If you’re learning a second language, you’ve probably noticed that it’s hard to commit new phrases to memory. Google is trying to take on the problem by adding a new feature to Google Translate called Phrasebook, which lets you save your favorite translations into a persistent, searchable list. Just click the star under the translation to add it, and drill through your Phrasebook using the search box in the upper right corner of the screen.

The bigger problem is that you can't edit the text of the translation

It sounds like a nice feature to have, but we’re skeptical about how useful it will be in practice. The Google Translate mobile apps let you star your favorite translations, but since there’s (as yet) no syncing with your Google account, your Phrasebook is stranded on the web client, at least for now. But the bigger problem is that you can’t edit the text of the translation if Google hands you something wrong or weird, which happens all the time. It’s too bad, because with those two features Phrasebook could be a quick, handy way to study on the go, or pull up something you just learned in the middle of a conversation. But for now, we’re going to stick with our dictionary and note-taking apps.