# Translate a Client Message

When a client writes in another language, you can get a translation of their text message directly in the dialog without copying text to external tools. This guide covers the message menu action and explains when the option may be unavailable.

## When Needed

- You need to quickly understand a short text message from a client in another language.
- You want to compare the message with a translation without leaving OperatorLine.
- You handle multilingual requests and sometimes need a one-off translation of a single message.

## What's Important to Know

- Translation is available **only for client messages** (not for messages you sent).
- It works for **plain text** and **HTML text** in an active dialog.
- The target language usually matches the **interface language**; if your account has a **separate “translate messages to” language** setting, that language is used.
- The feature relies on **AI tools** connected to the bot for this request. If they are not configured, the menu item stays disabled.
- The client's original message **is not changed**; the translation appears below the message in the dialog thread.

## Prerequisites

- [x] You are logged in with operator rights.
- [x] You have opened the `OperatorLine` module via `Apps -> OperatorLine`.
- [x] The request is in an **active** dialog (not in the closed-chats archive view).
- [x] There is an **incoming text message** from the client in the chat.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the required dialog from the chat list.
2. Find the **client message** whose text you want to translate.
3. Open the **message actions** menu (usually a three-dot icon next to the message).
4. Choose **Translate**.
5. Wait until processing finishes — a translation block appears below the message.
6. Read the translation and continue the dialog; clarify details with the client if needed.

## What Happens After

The translated text is shown in the same dialog under the original message. You can reply to the client as usual.

## How to Verify It Worked

- After you choose **Translate**, a processing indicator appears, then the translated text.
- The translation language matches what you expect (interface or your personal setting).

## If “Translate” Is Greyed Out or Does Nothing

- **No AI for this bot** — contact your administrator: AI tools must be enabled for the bot used by this request (the same integration that powers other AI features in chat).
- **Message is too long** — try a shorter excerpt or ask the client to split the text (length is limited for reliable operation).
- **No text to translate** — for media-only messages without text, the option is unavailable.
- **Closed dialog or search mode** — the translate action is not offered in those views; open the active dialog from the chat list.

## Limitations

- Does not apply to **your own** outbound messages.
- Not shown in **dialog search** or for **closed** chats in the corresponding viewing modes.
- Translation quality depends on AI; **always verify the meaning** before important decisions.

## Related Materials

- [About AI Assistant for Operators](/en/operatorline/explanation/ai-assistant.md)
- [Reply to client](/en/operatorline/how-to/reply-to-client.md)
- [Use Copilot](/en/operatorline/how-to/use-copilot.md)