If you're looking to learn Chinese on your mobile device, there are a number of great apps available. Two of the most popular options are LingoDeer and HelloChinese. Both apps offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of the language, from grammar to vocabulary. If you're looking for a more specialized app, Pleco Chinese Dictionary is a great option. It provides a comprehensive dictionary of Chinese characters, along with pronunciation and usage examples.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. LingoDeer |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 14M+ | Learn new scripts, Form sentences, Review activities |
| 2. HelloChinese |  | Android, iOS | 4.9/5 | 8M+ | Game-based learning, Immersive lessons, Self-adaptive games |
| 3. Pleco Chinese Dictionary |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 5M+ | Integrated dictionary, reader, flashcard system, Full-screen handwriting input |
| 4. Learn Chinese |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 5M+ | Interactive lessons, Speech assessment, Character writing |
| 5. Learn Chinese |  | Android, iOS | 4.9/5 | 4M+ | AI-powered learning, Spaced repetition, Gamified lessons |
| 6. HSK Study and Exam — SuperTest |  | Android | 4.5/5 | 2M+ | Efficient exam prep, Tailored lesson plans, HSK certificate |
| 7. Learn Chinese |  | Android | 4.3/5 | 2M+ | Learn to read and write, 60+ languages, Free & offline |
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1. LingoDeer
1. Gamified learning, 2. AI chatbot practice, 3. Offline learning
Cost: Free Plan (Free), Premium (Varies)
If you're looking for a comprehensive and engaging way to learn Chinese on your mobile device, look no further than LingoDeer. With interactive lessons and a user-friendly interface, LingoDeer makes learning Chinese a breeze. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate learner, LingoDeer has something to offer you.
One of the things that sets LingoDeer apart from other language learning apps is its focus on grammar. Unlike other apps that simply teach you phrases and vocabulary, LingoDeer takes the time to explain the grammar behind the language. This makes it much easier to understand how the language works and to use it correctly. Plus, LingoDeer's lessons are designed to be fun and engaging, so you'll never get bored while learning.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | Offers structured courses in various Asian and European languages, focusing on grammar explanation, vocabulary building, and pronunciation practice through interactive exercises. |
| Pros | Engaging, well-structured, detailed grammar explanations |
| Cons | Limited free content, some advanced grammar concepts may be simplified, occasional translation errors |
- Tags:
- Interactive lessons
- Speech recognition
- Personalized review
✨ Read more: app to learn sign language
2. HelloChinese
Game-based learning, 1000+ graded stories, 2,000+ authentic videos
Cost: Free (Free), Premium (Varies)
HelloChinese is widely recognized as an exceptional language learning app, particularly for those eager to master Mandarin Chinese. It sets itself apart with a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of language acquisition, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Moreover, it provides valuable cultural context and simplifies grammar rules, making them easy to grasp.
The app's user-centric design shines through its thoughtful features. It steers clear of disruptive advertisements, maintains a well-paced learning journey, and offers thorough explanations of grammar and sentence structure. Additionally, it presents authentic conversations featuring native speakers, ensuring that learners grasp the natural flow and pronunciation of the language. HelloChinese also boasts a plethora of practice options, including engaging stories, immersive conversational exercises, pronunciation assistance, and even minigames for honing vocabulary and character recognition. Its blend of effectiveness and entertainment makes learning Chinese a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | Offers game-based lessons, speech recognition, handwriting practice, personalized review, and offline learning for Mandarin Chinese. |
| Pros | Engaging, effective, and affordable with a free version available. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, occasional glitches reported, and some features require a subscription. |
- Tags:
- Game-based learning
- Immersive lessons
- Self-adaptive games
✨ Read more: app to learn japanese
3. Pleco Chinese Dictionary
Handwriting input, Live OCR, Flashcard system
Cost: Pleco Basic (Free), Pleco Professional Bundle ($149.99)
Pleco Chinese Dictionary is widely acclaimed as one of the best Chinese learning apps available. Users rave about its smooth performance and powerful search capabilities, allowing for comprehensive exploration of Chinese characters and words. The free version excels in Chinese-to-English translation, while the paid upgrade provides robust English-to-Chinese capabilities.
