Everyone knows that Google Translate is a lifesaver when planning a trip and on the ground in a distant land. With over 100 languages that can be translated, it is an indispensable free tool for the global traveler.
But my favourite feature is the option to ‘listen’ to the word or phrase. It effectively makes Google Translate a global pronunciation guide.
As it’s handy to know how locals pronounce things, such as when applying for a visa, I’ve found myself using Google Translate before every trip.
In this post:
Portugese – Pastéis de Belém
These are the ultimate expression of the Portugese egg tart and sold only at the original Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. The more common version sold in Portugal is called a Pastéis de Nata.
Finding out how to pronounce this tasty treat was as easy as visiting Google Translate, typing in the words and clicking on the speaker icon:
Find out how to pronounce Pastéis de Belém.
German – Spanische Hofreitschule
The world famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna, or Spanische Hofreitschule as it is known in Wien, is one of the premier attractions in the Austrian capital.
Again, finding out how to pronounce the name of this iconic school of horsemanship was as typing in the words and clicking on the speaker icon:
Find out how to pronounce Spanische Hofreitschule.
Dutch – Het Scheepvaartmuseum
The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, or Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch, is a great place to learn about the remarkable Dutch maritime tradition. The museum is housed in the former Admiralty of Amsterdam and there is even a replica of the East Indiaman ‘Amsterdam’. You can see the ship on the left of the photo below.
Finding out how to pronounce the name of the museum was as easy as typing in the words and clicking on the speaker icon:
Find out how to pronounce Het Scheepvaartmuseum.
Google Translate Summary
Google Translate is super useful as a pronunciation guide, in addition to its primary purpose as a translator. It’s always handy to know how words are pronounced in another language and Translate kills two birds with one stone.
