Education

Google Translate now offers Duolingo-like lessons

Ken Metral

26 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

Credit: Google/Alphabet, Inc.

Google is expanding the role of its Translate app from a simple translation tool into a more dynamic language learning platform. The company announced that it is rolling out AI-powered practice lessons and live translation features, powered by its Gemini models, aimed at helping users learn, practice, and communicate more effectively across languages.

Personalized Language Lessons

The biggest change comes in the form of customized practice sessions, currently in beta. With the new Practice button inside Google Translate, users can select their skill level and state their learning goals—such as preparing for a vacation, studying abroad, or improving professional communication.

For example, someone with intermediate Spanish skills studying abroad might be given lessons focused on meal-time conversations with a host family. Exercises include speaking practice, listening to dialogues, and tapping on words you recognize to reinforce comprehension.

“These exercises track your daily progress and help you build the skills you need to communicate in another language with confidence,” said Matt Sheets, a product manager at Google. The approach mirrors apps like Duolingo, where lessons adapt to both skill level and intent.

For now, support is limited:

English speakers can practice Spanish and French.
Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers can practice English.

Google says more languages will come in the future as the beta expands.

Live AI Translation for Real Conversations

In addition to practice lessons, Google is rolling out a live translation feature in Translate. This tool enables back-and-forth conversations between people who don’t share the same language, translating speech into text and audio in real time.

Unlike the Google Pixel 10’s on-device live translation, which mimics the user’s voice for translated speech, the Translate app uses a more standard AI-generated voice. Sheets noted that the company is “experimenting with different options there,” hinting at possible enhancements ahead.

The live translation feature is available now in the US, India, and Mexico, supporting over 70 languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, French, and Tamil.

Google Translate Evolves Beyond a Utility

Google Translate has long been a go-to tool for quick translations, but with these updates, the app is positioning itself as a language learning companion as well. By combining AI-powered practice lessons with real-time communication tools, Google aims to help users not only look up words but also build lasting fluency.

With competition heating up from dedicated learning apps like Duolingo and immersive AI platforms, Google’s move marks a step toward making Translate more interactive and indispensable for travelers, students, and professionals alike.

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