Despite its overall excellence, users have identified areas for improvement. Some wish for a dedicated Windows version and enhancements to the flashcard system. Additionally, voice search functionality could benefit from a dedicated submission button, as the current system is sensitive to background noise. Nevertheless, Pleco Chinese Dictionary remains a highly recommended tool for learners, offering a seamless and engaging experience on Android devices.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 5 million downloads |
| Features | Comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary, handwriting input, optical character recognition (OCR), flashcards, audio pronunciation, Cantonese support, and document reader. |
| Pros | Extensive dictionary, powerful search, and excellent learning tools. |
| Cons | Some advanced features require paid add-ons, and the interface can be overwhelming for beginners. |
- Tags:
- Extensive Dictionaries
- Advanced Handwriting Input
- OCR Character Recognition
✨ Read more: app to learn korean
4. Learn Chinese
500+ interactive lessons, Automatic speech assessment, Character handwriting recognition
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($14.99/month)
In a sea of language learning apps, Learn Chinese stands out as an exceptional tool for Mandarin learners. With its intuitive design, engaging graphics, and carefully structured lessons, it makes learning Chinese accessible and fun. The app's well-paced approach and variety of practice exercises ensure progress and keep users motivated.
As users have attested, Learn Chinese excels in providing a comprehensive learning experience. It covers essential vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, while incorporating interactive elements like speaking practice and character writing. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your Mandarin skills, this app is highly recommended by both language learners and educators alike.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 Million Downloads |
| Features | Offers bite-sized lessons, speech recognition, handwriting practice, personalized learning paths, and various engaging activities like games and quizzes. |
| Pros | Fun, engaging, and effective for beginners with gamified learning. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, subscription-based model can be expensive, and occasional translation errors. |
- Tags:
- Interactive lessons
- Speech assessment
- Character handwriting
✨ Read more: app to learn a language
5. Learn Chinese
AI-powered learning, Spaced repetition, Gamified lessons
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($8.99/month)
Learn Chinese is a top-rated language learning app that provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. With its intuitive interface and interactive lessons, it feels like learning with a real teacher. The app focuses on developing all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It offers a structured learning path that guides users through the language step by step, ensuring a solid foundation.
The app is highly praised for its user-friendliness and effectiveness. Users appreciate the lack of intrusive ads, the organization of the courses, and the ability to review vocabulary and grammar anytime thanks to the "knowledge book" function. The writing section is particularly well-received, making it easy to practice writing characters. The app's voice recognition feature is also highly accurate, providing valuable feedback on pronunciation. Despite being mainly designed for beginners, the app offers content that can take learners to an upper elementary/lower intermediate level.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 Million Downloads |
| Features | Offers bite-sized lessons, speech recognition, personalized learning paths, games, and cultural insights for beginner to intermediate learners. |
| Pros | Engaging, convenient, and effective for building a solid foundation. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, occasional translation errors, and requires a subscription for full access. |
- Tags:
- AI-powered learning
- Personalized lessons
- Gamified experience
✨ Read more: app to learn spanish
6. HSK Study and Exam — SuperTest
HSK exam focused, Efficient and cost-effective, Curated lesson plans
Cost: HSK 1-3 Vocabulary (All Access) (Free), HSK 6 Vocabulary (All Access) ($14.99)
HSK Study and Exam — SuperTest is an amazing app for learning Chinese. It's perfect for practicing and preparing for the HSK exams, with a variety of exercises and rich content. You can take a level test to find your current level, and then the app will recommend the best level for you to study.
The paid version of the app is definitely worth it, with new features and recorded classes that make learning Chinese easier and more effective. The app has helped many users improve their Chinese language skills.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 2 Million Downloads |
| Features | Offers comprehensive HSK vocabulary and grammar lessons, practice exercises, mock exams, and personalized study plans for all HSK levels (1-6). |
| Pros | User-friendly interface, extensive content, and effective learning tools. |
| Cons | Limited free content, occasional errors in questions, and lack of detailed explanations for some answers. |
- Tags:
- Efficient Study Plans
- Personalized learning
- Expert Tutors
7. Learn Chinese
6,000 Chinese words, 1,250 Chinese phrases, Learn offline
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($6.99 per month)
For those eager to master the intricacies of the Chinese language, the Learn Chinese app emerges as an indispensable tool. With its meticulously curated vocabulary builder, the app empowers users to expand their linguistic repertoire with an impressive 11,000 words and sentences. Interactive and engaging, the app captivates learners with its diverse activities, effectively testing their comprehension and reinforcing their knowledge.
