How to look up words in games

Help when you get stuck

You don’t have to translate every line. Read on your own and open NearWord when a word or expression gets in the way.

1. Pause on the line. Keep the text you want to read on screen.
2. Open NearWord. Point to the word and press your shortcut.
3. Continue the conversation. You can revisit the word in your history later.

Every game has its own language

Before you start

Allow screen recording for NearWord in macOS settings. Choose a shortcut that doesn’t conflict with the game, then try it on a clearly readable line.

Compatibility depends on the game and its display mode. If capture doesn’t work in full screen, try windowed mode. Small or decorative lettering can be harder to recognize.

Choose how much help you need

If one unfamiliar word is holding you up, look it up and try the sentence again. If nearly every line needs translating, a continuous translation tool may suit this game better. NearWord is for choosing your moments, not replacing the whole script.

Start with a still line in a dialogue or menu. Check the recognized text before reading the answer, especially for character names or invented terms. Keep the game visible long enough to finish reading: opening a lookup is not a promise that the game will pause.

Keep the words you find

Export your history to Anki to review it later.