10 Best Shakespeare Translators Online: Decode the Bard’s Language

Best Shakespeare to English Translators Online: Let’s begin our journey into the world where “to be or not to be” becomes something we can actually understand without scratching our heads. Reading Shakespeare can sometimes feel like hitting a fastball with a toothpick – seemingly impossible yet somehow expected of us. The good news? Technology has given us tools to decode the Bard’s beautiful but challenging language.

Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, which differs significantly from our contemporary language in vocabulary, syntax, and expressions. This linguistic divide often creates barriers to fully appreciating his genius. Fortunately, numerous online tools have emerged to bridge this gap and make Shakespeare accessible to modern readers.

Why Shakespeare translation tools are essential

Before diving into specific translators, it’s worth understanding why these tools matter. Shakespeare’s works remain central to literary education and cultural understanding, but the language barrier can be substantial. The difference between Shakespeare’s English and modern language isn’t just about “thee” and “thou” – it involves:

• Complex vocabulary that has fallen out of common usage
• Sentence structures that seem backwards to modern readers
• Cultural references that made sense to Elizabethan audiences but are obscure today
• Wordplay and puns that rely on 16th-century pronunciations

Translation tools serve as essential bridges between Early Modern and contemporary English, making the Bard’s timeless works more accessible to modern audiences while preserving their literary significance.

Top 10 Shakespeare translators online

1. No Fear Shakespeare (SparkNotes)

No Fear Shakespeare stands as perhaps the most recognized Shakespeare translation resource in educational settings. This platform offers a comprehensive approach to understanding Shakespeare’s works with several standout features:

• Side-by-side presentation of original and modern text
• Immersive audio for enhanced comprehension
• Comprehensive coverage of Shakespeare’s most popular plays
• Free access to translations

The platform’s widespread adoption in educational settings speaks to its reliability and accessibility. While some users note it may not be “the most accurate transliteration of Elizabethan English,” many find it “the most readable,” making it an excellent starting point for those new to Shakespeare.

2. LitCharts (Shakescleare)

LitCharts offers comprehensive translations through its Shakescleare platform, covering “every Shakespeare play, poem, and sonnet alongside a modern English translation.” If you’re looking for a more nuanced approach to translation, this platform delivers:

• Side-by-side modern English translations
• Higher-level approach to the text compared to some alternatives
• Subscription model ($10/month) with downloadable PDFs
• Particularly recommended for serious students

Many educators and advanced students prefer LitCharts for approaching “the text at a slightly higher level” while still providing thorough “side-by-side translation.”

3. No Sweat Shakespeare

No Sweat Shakespeare provides free modern translations of Shakespeare’s plays as online ebooks. This platform takes a unique approach to translation, focusing on readability and accessibility:

• Translations designed as “easy to read, exciting teenage novel” experiences
• Faithful adherence to the original acts and scenes
• Free access to basic translations
• PDF downloads available for purchase ($14.95)

The site describes its translations as allowing users to “master the plot, characters, ideas and language of each play” without the frustration that often accompanies reading Shakespeare’s original text.

4. Shmoop

Shmoop combines educational resources with translation tools, making it particularly valuable for students. If you’re looking for a comprehensive learning experience alongside translation, Shmoop offers:

• Full text of Shakespeare’s plays with accompanying summaries
• An English to Shakespearean translator tool for bidirectional translation
• Clean, minimal interface that’s easy to navigate
• Free website access with premium features available

Shmoop describes its Shakespeare in Modern English feature as providing “all the glory of the Bard’s written word without the constant confusion,” making it ideal for students looking to understand Shakespeare’s works in context.

5. LingoJam

LingoJam distinguishes itself by offering both Shakespearean to modern English and modern to Shakespearean translation capabilities. This versatility makes it unique among translation tools:

• Bidirectional translation functionality
• Direct copying of translated text
• Free web-based access
• Simple, user-friendly interface

As one resource notes, LingoJam is “one of the few modern English to Shakespeare translators,” making it particularly useful for creative writing projects or understanding how modern phrases might have been expressed in Shakespeare’s time.

6. MyShakespeare.com

Recommended by educators, MyShakespeare provides comprehensive support for understanding Shakespeare’s works with features that go beyond simple translation:

• Translations and vocabulary explanations
• Footnotes on historical references and allusions
• Videos of performances
• End-of-Act character interviews for enhanced comprehension

Teachers who use this resource consistently praise its effectiveness, with one educator stating, “It’s a great resource!” that they “utilize into my units.”

7. Babylon Translator

Babylon Translator offers versatile Shakespeare translation capabilities with several practical advantages for various use cases:

• Translation of words, phrases, and entire chapters
• Quick translation of texts of any length
• Copy/paste functionality
• Offline functionality
• Translation into multiple languages beyond English

This application is “free to download and use, but certain features may need a purchase,” making it accessible for casual users while offering premium features for those who need more advanced functionality.

