When you travel internationally, wouldn’t it be nice for everyone to understand you?  Who hasn’t had an experience being in a foreign country where you ask for directions and are absolutely clueless on what someone has offered you as a solution?

Someday, yes, someday there will be a time when understanding locals is as easy as brushing your teeth.

For now, a WSJ reporter, R. T. Watson, culled through the most promising smartphone apps designed to help global travelers break the language barrier.  Here are seven of them below and if the reporter has missed any, meaning one you use that isn’t featured but you can’t live without, please send it along to me so I can include.

1. Google Translate (https://translate.google.com/) – Google’s service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.
2. Deepl (https://www.deepl.com/en/translator) – Translate texts and full document files instantly.
3. Duolingo (https://www.duolingo.com/) – With their free mobile app or web and a few minutes a day, everyone can Duolingo.  Learn 30+ languages online with bite-size lessons based on science.
4. Rosetta Stone (https://www.rosettastone.com/) – Master the language you’ve always wanted to learn with Rosetta Stone®’s immersive lessons. Start a free trial or lifetime membership. Unlimited languages, one lifetime price. Immersive learning. Available on all devices.
5. Babbel (https://www.babbel.com/) – A new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology.
6. Busuu (https://www.busuu.com/) – Study a new language online with Busuu’s courses. Learn together with native speakers in Busuu’s community.
7. Linguado (https://linguado.com/) – The free mobile app that allows you to instantly link with native speakers of the language you desire, by proximity or worldwide.