Google Translate Launches AI-Powered Language Learning Features to Rival Duolingo

Google has unveiled a new AI-powered language learning feature within its Google Translate app, marking a significant expansion beyond its traditional role as a translation tool. Announced on Tuesday, this experimental feature is designed to help users practice and learn new languages more effectively, leveraging advanced AI to deliver personalized experiences. Alongside this, Google has enhanced the app’s live translation capabilities, making it easier than ever to communicate in real time across language barriers.

This move positions Google Translate as a direct competitor to popular language learning apps like Duolingo, known for its engaging gamified approach covering over 40 languages. Google’s latest updates aim to combine the convenience of translation with interactive language practice, targeting both casual learners and more advanced users.

Personalized Language Practice for Every Level

The key innovation is a personalized language practice feature tailored to users' unique skill levels and learning goals. Whether you’re just starting to learn basic conversational phrases or seeking to polish your vocabulary and pronunciation, the app creates tailored listening and speaking exercises suited to your proficiency.

Users can choose between two main practice modes. In the listening mode, the app plays custom dialogue scenarios relevant to everyday situations—like ordering food or asking for directions—and encourages users to tap on words as they hear them, helping sharpen comprehension and vocabulary retention. In the speaking mode, users practice speaking aloud while the app assesses pronunciation and fluency through AI-powered speech recognition.

This adaptive learning approach ensures that exercises are neither too easy nor too challenging, and that goals can be set depending on the user’s interests—like travel, business, or casual conversation. Progress is tracked daily, helping learners stay motivated and see tangible improvements over time.

By adding such interactive learning tools, Google Translate evolves from a translation aid into a versatile language companion, meeting diverse learning needs all in one app.

How to Access the Practice Tool

The new feature is easily accessible inside the Google Translate app on both Android and iOS devices. Users simply tap the “practice” option on the app’s main screen, select their skill level—beginner, intermediate, or advanced—and set personal learning goals.

Once configured, the app presents users with customized conversational scenarios crafted by AI to simulate real-life interactions. For example, English speakers learning Spanish might practice conversations in a marketplace or at a hotel. The app’s exercises require users to listen attentively, tap on heard words, and respond verbally, effectively improving both listening comprehension and speaking confidence.

Currently, the beta feature supports English speakers practicing Spanish and French, as well as Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers practicing English. Google plans to gradually roll out support for additional languages as it collects user feedback and improves performance.

Upgraded Live Conversation Features

Google has also boosted its live conversation capabilities, a feature that lets users engage in real-time bilingual conversations with automatic audio and visual translations. Supporting more than 70 languages—including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil—this feature is designed for fluid back-and-forth interactions.

When users activate “Live translate,” they simply speak in their language, and the app automatically translates and plays the response in the other language while displaying a transcript of the conversation on screen. The system intelligently detects natural speech patterns, including pauses and intonations, and adapts to different accents to provide realistic, smooth communication.

Google’s speech recognition technology enables the app to isolate voices even in noisy environments such as busy restaurants or airports, making it practical for everyday real-world use. This technology is ideal for travelers, business professionals, or anyone needing fast, accurate communication without a shared language.

Availability and Future Outlook

These new AI-powered learning and live translation tools began rolling out Tuesday and are initially available to users in the U.S., India, and Mexico, with plans for broader global access soon.

Underpinning these advancements are Google’s Gemini AI models, which have substantially improved translation accuracy, contextual understanding, and natural text-to-speech generation. By integrating these state-of-the-art AI technologies, Google Translate can deliver more nuanced, expressive, and human-like translations than before.

With over 1 trillion words translated annually across Google’s platforms—Translate, Search, Lens, and Circle to Search—Google sees tremendous potential to break down language barriers worldwide. These innovative features aim to empower billions of users to communicate, learn, and connect more easily across languages and cultures, transforming the way we interact in an increasingly globalized world.