Google is stepping into the language learning ring, and it’s doing so with the help of its Gemini AI. Three new tools—Tiny Lesson, Slang Hang, and Word Cam—have been released as part of Google Labs experiments, offering casual, real-world ways to pick up new languages without relying on rigid apps or grammar drills.
Google turns AI into an on-the-go language tutor
Unlike traditional language apps, Google’s experiments are lightweight and don’t require any downloads. Users can visit the Google Labs site, pick an experiment, and start typing or snapping photos. The tools are powered by Gemini, Google’s multimodal large language model, which interprets context, visuals, and user input to generate relevant vocabulary and translations.
The goal? Help users talk like locals, not textbooks.
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Tiny Lesson and Slang Hang skip the grammar books
Tiny Lesson is built for sticky situations. Users describe what’s happening around them—like losing a bag or asking for directions—and the tool returns key phrases and grammar hints tailored to that moment. It’s designed to offer just enough structure to help, without overwhelming users with rules.
Slang Hang, meanwhile, keeps things casual. It simulates informal chats between native speakers, letting users explore the meaning of slang, idioms, and conversational shortcuts. It’s less about conjugating verbs and more about sounding natural in everyday conversations. That said, it’s not flawless—Google warns that the AI might mislabel or “hallucinate” words, so checking translations elsewhere is smart.
Word Cam turns your camera into a translator
With Word Cam, users snap a photo of their surroundings, and Gemini labels the objects in their target language. Whether it’s food on a table or signs in a shop, Word Cam gives quick translations to build vocabulary based on what users actually see.
Like the other tools, it’s not perfect—Gemini may occasionally miss the mark—but it adds a visual layer to learning that most apps don’t offer.
Google Labs tools support 15 languages—for now
All three tools support 15 languages at launch, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French, German, Japanese, and more. These experiments aren’t full products, and Google has been clear that they’re temporary. Maggie Shiels, a Google spokesperson, told CNET that the goal is to inspire developers and show how AI can support practical, bite-sized learning moments.
“This is a limited-time tool that will eventually sunset,” Shiels said. “We hope that developers have fun playing around.”
Whether you’re trying to explain a problem in Greek or learn casual phrases in Korean, Google’s new AI features could be a smart, simple way to sharpen your skills—at least while they last.
