Google Translate 5.8 update introduces word definitions and account switcher

Google Translate has been updated to version 5.8 and with it comes a couple of nifty changes.

Definitions have been added to Google Translate for the first time, meaning you can now find out the precise meaning of individual words you translate. These have been added to the bottom of the translation interface below the “Alternate translations” section, along with examples of the translated word in a sentence.

This only works for individual words, however, the section doesn’t appear if you translate sentences. But it’s a smart addition from Google as dict.cc has traditionally been the place to go for individual word translations.

9to5Google notes that the definitions appear in the source language, so if you translate a word from German to English, the definition would appear in German. So far, I’ve only been able to find English definitions but it’s possibly tied to something else I’m not aware of (hit me up in the comments if you find out what’s behind that).

In addition, Google Translate also now has an account switcher which allows multiple accounts to access Google Translate on a single device. This means that the search history, Phrasebook and preferences of individual accounts won’t be interfered with by other users on the same device. It’s accessed in the main menu beneath the profile icon.

Google Translate Version 5.8 should be rolling out in the Play Store in the coming days.