What does it mean word for word?
The component el traductor de Google literally means 'the Google translator' rather than using Google Translate as a proper noun.
Which one should you use?
While usa el traductor de Google is a common way to phrase the command, you may also see Usa Google Translate or Utilice Google Translate depending on the desired level of formality and whether the speaker refers to the service by its proper name.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form usa el traductor de Google is the informal imperative (command) form used when speaking to someone you know well or are on familiar terms with. Note that in Spanish, Traductor is often capitalized when referring specifically to the name of the service, as in usa el Traductor de Google.
How do you pronounce it?
/usa el tɾaduɡtoɾ de ɡooɡle/
Did you know?
- While the Spanish word el looks like the Arabic definite article al, they are actually false cognates with completely different origins.
- Even though 'Google' is a proper name, the name itself is a play on the English mathematical term 'googol', which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.
- In Spanish, the concept of a 'translator' can refer to both the person doing the work and the tool used, which is why the service is called el traductor.
Examples in context
- Por favor, utilice Google Translate para traducir el documento.Please, use Google Translate to translate the document.
- ¿Podría usar Google Translate, por favor?Could you use Google Translate, please?
- ¡Usa Google Translate para traducir esas frases!Use Google Translate to translate those sentences!
- Si tienes dificultades con el idioma, puedes usar Google Translate para ayudarte.If you're having trouble with the language, you can use Google Translate to help you.
- Si no entiendes el menú, usa el traductor de Google.If you don't understand the menu, use Google Translate.
- Usa el traductor de Google para leer este documento.Use Google Translate to read this document.
Example conversation
Sofía is struggling to read a letter written in German.
- Javier¿Necesitas ayuda con esa carta, Sofía?Do you need help with that letter, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, no entiendo nada de lo que dice.Yes, I don't understand anything it says.
- JavierUsa el traductor de Google para entenderla rápido.Use Google Translate to understand it quickly.
- SofíaEs una buena idea, gracias Javier.That is a good idea, thanks Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Google, de, el, traductor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
