Technical Context

macOS currently lacks a built-in, free on-the-spot text translation feature. Translating Chinese to English typically involves multiple mouse clicks and navigations, which disrupts workflow.

Chrome’s Immersive Translate extension addresses part of this, but it has limitations:

1. Works only within the Chrome browser
2. Translates entire input box content instead of selected segments
3. Uses triple-space trigger, which feels awkward and less efficient than dedicated shortcuts

Approach

Build an automation script with these core components:

1. Text Capture: Simulate Cmd+C to copy selected text
2. Translation: Use macOS Shortcuts to wrap a translation API call
3. Text Insertoin: Simulate Cmd+V to paste the translated result

Step 1: Add the macOS Shortcut

Use this iCloud link to install a preconfigured "Translate to English" shortcut directly: https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/f02cd8ebbf1d46338cfaee2fdbbd4734

Step 2: Set Up Hammerspoon

Hammerspoon is a free, open-source automation tool for macOS. Install it from the official website, then grant it accessibility permissions via System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.

Step 3: Configure Hammerspoon Script

Launch Hammerspoon, click the menu bar icon, and select "Open Config". This opens the init.lua conifguration file. Replace or append the following script:

-- Core translation logic
function performTranslation()
    -- Capture selected text
    hs.eventtap.keyStroke({"cmd"}, "c")
    -- Call the macOS Shortcut to translate
    local translatedText, isSuccess, _, _ = hs.execute('shortcuts run "Translate to English"', true)
    -- Validate and process the result
    if translatedText then
        -- Clear clipboard and set to translated content
        hs.pasteboard.clearContents()
        hs.pasteboard.setContents(translatedText)
        -- Insert the translated text
        hs.eventtap.keyStroke({"cmd"}, "v")
    end
end

-- Global shortcut bindings
-- Option+Shift+I: Translate selected text
hs.hotkey.bind({"option", "shift"}, "i", performTranslation)
-- Option+Shift+O: Auto-select all text and translate
hs.hotkey.bind({"option", "shift"}, "o", function()
    hs.eventtap.keyStroke({"cmd"}, "a")
    performTranslation()
end)

Step 4: Apply the Script

After pasting the code, save init.lua, then reload the Hammerspoon configuration:

• Click the Hammerspoon menu bar icon
• Select "Reload Config"

Usage

• Option+Shift+I: Translates only the currently selected text
• Option+Shift+O: Automatically selects all text in the active input field and translates it