When choosing the first 10 languages for an Android app, consider these factors:
- How widely the language is spoken. The more widespread a language, the more people can use your app.
- Your target audience. If your app targets a particular audience, consider the languages those people speak.
- The language's importance to the app. If the app has text fields or other elements that need to be available in multiple languages, include those languages.
Main languages for translation
Based on these factors, the following can serve as the first 10 languages for an Android app:
- English (United States)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Spanish (Spain)
- Hindi (Hindi)
- Arabic (Arabic)
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- Japanese (Japan)
- Russian (Russia)
- French (France)
- German (Germany)
Additional languages
You can also translate the app into:
- Spanish (Latin America)
- Indonesian
- Italian (Italy)
- Korean
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Thai
- Turkish
Recommendations for Android app localization
This list is based on the worldwide reach of these languages. English is widely spoken around the world, making it a priority. Chinese is another major language and should be included if your app targets users in China. Spanish has a broad reach and should be considered if your app targets users in Latin America.
Adapt this list to your specific needs. For example, an app targeting India may need Hindi or Marathi, while an app aimed at Europe may need German, French or Italian.
More tips for localizing Android apps
- Use a third-party localization tool to simplify translation and help maintain accuracy.
- Test the translated app on devices configured for different languages to ensure it works correctly.
- List supported languages on your website or app store page.
Localizing an Android app can be challenging, but it is worthwhile. It expands your audience and makes the app more accessible to users in different countries.
Here are a few more localization tips:
- Start with the most important strings. These are the strings users see and hear most often, such as the app name, greetings, buttons and controls.
- Use professional translators. Translating an app involves more than substituting words. It requires an understanding of the target audience's culture and expectations.
- Test the localization. Before releasing a localized app, check that it works correctly and that the translation is accurate and easy to read.
Consider other aspects of localization
- Dates and times. Date and time formats vary between countries. For example, the United States commonly uses MM/DD/YYYY, while many European countries use DD/MM/YYYY.
- Numbers and currency. Number formatting and currency notation also vary. For example, the United States usually uses a decimal point, while many European countries use a comma.
- Slang and jargon. These may be unclear to users from other countries. Avoid them unless you are sure your target audience will understand them.
Android app localization can significantly expand your audience and make your app accessible worldwide. Invest the effort needed to create an app that works well across cultures and languages.