Online translation sites...

Question

¡Hola! I am learning Spanish and am enjoying this site very much so far. I have noticed that there are a lot of translation sites and this site included has an option for translation. I understand that sometimes it is difficult to use these as solid ways of translating because they seem to translate the literal meaning and in English (especially) you can say things in sooooooo many different ways. How useful are these sites truly? I appreciate the feedback and I hope to build up some reputation! ¡Gracias!

Well here is your first vote on this question. Thanks for posting. - rac1, Jun 12, 2012

Answer 1

Hola GatitaBonita. Welcome to the forum. I cannot speak for other sites, but we have a translator that gives you three examples. I think it's pretty good, but no translator is perfect. You cannot replace an answer from a native Spanish speaker. We have a lot of knowledgeable members on this site too who are more than willing to help you.

¡Muchas Gracias! I am brand new to the site and really do appreciate the feedback. I am desperate to learn and get rid of the need for a translation site at all. Thank you for your support! - GatitaBonita, Jun 12, 2012

De nada amiga! Happy to have you here with us. You will learn a lot here at SD! - rac1, Jun 12, 2012

Answer 2

Hola GatitaBonita. Welcome. I don't know if this will work for you, but this is what I do when I use the translator at SpanishDict.

When you type in an English phrase, it gives you three examples. I study each one and then compare them to the spanish that I already know. Then I type (en español) what I think is the correct way to say it, and then run what I have typed through the translator from Spanish to English.

I know it sounds convoluted, but after doing it a few times, you sort of get a feel for it and it seems to work very well because you actually know more than you think you know.

Good luck!

Gracias Margherite, good information. - rac1, Jun 12, 2012