How do I use Notion AI for translation?

Using Notion AI for translation is straightforward and can help you break down language barriers within your workspace. Simply type "/ai" or "/translate" in any text block, select your target language from the supported options like Spanish, French, Chinese, or Japanese, then enter your text and hit Enter. The AI will automatically detect your source language and provide an instant translation that you can either replace your original text with or insert alongside it.

The translation feature works seamlessly across both desktop and mobile versions of Notion. On your computer, you'll access it through slash commands, while on mobile, you can select text first and then tap the stars icon to access translation options. For teams managing multilingual databases, you can add an AI translation property that automatically translates fields like names or descriptions, making it perfect for global collaboration where team members speak different languages.

Notion AI's translation accuracy is generally high for major world languages, making it suitable for meeting notes, quick communications, database entries, and general business content. The system processes translations within seconds, which saves considerable time compared to copying text to external translation tools. However, it's important to understand the limitations – the free tier restricts you to 20 translations per period, and accuracy can vary with less common languages or culturally nuanced content.

While Notion AI handles straightforward translations well, it may struggle with idiomatic expressions, humor, or content requiring deep cultural understanding. For critical documents or sensitive communications, you should always review and potentially edit the AI output before sharing externally. The tool works best when you simplify your source text and avoid complex syntax that might confuse the translation algorithm.

The translation feature truly shines in collaborative workflows where team members need to quickly understand content in different languages. Whether you're translating project updates, creating multilingual glossaries, or ensuring everyone can participate in discussions regardless of their primary language, Notion AI provides a practical solution that keeps everything within your existing workspace. Just remember to combine it with human review for anything requiring precision or cultural sensitivity.