As users embark on this linguistic journey, they will be pleasantly surprised by the app's ability to enhance their reading and writing skills. Through seamlessly integrating quiz games into the learning process, the app reinforces the words and sentences being studied, solidifying them in the user's memory. This innovative approach not only facilitates natural language acquisition but also sharpens critical reading abilities, making Learn Chinese the ideal companion for language enthusiasts.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Offers a variety of games and interactive exercises to learn Chinese vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and writing. |
| Pros | Engaging and fun way to learn basic Chinese, suitable for beginners. |
| Cons | Limited scope for advanced learners, may not be sufficient for comprehensive language acquisition. |
- Tags:
- Free & offline
- 61 native languages
- Fun & easy
8. Learn Chinese Offline
1300+ useful phrases, Native speaker recordings, 18 essential categories
Cost: Learn Chinese Offline - Free (Free), Learn Chinese Offline - Paid (Paid)
"Learn Chinese Offline" is a mobile app designed to assist users in learning Mandarin Chinese. It offers a comprehensive learning experience by providing both the romanized version of phrases and the pronunciation by native Chinese speakers. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to learn to speak Chinese but do not know how to read Chinese characters. The app also places a strong emphasis on gradual learning, ensuring that users can easily assimilate the material without feeling rushed.
The app has received positive feedback from users, who have praised its accuracy, clear audio, and comprehensive content. One user commented that the app is "💯 accurate, with clear audio sound on every word it contains." Another user appreciated the app's gradual learning approach, saying that it is "sooo easy to assimilate without being rushed."
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Offers a Chinese phrasebook with pinyin/zhuyin/English translations, audio pronunciations by native speakers, and categories like food, transportation, and shopping. |
| Pros | Offline access, clear audio, user-friendly interface. |
| Cons | Limited vocabulary, basic functionality, no grammar explanations or interactive exercises. |
- Tags:
- Offline access
- Native speaker audio
- 1300+ common phrases
9. TaoLiChinese
Free Level Test, HSK Standard Course, Spoken Class (English)
Cost: Free (Free), Premium (Varies)
TaoLiChinese stands out as an exceptional Chinese learning app, offering a structured and comprehensive approach to mastering the language. While the app's free version provides a taste of its capabilities, the paid subscription unlocks a wealth of interactive lessons, grammar explanations, and practice exercises that cater to learners of all levels.
Despite the occasional technical glitch reported by users, TaoLiChinese remains a highly regarded app for its engaging video explanations of Chinese characters and pinyin pronunciations. The inclusion of HSK-aligned content and workbooks further enhances its effectiveness, making it a valuable tool for students preparing for official Chinese proficiency exams.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million |
| Features | Offers structured HSK-aligned courses, spaced repetition flashcards, interactive exercises, and authentic Chinese content like songs and stories. |
| Pros | Engaging, comprehensive, and effective for various learning styles. |
| Cons | Subscription-based model with limited free content, occasional glitches reported by users. |
- Tags:
- HSK Standard Course
- Spoken Class (English)
- Free Chinese Level Test
10. Learn Chinese Mandarin
Free to use, Beginner friendly, Covers all levels
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($11.99 per month)
For those seeking an intuitive and engaging Chinese learning experience on mobile, look no further than Learn Chinese Mandarin. This exceptional app has left a lasting impression on users with its seamless offline capability and motivating "unlocking" concept. Its visually appealing interface and comprehensive content make it a joy to use, offering a direct and enriching learning journey at your fingertips.
Enthusiastic users have lauded Learn Chinese Mandarin for its exceptional features, including the clear and familiar female voiceover reminiscent of popular language learning platforms. The app's commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience is evident in its inclusion of comprehensive vocabulary, grammar lessons, and engaging exercises. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to enhance your Mandarin proficiency, Learn Chinese Mandarin is an indispensable tool that will guide you towards fluency.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Offers structured lessons, interactive exercises, vocabulary building tools, pronunciation practice with speech recognition, and cultural insights. |
| Pros | Easy to use, comprehensive, affordable, and good for beginners. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, occasional repetitive exercises, and internet connection required for some features. |
- Tags:
- Free and Simple
- Beginner to Advanced
- Listening, Reading, Writing
11. Learn Chinese
Immersive lessons, Personalized learning, Gamified experience
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)
Learn Chinese is an app that makes learning Chinese accessible and enjoyable. With its user-friendly interface and engaging lessons, you can start speaking and understanding Chinese in no time. The app offers a variety of features to help you learn, including vocabulary lessons, grammar explanations, and interactive exercises. You can also practice your speaking skills with the chatbot, which provides instant feedback and helps you improve your pronunciation.
