| Sumario: | Background: Language learners are taking advantage of the increased accuracy afforded by machine translation (MT) tools like Google Translate. There is a growing debate as to whether these tools support or hinder English as a foreign language (EFL) education. Some EFL students are drawn to MT tools to save time and energy when communicating, but how this use relates to second language acquisition needs to be clarified. Objective: This study investigated the perceptions and practices of MT tools among university EFL students in Saudi Arabia and South Korea. Methods: The study surveyed Saudi (n = 310) and South Korean (n = 160) university students to explore the use of MT tools in EFL learning. It used mean scores, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling to understand the perceived benefits and limitations of MT tools and their influence on the use of translation websites. The findings were triangulated using content analysis of open‐ended items. Results and Conclusion: Findings indicate students showed a high level of acceptance and utilization of MT tools. English avoidance behaviour (B = 0.43), benefits (B = 0.32), and foreign language proficiency (B = −0.19) predicted 61% of actual use of MT tools like Google Translate. Further, students frequently used MT tools despite the reported concerns about accuracy mistakes. Saudi students listed a more comprehensive array of why they use MT tools than Korean students, while Saudis and Koreans frequently used MT tools for individual word and sentence translations. Implications: Students should edit MT output when writing and are encouraged to use the voice recording and other functions of MT tools to learn language skills. Instructors must prevent overuse and dependency on MT tools, especially among low‐proficiency students who want to avoid using English. Lay Description: What is currently known about the subject matter: Students use translation tools to complete foreign language assignmentsStudents have a positive view towards translation toolsInstructors have mixed feelings on their students' use of translation tools What their paper adds to this: A mixed method study to learn strengths and limitations with translation toolsCross‐cultural study to compare perceptions from two regionsIdentified benefits to pronunciation skills through voice recording functionsLimitations with translation accuracy did not negatively influence actual use Implications of study findings for practitioners: Identified benefits with translation tools can be applied to writing instructionLimitations identified including over‐dependency and cheating should be avoidedStudents are recommended to use the speech function to practice pronunciationPost‐editing (revising) is an important part of using translation tools
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