Use Papago for everyday translation
Papago is a translation app from Naver, a Korean search and online-services company. It supports text, speech and image translation for its listed languages.
Check the official app listing for current features and language support. Availability may differ by feature, device or version.
Translate a menu or sign
Open image translation and photograph the relevant text clearly. Include the whole sentence or menu item, hold the camera reasonably straight and avoid reflections.
Check the recognised text as well as the translation. Handwriting, stylised fonts and cropped words can produce errors. Pay particular attention to prices, dates, quantities and ingredients.
Save a useful result if you will need it later without a connection. Ask the venue to confirm a detail rather than assuming the translated image is complete.
Translate a conversation
Select the two languages and follow the app's speech or conversation controls. Speak in short, complete sentences and give the other person time to respond.
Confirm names, amounts and decisions. Background noise or a misheard word can change the meaning, so show the text as well as playing the audio when helpful.
Do not assume that every person is familiar with the app or comfortable speaking into your phone. Explain what you are doing and keep the exchange simple.
Test offline support before travelling
Download any supported language pack while you have a reliable connection. Then turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data and test the exact functions you expect to use.
An offline text pack does not automatically support camera, voice or conversation translation. Keep important addresses and prepared phrases saved independently of the app.
You can also prepare another translator, such as Google Translate, as an alternative. Check its supported offline features rather than assuming that one downloaded pack enables everything.
Confirm important meaning
Translation quality varies with the text, language pair and context. Neither a Korean-made app nor a larger language list guarantees that a particular translation is correct.
For an allergy, medical instruction, contract or another consequential decision, use appropriate human assistance and confirm understanding. A translated menu may omit ingredients or preparation details that were never written on the original.
