Learn A New Language While Watching Netflix

Photo: Matt Rourke, AP

Trying to learn a new language, but can’t find the time? Give your binge-watching a whole new purpose and learn the basics of Japanese, Spanish, or German while marathoning a Netflix show or movie. Who says time on Netflix has to be unproductive?

Using the Google Chrome extension, Language Learning with Netflix, you can now use Netflix as a translator. How does it work? After downloading the extension, you select the subtitle of the language you’re interested in learning while a movie or show begins.

Screenshot: Josh Ocampo, Netflix

Below the film, dialogue will then appear in the language you’re trying to learn along with its translation in the language you already speak. If you hover over a word, you’ll also see its various definitions (like reading a dictionary entry of sorts). From here on out, you can read the translation for the entirety of a film or television show.

There are some added bonus features, too, if you’re looking to become a master of the language. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, you can choose a vocabulary level that works for you (if you’re a beginner, it’ll grey out tricky words you can skip in favour of basic, easier words). And if it’s going too fast, you can slow down the subtitles or even autoplay every subtitle, which may increase your movie time by hours (or days?). There’s also a catalogue of recommended high-quality subtitles for movies if you’re unsure of what to watch and still itching to learn a new language.

Screenshot: Josh Ocampo, Netflix

Without a doubt, it’s a tool meant for those with some expertise in any given language. It’d be difficult to start as a beginner using the extension alone. It’s also limited by Netflix’s available subtitle languages.

It’s also just one big distraction. You’ll likely lose focus on the storyline while you’re busy repeating lines over and over again or hovering over them. I’d recommend using it for shows and movies you’ve already seen instead of that new, buzzy Netflix Original you’re supposed to check out. If you’re willing to put in the time, however, it’s an incredibly handy tool (and may only feed into your Netflix addiction).

You can download the Chrome Extension on Language Learning With Netflix’s homepage.