Top 9 Best Apps for Learning Chinese Easily

Learning Chinese, with its rich history and cultural significance, has become an increasingly attractive pursuit for people worldwide. Whether you’re planning a trip to Taiwan or China, engaging in business with Chinese partners, or simply seeking the joy of acquiring a new language, there’s no shortage of reasons to embark on this linguistic journey.

Fortunately, the modern world offers an abundance of tools to make learning Chinese more accessible and engaging than ever. In this article, we present the definitive list of the top 9 apps for learning Chinese, each carefully curated to help you unlock the secrets of this captivating language. Whether you’re a beginner or striving for fluency, these apps will empower you to navigate the intricate world of Chinese characters, tones, and culture, bringing you one step closer to mastering Mandarin.

Apps	Best for	Cost
LingoDeer	Entertaining and structured lessons	Between $6.42 and $12.99 per month
Quizlet	Flashcard-based learning and user-generated content	Free option available. Paid option at $36 per year
Chineasy	Memorizing Chinese characters and explanations for complete beginners	US$12.99 for a monthly plan
Du Chinese	Improving your Chinese reading skills	Free lessons available. Paid plan for $11.99 a month
ChineseSkill	Comprehensive lessons for all levels	First lessons are free. Advanced lessons for $14.99/month
Duolingo	Fun and free language learning	Free
Drops	Vocabulary and character learning	Daily 5 minutes lessons for free. Unlimited access for a monthly subscription of $13/month
Anki	Customizable flashcards and user-generated decks	Free
Hello Chinese	Comprehensive Chinese learning	First lessons are free. Advanced lessons from $8.99/month

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1. LingoDeer

Best for: Entertaining and structured lessons.

LingoDeer is a standout app for learning Chinese because it offers lessons created by real teachers. These lessons cover essential language skills like listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While there is a free basic plan, the more advanced classes require a premium subscription, which offers more in-depth content and features.

2. Quizlet

Best for: Flashcard-based learning and user-generated content.

Quizlet is a versatile app that allows you to create and use flashcards for language learning. What makes it truly powerful is the vast library of user-generated content. You can find flashcard sets on a wide range of topics, including Chinese vocabulary, characters, and phrases. Plus, it’s completely free!

3. Chineasy

Best for: Memorizing Chinese characters and explanations for complete beginners.

Chineasy focuses on simplifying the process of learning Chinese characters. With colorful illustrations and clear explanations, it’s perfect for beginners who might find Chinese characters daunting. The content is designed to help you build a strong foundation in Chinese.

4. Du Chinese

Best for: Improving your Chinese reading skills.

Du Chinese is tailored for users with a decent level of Chinese proficiency who want to enhance their reading abilities. It offers a wide range of texts with audio and translations to aid comprehension. The app provides both free and paid content, making it accessible for different budgets.

5. ChineseSkill

Best for: Comprehensive lessons for all levels.

ChineseSkill is a well-rounded app that covers various aspects of the Chinese language, from beginner to advanced levels. It provides lessons on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. However, it’s important to note that the advanced lessons are not free.

6. Duolingo

Best for: Fun and free language learning.

Duolingo is a well-known language learning app that offers Chinese courses. It’s a great option for those on a budget since it’s entirely free. The app provides a variety of interactive lessons that cater to different learning styles.

7. Drops

Best for: Vocabulary and character learning.

Drops is a visually appealing app that offers lessons for both simplified and traditional Chinese. It focuses on vocabulary and character recognition. While it provides a wide range of lessons, it does require a monthly subscription for full access to its content.

8. Anki

Best for: Customizable flashcards and user-generated decks.

Anki is a versatile flashcard app that can be adapted to suit your Chinese learning needs. You can create your own flashcards or download decks created by other users. It’s entirely free and allows you to customize your learning experience.

9. Hello Chinese

Best for: Comprehensive Chinese learning.

Hello Chinese is one of the most comprehensive apps for learning Chinese. It covers characters, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and more. It offers a few initial lessons for free, but to access the full range of content, you’ll need to subscribe.

Bonus: Language Exchange Apps

While the above-mentioned language learning apps provide a solid foundation for acquiring Chinese language skills, it’s equally important to put your knowledge into practice through real conversations. Language exchange apps are the perfect avenue for doing just that. These platforms facilitate connections with native speakers from Taiwan, China, or even fellow Chinese speakers living in your own country.

Among the various language exchange apps available, two particularly outstanding options deserve your attention.

Tandem

Tandem is a platform that places a strong emphasis on one-on-one conversations. You can specify your native language and your desire to connect with Chinese speakers, and the app will effortlessly match you with individuals seeking to learn your language. This focused approach ensures you get valuable language practice and cultural insights from your chosen language partner.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk offers a comprehensive language exchange experience that goes beyond mere conversation. It serves as a full-fledged social media platform designed for language learners. In addition to chatting with native speakers, you can create posts in Chinese, which other users can read, comment on, and even help you correct any language mistakes. Much like conventional social media, you can also follow other users and gain followers of your own, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among language enthusiasts.

Bonus: The Best Chinese Dictionary App

When it comes to learning a new language, having a reliable dictionary is a must. But, finding the right one in the digital age can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, when it comes to Chinese, there’s one app that stands out as the clear winner: Pleco.

Pleco is your go-to app for all things Chinese. It’s got your back with handwriting recognition, stroke order guidance, support for both simplified and traditional characters, and it helps you with pronunciation using both bopomofo and pinyin. You can even listen to audio pronunciations and create your own flashcards. The best part? It’s entirely free!

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There is no shortage of resources to help you learn Chinese, regardless of your proficiency level. These apps offer various approaches, from structured lessons to customizable flashcards, making it easier than ever to embark on your Chinese language-learning journey. Remember that the key to success lies in consistent practice and dedication, so choose the app that aligns best with your learning style and get started on your path to mastering the Chinese language.