How to Translate Text Inside Taobao Product Images (Size Charts and Specs)

Taobao Image Search Team · Updated October 10, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Translate Text Inside Taobao Product Images (Size Charts and Specs)

A listing can look perfectly translated and still hide the information that decides whether the item fits. On Taobao, size charts, material composition, care instructions and "what's in the box" tables are usually pictures in the detail section. Chrome's page translation cannot read them. This guide shows how to translate image text, what the Chinese measurement terms mean and how to convert a chart into a decision.

Why image text needs a separate tool

Browsers translate characters in the page's HTML. A size chart saved as a JPG contains no characters at all, only pixels. To read it, a tool must first recognize the text (OCR) and then translate it. The Taobao Image Search extension has a translator for Chinese pages, images and a selected screen area, so you can translate a detail picture without leaving the page.

Translate a size chart in three clicks

1. Scroll to the product detail images.
2. Open the extension and choose the image translation tool, or use the screen-area option and drag a rectangle around the chart.
3. Read the translated table and compare it with the original numbers.

Use the original numbers as the source of truth, and the translation only to understand the column headers.

Chinese measurement vocabulary

The flat-lay rule

If the chart says 平铺 or shows "chest 52 cm" for a jacket, the garment was laid flat and measured across. Double the number to get circumference: 52 cm flat is about 104 cm around. Compare this with your own chest measurement plus the ease you want (several centimeters for a T-shirt, more for a coat).

If the heading says 围度, the number is already circumference.

Convert, do not guess letters

Letter sizes are inconsistent across brands and countries. A reliable method:

1. Take a garment you own that fits well.
2. Lay it flat and measure chest, length and shoulders.
3. Find the Taobao row with the closest numbers.
4. Prefer the larger size if you are between two and the tolerance is 3 cm.

For shoes, use 脚长 (foot length in cm). Many Chinese shoe sizes resemble EU numbers, but the cut varies, so confirm with the centimeter figure.

Other information worth translating

• Material (材质 / 面料): look for percentages. 纯棉 means pure cotton, 涤纶 is polyester, 真皮 genuine leather versus 人造革 or PU for synthetic.
• Care (洗涤说明): machine wash, dry cleaning or hand wash.
• Package contents (包装清单): what is included.
• Voltage and plugs: electronics sold in China often use 220V and a different plug type. Check before importing.
• Warnings: age ratings for toys, flammability or battery notes.

Spot a mismatch between photo and chart

If the model is described as 170 cm tall wearing size M and the chart says M chest is 45 cm flat, the garment will fit close to the body. Photos with oversized fits usually mention 宽松 (loose) or 版型 (cut). When in doubt, ask the seller one specific question such as: "Is the chest 52 cm flat or circumference?"

Taobao measurement translations: a quick reference

Beyond clothing, spec images often use these terms:

Shoes, bags and electronics

• Shoes: compare 脚长 (foot length) in centimetres with your own foot, not the number printed on the label.
• Bags: 容量 (capacity) and 尺寸 (dimensions) in the image matter more than the model's photo.
• Electronics: check 电压 (voltage) and the plug type; many items sold in China are for 220 V and a different socket.
• Food, cosmetics, children's goods: check certification and import rules in your country; a translation is not a certificate.

When translation is not enough

Medical devices, electrical safety, cosmetics ingredients and child products require official certification, not a translated picture. For those categories, read the regulations of your own country before buying.

If you are still finding items, learn how to search Taobao by image. For general translation tools see translate Taobao to English, and for word lists open Taobao keywords. If a wrong size arrives, read the return rules in refunds and cancellations.