8. Fun Translations

Fun Translations offers a playful approach to Shakespeare translation with several unique features that make learning enjoyable:

• Modern English to Shakespearean English conversion
• Mobile applications on both Android and iOS
• Creative functionality like Shakespearean-era name generation
• Free website access (apps require purchase)

The platform features “attractive user interfaces that are easy for all ages,” making it particularly suitable for younger students or those looking to engage with Shakespeare’s language in a more entertaining context.

9. Shakespeare Pro (AI-Powered)

Shakespeare Pro represents the cutting edge of AI-assisted translation technology, bringing modern computational approaches to bear on Shakespeare’s language:

• AI-powered translation of Shakespeare into simple English
• Designed for students, teachers, and enthusiasts
• Quick and accurate modern translations
• Covers plays, sonnets, and quotes

As a free AI tool, it makes Shakespeare more accessible through modern language technology, offering insights that traditional translation approaches might miss.

10. Speak Like Shakespeare

This Android application provides straightforward translation from modern to Shakespearean English with a focus on simplicity and efficiency:

• No registration required
• Clean, minimal interface despite some advertisements
• Efficient translation of lengthy phrases and quotes
• Free availability on Google Play Store

The app “efficiently translates lengthy words, phrases, and quotes according to user evaluations,” making it a convenient option for Android users looking for quick translations on the go.

How to choose the right Shakespeare translator for your needs

When selecting a Shakespeare translator, consider these important factors:

Translation philosophy

Different translation tools adopt varying approaches to rendering Shakespeare’s language. Some prioritize readability while others attempt to preserve more of the original linguistic characteristics. Consider whether you want a translation that:

• Maximizes comprehension at the expense of poetic elements
• Preserves more of Shakespeare’s original style while clarifying meaning
• Offers educational context alongside translation

As one literature enthusiast observes, “Translations, such as they are called, should serve as an aid to the original, not a replacement.”

Access format

Shakespeare translators come in various formats to suit different usage patterns:

• Web-based tools (No Fear Shakespeare, LitCharts)
• Mobile applications (Shakespeare Translator, Babylon Translator)
• AI-powered solutions (Shakespeare Pro)
• Physical books with annotations (Barnes & Noble editions)

Your preferred device and usage context should influence which format will work best for you.

Translation direction

Consider whether you need:

• Shakespeare to modern English (most common)
• Modern English to Shakespearean style (for creative writing)
• Bidirectional capabilities (for comparative study)

Tools like LingoJam and Fun Translations offer the versatility of converting in both directions, which can be valuable for creative projects or deeper language study.

Educational support

If you’re using a translator for academic purposes, consider whether the platform offers:

• Historical context
• Character analysis
• Thematic explanations
• Supplementary educational materials

Platforms like No Fear Shakespeare, LitCharts, and MyShakespeare excel in this area, providing comprehensive educational frameworks around their translations.

The limitations of Shakespeare translation

While these tools provide valuable assistance, it’s worth acknowledging their limitations. As with any translation, something is inevitably lost in the process. Shakespeare’s original works contain:

• Rich wordplay that often doesn’t translate directly
• Multiple layers of meaning that can be flattened in translation
• Metrical patterns that give the language its rhythm and flow
• Cultural nuances that resist direct modern equivalents

As one literature professor notes, translations may lack “the lyrical and poetic charm of the original.” The best approach is often to use translation tools as a companion to the original text rather than a replacement.

Beyond translation: other ways to enhance Shakespeare comprehension

Translation tools are just one approach to making Shakespeare more accessible. Consider complementing them with:

• Annotated editions that provide context and explanations
• Performance videos that bring the language to life
• Audio recordings that help with pronunciation and rhythm
• Study guides that explore themes and character development

Many of the platforms reviewed above offer some of these additional resources alongside their translation tools.

Conclusion: making Shakespeare accessible for everyone

Shakespeare’s works remain enduringly relevant, offering insights into human nature, power, love, and ambition that transcend their historical context. The translation tools reviewed here serve as bridges to these timeless works, making them accessible to modern readers regardless of their familiarity with Early Modern English.

The ideal translator varies depending on individual needs: students may benefit most from comprehensive educational resources like No Fear Shakespeare or LitCharts, while casual readers might prefer the straightforward approach of No Sweat Shakespeare or Shmoop. Creative writers experimenting with Shakespearean style might find bidirectional translators like LingoJam particularly valuable.

By leveraging these translation tools, you can more fully appreciate Shakespeare’s linguistic innovation, psychological insight, and enduring cultural impact. The language barrier need not prevent anyone from experiencing the rich tapestry of human experience woven through Shakespeare’s works.

Remember, as Shakespeare himself might say (in modern translation): the goal isn’t just to read the words, but to understand the meaning behind them. These tools help ensure that Shakespeare’s genius remains accessible across linguistic and temporal divides.