Say…?” – Unlocking Siri’s Translation Abilities
Ever been in a situation where you needed to say “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” in Italian or “How much does this cost?” in Japanese? That’s where Siri steps in as your personal language assistant. With just a simple voice command, Siri can translate phrases and questions into multiple languages, almost like magic.
Here’s how to do it:
- Activate Siri: Either hold down the home button or say “Hey Siri” to get started.
- Speak Your Phrase: Clearly state the phrase you want to be translated. For example, “Siri, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in French?”
- Receive Your Translation: Siri will respond with the translation, both spoken and written on your screen.
This feature is incredibly handy for quick translations on the go. Whether you’re trying to impress your international friends or navigating a foreign country, Siri is your go-to for breaking those language barriers.
“Speak to Me, Siri” – Converting Voice to Text
Siri’s talent isn’t just limited to translating spoken words into another language; it also includes converting your voice into written text in different languages. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who needs to jot down notes in another language or communicate with someone who prefers text over speech.
To use Siri for voice-to-text translation, follow these steps:
- Activate Siri: Start by saying “Hey Siri” or holding down the home button.
- Dictate Your Message: Speak the message you want to be translated. For instance, “Siri, write ‘I’ll be there in 10 minutes’ in German.”
- Review the Translation: Siri will display the translated text on your screen. You can then send this as a message, email, or note.
This feature is particularly useful for those moments when you need to quickly write something down in a different language but aren’t confident in your spelling or grammar. Siri’s voice-to-text translation ensures your message is accurately conveyed, saving you from any linguistic faux pas.
“Siri’s Language School” – Exploring Siri’s Language List
Curious about the extent of Siri’s linguistic skills? Siri supports a wide array of languages, making it a versatile tool for global communication. From common languages like Spanish and French to more region-specific ones like Mandarin and Arabic, Siri’s language list is impressively diverse.
Here’s a glimpse into the languages Siri can understand and translate:
- European Languages: Including but not limited to French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
- Asian Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese, among others.
- Other Languages: Arabic, Hebrew, and more.
To see the full list of supported languages, you can visit the Siri settings on your device. This extensive language support makes Siri an invaluable companion for travelers and language learners alike. Whether you’re trying to order a meal in Paris or asking for directions in Tokyo, Siri can help you communicate more effectively.
Remember, the world is full of languages, and with Siri, you’re never far from understanding or being understood in another tongue. Keep experimenting with different languages and watch as your world expands with every new phrase Siri translates for you.
Translation Command List
“Hey Siri, what’s “I love you’ in French?”
When given this command, Siri reads back the phrase in English first. Then Siri uses the French female voice to speak the translation. You’re also presented with this UI:
“Hey Siri, say ‘this is delicious’ in Mandarin”
When given this command, Siri reads back the phrase in English first. Then Siri uses the Mandarin female voice to speak the translation. You’re also presented with this UI:
“Hey Siri, translate ‘where’s the train station’ to Spanish”
When you use this command, Siri reads back the phrase in English first. Then Siri uses the Spanish voice to speak the translation. You’re also presented with this UI:
“Hey Siri, what languages can you translate?”
When I ask this command–with Siri Language set to English (U.S.)–I get the below list of 10 languages.
- Arabic
- Brazilian Portuguese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Mandarin Chinese
- Russian
- Spanish
I expect this list changes, depending on what your default language is set to. I also expect this list to grow over time as Siri gets smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an app to translate on iPhone?
No. Just use Siri and save yourself the time and space on your iPhone. Check out the commands below.
What languages does Siri know?
Starting with English, Siri can translate into these languages:
- Arabic
- Brazilian Portuguese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Mandarin Chinese
- Russian
- Spanish
Can Siri translate voice to text?
Yes. All commands below will give you both text and speech translations.
Discover the World with Siri Translate
We’ve journeyed through Siri’s translation abilities, uncovering how it can be your linguistic companion. From translating phrases to converting your voice to text in different languages, Siri is a powerful tool for global communication.
Your experiences and feedback are invaluable. Have you used Siri translate on your travels or in daily life? Share your stories and questions in the comments. Your insights help us grow and improve.
Check out what else you can do with Apple’s Voice Assistant in Keeping Up With Siri Commands. In this series, I highlight the complete list of capabilities Siri can do.
Greetings, fellow language enthusiasts and tech aficionados. As someone who has dedicated over a decade to refining Siri's linguistic prowess during my tenure at Apple, I stand before you as a seasoned expert in the intricacies of voice-to-text translation and the extensive capabilities Siri offers in breaking down language barriers.
My journey with Siri has been marked by a deep dive into its development, from its early stages to the sophisticated language tool it has become today. Throughout the years, I've been at the forefront of unraveling the linguistic possibilities that Siri brings to the table, making it an indispensable companion for those navigating the diverse tapestry of global communication.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive guide you've encountered, exploring Siri's translation abilities and the myriad concepts it encapsulates:
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Keeping Up With Siri:
- This section teases the extensive array of 366 commands that Siri responds to. It promises a thorough exploration of Apple's Siri Guide, with a focus on using Siri for translation between languages.
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“Siri, How Do You Say…?” – Unlocking Siri’s Translation Abilities:
- Demonstrates how Siri functions as a personal language assistant, capable of translating phrases and questions into multiple languages with a simple voice command.
- Outlines the steps: Activate Siri, Speak Your Phrase, and Receive Your Translation.
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“Speak to Me, Siri” – Converting Voice to Text:
- Explores Siri's ability to not only translate spoken words but also convert voice into written text in different languages.
- Provides steps to activate Siri, dictate your message, and review the translation.
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“Siri’s Language School” – Exploring Siri’s Language List:
- Unveils the diversity of languages supported by Siri, categorizing them into European, Asian, and other languages.
- Encourages users to check the Siri settings on their device for the full list of supported languages.
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Translation Command List:
- Offers practical examples of commands such as translating expressions of love in French, describing the taste of food in Mandarin, and seeking directions in Spanish.
- Presents the UI and the voice used for each translation.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- Addresses common queries like whether an app is needed for translation on iPhone, the languages Siri supports, and its capability to translate voice to text.
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Discover the World with Siri Translate:
- Summarizes the journey through Siri's translation abilities, emphasizing its role as a linguistic companion for both travelers and language learners.
- Encourages readers to share their experiences and feedback in the comments for continual improvement.
In essence, Siri is not just a voice assistant; it's a gateway to a multilingual adventure, making communication effortless and enjoyable in any corner of the globe. So, fellow language explorers, let's continue to unravel the world of Siri and its ever-expanding linguistic horizons.
