Sequential Translator

What is the sequential translator?

The Nalgoritmo sequential translator is a free online tool for learning a new language by reading. It translates any text word by word, in the original order: each word is followed by its translation, so you read the language you are learning with the meaning of every word right next to it. It is a simple way to learn English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and many other languages with texts you actually want to read.

Polyglots use word-by-word reading, the method behind this tool, to learn new languages in record time. Reading real texts with an interlinear translation builds vocabulary in context, gets you used to the word order of the language and gives you plenty of comprehensible input, without stopping to look up every word in a dictionary.

Features

• Word-by-word translation: every original word is followed by its translation, keeping the order, the paragraphs and the line breaks of your text.
• Bilingual reading in color: original words in white and translations in yellow, so your eyes go straight to the language you are learning.
• 39 languages, in any direction: translate between English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian and more, as supported by your browser.
• Vocabulary in context: the translation of each word takes the whole sentence into account, which helps you learn words and expressions as they are really used.
• Read anywhere: download the result for Word, as an EPUB for e-readers or as a PDF (light or dark) to study offline.
• Free, no sign-up, offline: on computers, the translation is done by the Translator API built into the browser; on phones and other browsers, by an offline engine that runs on the device itself. Each language pair is downloaded once and then works without internet.

How to use

1. Choose the translation direction, for example English → Portuguese, and click “Check translator”.
2. Paste a text in the language you want to learn: a news article, a book chapter, song lyrics or a lesson.
3. Click “Translate” and read the result word by word.
4. Download it for Word, EPUB or PDF to keep studying on your computer, tablet or e-reader.

Frequently asked questions

How does word-by-word reading help you learn a language?

With the meaning of each word right next to it, you understand the text without stopping to look words up, notice how the language builds its sentences and learn vocabulary in context. Doing this again and again with texts you enjoy is how many polyglots learn new languages so quickly.

Which languages can I learn with the sequential translator?

On computers, any pair supported by the Translator API of the browser, among 39 languages, in any direction: for example English to Portuguese, Spanish to English, Portuguese to French or Japanese to English. On phones, the offline engine covers 38 of these languages (all except Marathi), translating through English when neither language is English. The “Check translator” button tells you whether the pair you chose is available.

What is the polyglot method of reading with a translation?

It is the habit, common among polyglots, of reading texts in the new language with an interlinear or word-by-word translation instead of memorizing word lists. The sequential translator creates this kind of bilingual text from any text you paste.

Is the sequential translator free, and does it work offline?

Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and works in computer and phone browsers. Each language pair is downloaded the first time you use it; after that the translator also works without internet. On computers it uses the Translator API built into the browser, and on phones an offline engine that runs on the device itself.

Can I read the translation on an e-reader or print it?

Yes. Download the result as an EPUB for e-readers and reading apps, for Word to edit or print it, or as a PDF in a light or dark version.