What it does
Argos Translate is a free translation tool that works without an internet connection once you've downloaded the languages you need. It can be used as a Python library, from the command line, or through a separate desktop app.
It supports dozens of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili. If there's no direct translation between two languages, it can go through a third one, at some cost in quality.
It also powers LibreTranslate, a separate translation website and API built on top of it.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants private, offline translation, and developers adding translation to their apps.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. It is installed with Python; a separate graphical app is available for people who prefer not to use the command line. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Runs on your own device: your data stays with you
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Download the language pairs you need.
- Translate text, with no internet needed once the languages are installed.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe
Where people are talking about it
- Show HN: Argos Translate – Open-source offline translation app written in PythonHacker News · Dec 2020