While the app does offer some free content, most of the lessons and features are locked behind a paywall. This can be frustrating for some users, but it's important to remember that the app is still in development. The developers are constantly adding new content and features, and they are committed to making the app as comprehensive and user-friendly as possible.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 500,000+ |
| Features | Offers vocabulary and grammar lessons, interactive exercises, speech recognition, cultural insights, and progress tracking. |
| Pros | User-friendly interface, engaging lessons, and effective learning methods. |
| Cons | Limited free content, occasional inaccuracies in pronunciation, and can feel repetitive at times. |
- Tags:
- Personalized lessons
- Bite-Sized Content
- Gamified learning
12. Learn Chinese
Step-by-step guidance, Practical exercises, Prestigious awards
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($4.99 per month)
Learn Chinese is an app that teaches you the basics of the Chinese language, including the alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary. The app is designed for beginners and uses a variety of interactive exercises to help you learn.
One user said, "This app requires a lot of bug fixing before releasing it... I love the hey japan and hey korea apps, but this one is not up to standard". The user also mentioned that the voice recognition needs some work. Another user said, "It's not bad, but the voice recognition needs some work. It's very difficult for it to register a word, and even when it does, it tells me it's wrong." Despite these issues, both users agreed that the app has the potential to be a great way to learn Chinese.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Offers bite-sized lessons in Mandarin Chinese covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture with interactive games and quizzes. |
| Pros | Easy to use, engaging, and suitable for beginners. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, occasional glitches reported, and subscription required for full access. |
- Tags:
- Easy to use
- Step-by-step learning
- Practical exercises
13. Drops
100% illustrated, 5 min sessions, Effortless learning
Cost: Drops Free (Free), Drops Premium (Varies by subscription plan)
Drops is an exceptional language-learning app that employs an innovative visual approach to make vocabulary acquisition an enjoyable and effective experience. Its sleek design and intuitive interface make learning Chinese characters a breeze, with high-quality voice recordings ensuring accurate pronunciation.
While not designed for comprehensive language fluency, Drops provides a solid foundation for understanding Chinese vocabulary and structure. Its gamified approach and engaging graphics make learning fun and engaging, helping users retain information more effectively. Despite a few limitations, such as the inability to display pinyin and character meanings on demand, Drops remains an invaluable tool for anyone looking to kickstart their Chinese language journey.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | Gamified vocabulary learning with visual cues, mnemonic techniques, and short, focused sessions (5 minutes). Offers over 45 languages. |
| Pros | Engaging and visually appealing; effective for quick vocabulary building. |
| Cons | Limited to vocabulary; no grammar or pronunciation practice. Subscription-based model with limited free content. |
- Tags:
- Visual learning
- Gamified experience
- Bite-sized lessons
14. Learn Chinese HSK2 Chinesimple
HSK2 preparation, Interactive lessons, Progress tracking
This exceptional Chinese learning app thoroughly covers beginner topics with a multifaceted approach. It caters to various learning preferences, fostering proficiency in characters, grammar, and pronunciation. By exposing learners to diverse perspectives, the app keeps practice engaging and dynamic. Beyond vocabulary lists, the app encourages exploration and the acquisition of additional words through context.
While the app offers an impressive blend of educational games and techniques, its premium cost may deter some users. However, for those seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience, the investment is worthwhile. The app's recent updates have significantly enhanced its offerings, including captivating stories that make character learning enjoyable and grammar instruction through engaging lessons and games. Users rave about the app's exceptional value and its ability to transform Chinese learning into a delightful journey.. Learn Chinese HSK2 Chinesimple
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 200,000 downloads |
| Features | Offers flashcards, quizzes, and games to help users learn and memorize over 150 HSK2 vocabulary words and characters, alongside grammar lessons and listening exercises. |
| Pros | User-friendly interface, effective learning methods, offline access. |
| Cons | Limited scope focusing only on HSK2, some users might find the free version's features restricted. |
- Tags:
- Interactive lessons
- HSK2 exam preparation
- Personalized learning
15. Chineasy
Fun and engaging, Effective methodology, Loved by millions
Cost: Chineasy (Free) (Free), Chineasy Premium (Varies by subscription)
Chineasy is a fantastic Mandarin learning app that makes learning Chinese characters easy and fun. With its unique approach of using illustrations and stories to represent each character, Chineasy helps you build a strong foundation in Chinese vocabulary. The app offers over 2,500 words, making it one of the most comprehensive vocabulary apps available.
