How to translate in-app messages during a language exchange

One of the biggest frustrations when trying to speak in a foreign language is stumbling upon words or expressions you don’t understand, or not being able to find the right words for what you want to say. Although you can always pull up third-party translators, having something easily accessible during a language exchange is helpful. That’s why language exchange apps like Tandem include simple, built-in translation tools to help you understand messages instantly and keep conversations flowing.

Here, we’ll provide more insight on how to use in-app translation tools to complement your language exchange experience.

How in-app translation tools help language learners

Translation apps like Google Translate and Deepl can be powerful tools for moments of clarity, or when you’re trying to navigate around a foreign country. However, when you’re learning a new language, constantly relying on translation tools for every sentence can actually slow your progress.

When you depend on translation tools, it becomes harder to develop independent language skills, especially regarding speaking, listening, and reading. It also means that you continue to rely on your native language’s structure rather than forming new neural pathways associated with the grammar of your target language.

With that being said, translation tools aren’t inherently bad, and they can have a positive impact on fluency when used appropriately. In the right circumstances, translators can:

• Help you understand messages quickly
• Continue conversations confidently
• Learn new vocabulary and reinforce learning
• Prevent misunderstandings during conversations
• Clarify idioms or slang you may not have learned yet
• Provide immediate feedback while practicing with native speakers
• Build language intuition over time

The key is learning when to rely on translations and when to try without them, especially when you’re participating in a language exchange.

How in-chat message translation works

While the underlying premise is the same, language learning platforms’ translation tools can vary. Some may offer unlimited real-time translations of entire phrases and audio messages, while others focus on singular words or ideas. Regardless of available variations, some of the most common features include:

• Tap-to-translate: Instantly translates a language partner’s incoming messages to your native language
• Tap again to view the original text: Switch back to the original text for comparison
• Vocabulary saving: Store new words for later
• Message corrections: Some apps let partners fix your writing
• Audio message translation: Some apps allow you to translate an audio message

These tools help you stay in the conversation while simultaneously learning new words and expressions. Tandem has incorporated these instant translations into the chat tab, but with limits. To help members make conscious decisions about whether they really need something translated, the feature is limited to three translations per day. This can seem small, but it does help you really think about whether you know the word or are simply using a translator tool as a crutch.

For those who find that three translations per day doesn’t quite cover it, Tandem offers unlimited in-app translations as part of their Tandem Pro membership. You can find out more about everything you can do on Tandem here.

Best practices for using in-chat translations

Translation tools are most effective when they support, rather than replace, your language learning journey. The following best practices will help you use translations strategically so you can stay engaged in conversation while still building long-term language skills.

1. Use translation only when needed

It can be tempting to translate every message the moment something looks unfamiliar, but doing so limits your exposure to natural language patterns. Before tapping “translate,” give yourself a moment to process the original text. Ask yourself:

• Can I guess the meaning from context?
• Do I recognize any familiar words or grammar?
• Have I seen a similar phrase before?

Even if you only understand part of the message, this mental effort strengthens comprehension and helps you become more comfortable navigating real conversations. Use translation as a last resort, not a first reaction.

2. Compare the translation with the original text

If you do translate a message, take a moment to study both versions side-by-side. Doing so can help you build a deeper understanding of how native speakers actually communicate. Pay attention to:

• New words or expressions
• Differences in sentence structure
• Tone changes (formal, casual, polite)
• Idiomatic phrases that don’t translate literally

Treat each translated message as a mini lesson; an opportunity to see your target language in action rather than simply absorbing the meaning passively.

3. Save useful words and phrases

Many language learning apps, including Tandem, allow you to save words and phrases you’ve translated. This can help you create a personalized learning resource based on newly introduced vocabulary or phrases, especially for those that may be hard to remember. Consider saving:

• Words that appear frequently
• Phrases you want to use yourself
• Expressions that feel culturally specific
• Terms that are difficult to remember

Reviewing these saved items after your language exchange, or incorporating them into flashcards, journaling, or spaced-repetition tools, helps reinforce what you’ve learned and increases the likelihood that you’ll recognize or use them again.

4. Ask about nuances

Automatic translations provide the basic meaning, but they often miss cultural context, slang, humor, and subtle differences in tone. Native speakers can help fill those gaps and give you insight into how language is used in daily life.

You might ask questions like:

• Is this phrase formal, casual, or somewhere in between?
• Is this expression common, or more regional/slang?
• Would you say this differently in everyday conversation?

If a phrase seems unusual or the translation feels “off,” consider asking your partner how they would describe it or whether it carries a particular tone. This not only clarifies the message but also creates meaningful cultural exchange.

5. Limit outgoing message translation

Instead of translating your entire message before sending it, try writing your response in the target language first. Then use translation tools to confirm that your message conveys what you intended. This helps you:

• Practice forming sentences independently
• Catch mistakes in meaning or grammar
• Learn alternative phrasing suggested by the translation

It’s a balanced method: you build expressive skills while still using translation as a supportive resource.

6. Pay attention to mistakes

If your conversation partner corrects your message or if you notice a mismatch between what you intended to say and the translation provided, take a moment to reflect. Compare the versions to understand what caused the error; was it vocabulary choice, verb tense, word order, or something else? These moments of clarity are often where the deepest learning happens, so it’s worth giving yourself some time to reflect.

When you should avoid using translation tools

While translation features are incredibly helpful, there are certain situations where relying on them can slow your progress or limit your ability to think naturally in your target language. Here are just a few instances when you should try to take a second to consider skipping the translators.

When you’re practicing reading comprehension

If you're trying to improve your ability to understand written text, translating every sentence removes the challenge, along with the learning opportunity. Avoid translations when you want to:

• Strengthen your ability to interpret meaning from context
• Build familiarity with common sentence structures
• Increase your comfort with reading at a natural speed

When you want to think in the target language

One significant milestone for learners is reducing reliance on their native language. Translation disrupts this process by forcing your brain back into a “compare and convert” mode. This can make it more challenging to get yourself into the mindset of your target language. Skip translations if you’re practicing spontaneous conversations or trying to phrase ideas to help train your brain to operate in the target language more naturally.

When you’re doing listening or speaking exercises

In spoken conversations, relying on translation slows down your ability to respond. Try to avoid translation when:

• You’re practicing with voice messages
• You want to improve real-time comprehension
• Timing, rhythm, and pronunciation are the priority

When you’re focusing on grammar or sentence structure

Translation tools often simplify or restructure sentences, which can hide essential grammar details. It’s better to avoid translation when you’re studying:

• Verb conjugations
• Word order
• Case endings, particles, or other structural elements
• Writing accuracy in the target language

When the message is simple enough without it

Not every confusing word is worth translating. Sometimes, the overall meaning is clear even if one word isn’t. Skip translation if:

• The main idea is obvious
• You can fill in the gaps with context
• The unfamiliar word doesn’t impact the message significantly

Use translation as a learning tool, not a crutch

Message translation features make language learning smoother, more accessible, and less intimidating, but the real value comes from how you use them. By balancing translation with natural practice, asking clarifying questions, and reviewing new vocabulary, you can build language confidence while still keeping conversations fun and meaningful. To gain access to in-app translation tools and become part of a global community of language learners, download Tandem today and create your profile.