A novel technique for translating a string displayable on a user interface element in a graphical user interface provides a reliable translation without the use of a dictionary. In an embodiment of the invention, an identification is obtained, wherein the identification identifies the user interface element on which the string is displayed. A list is accessed, comprising the identification and a string in the second language. The list is searched to find the identification for the user interface element. Finally, a string is ascertained in the second language corresponding with the found identification in the list. In another embodiment, a string displayable on a user interface element is translated when the location of a user interface selection device on a display is at a location shared by the user interface element.