Despite its strengths, Chineasy does have some limitations. As one user pointed out, the lessons can become repetitive after a while, with fewer new characters introduced in each lesson as you progress. Additionally, the questions in the quiz mode are relatively easy, which can be a drawback for more advanced learners. However, overall, Chineasy is an excellent app for beginners and intermediate learners who want to improve their Chinese vocabulary and understanding of characters.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Combines visually engaging illustrations with mnemonics and spaced repetition to teach Mandarin Chinese characters, vocabulary, and basic grammar. |
| Pros | Fun, intuitive, and effective for visual learners. |
| Cons | Limited content beyond the basics, subscription-based model may be expensive for some users. |
- Tags:
- Fun and engaging
- Effective methodology
- Recommended by experts
16. Learn Chinese
Immersive language learning, Age-appropriate lessons, Interactive games and activities
Cost: Free (Free), All Content Pack ($49.99)
Learn Chinese is a comprehensive Chinese learning app that provides an interactive and engaging way to master the basics of the language. With its wide range of games and activities, it's perfect for kids and beginners who want to have fun while they learn.
Despite its effectiveness as a learning tool, the app has a few minor issues that could be improved. For instance, there are occasional bugs in the color palette game, and some users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive lessons and a wider range of vocabulary. Nevertheless, Learn Chinese remains a valuable resource for anyone looking to kickstart their Chinese language journey.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Offers engaging games, interactive exercises, and a variety of learning modules covering pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights. |
| Pros | Fun, interactive, and effective for beginners learning Mandarin Chinese. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, occasional repetitive exercises, and some in-app purchases required for full access. |
- Tags:
- Immersive Learning
- Bite-sized lessons
- Everyday Language
17. Learn Chinese Fast
Spaced repetition, 10-minute lessons, Personalized content
Cost: Free (Free), Premium (Varies)
:Learn Chinese Fast is an excellent app for learning to speak Chinese quickly and effectively. With its user-friendly interface and engaging lessons, it makes learning Chinese a breeze. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this app is the perfect choice.
:As a user of the app, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning Chinese. The app's comprehensive lessons cover all aspects of the language, from vocabulary and grammar to pronunciation and listening comprehension. Additionally, the app's spaced repetition system helps you retain what you've learned, ensuring long-term progress.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 100,000 downloads |
| Features | Offers vocabulary and grammar lessons, flashcards with spaced repetition, dialogues, and pronunciation exercises focused on Mandarin Chinese. |
| Pros | Effective learning method, user-friendly interface, good for beginners. |
| Cons | Limited content compared to paid apps, occasional glitches reported, subscription model may be restrictive for some. |
- Tags:
- Interactive exercises
- Spaced repetition system
- 10 minutes a day
18. Greater Chinese
Powerful Dictionary, Standard HSK courses, Easier Search
Cost: Greater Chinese - Free Version (Free), Greater Chinese - Premium Version (Paid)
Greater Chinese is a user-friendly and comprehensive Chinese learning app that aims to make Mandarin learning easy and fun. With its intuitive interface and engaging lessons, Greater Chinese provides a structured and enjoyable learning experience for users of all levels. The app covers a wide range of topics, from basic grammar and vocabulary to advanced conversation skills, ensuring that learners can progress at their own pace and achieve their language goals.
One of the key strengths of Greater Chinese is its emphasis on interactivity. The app incorporates a variety of interactive exercises, such as quizzes, games, and writing practice, to reinforce learning and make the process more engaging. Users can also access a vast library of audio and video content, which helps to improve listening and speaking skills. The app's user-friendly design and comprehensive content make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to learn Chinese on their mobile device.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 50,000 |
| Features | Offers spaced repetition flashcards, handwriting recognition, personalized learning paths, and interactive games for vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. |
| Pros | Engaging and effective learning method with personalized feedback. |
| Cons | Limited content for advanced learners, and occasional technical glitches reported. |
- Tags:
- Powerful Dictionary
- Standard HSK Courses
- Easier Character Search