Top 5 Best Chinese Dictionary Apps You Shouldn’t Miss

Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. Whether you are just beginning your Chinese learning journey or have been studying the language for years, one thing is certain – choosing the right Chinese dictionary​ can be a challenging task.

Here is a list of free and useful online Chinese dictionaries compiled by Thao & Co. to assist you in your learning and work.

Top 5 free online Chinese dictionary apps

There is an abundance of Chinese dictionary apps available today. Here are the top five most popular and widely used ones you should know.

1. Google Translate – The most popular translation

Google Translate is the most widely used translation app available today. It supports over 100 languages, including both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

🌟 Pros:

1. + Offer multiple methods to look up words:

1. 1. ○ Text input
   2. ○ Handwriting
   3. ○ Image scanning
   4. ○ Voice translation

1. + Support handwriting recognition for Chinese characters.
2. + Fast translation for image-based documents.
3. + Efficient in translating long sentences or paragraphs, ideal for quick lookups.

🚫 Cons:

1. + Struggle with highly nuanced contexts, idiomatic expressions, or complex sentence structures, leading to potential inaccuracies.
2. + Lack pinyin and stroke order details for Chinese characters.

2. Pleco – The handy Chinese dictionary for handwriting recognition

Pleco is one of the most popular English-Chinese dictionaries, offering comprehensive features to support both beginners and advanced Chinese learners. 

🌟 Pros:

1. + Offer multiple lookup methods, including pinyin input, camera scanning, and handwriting recognition for Chinese characters.
2. + Advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology for accurate handwriting recognition.
3. + Flashcards feature for efficient vocabulary learning and memorization.
4. + Extensive vocabulary database ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
5. + Detailed stroke order guides for accurate character writing.
6. + Offline mode for convenient use without an internet connection.

🚫 Cons:

1. + The interface can be complex and cluttered, especially for first-time users.
2. + Certain dictionaries and advanced features require a paid subscription.
3. + The app’s primary language is English, which may be difficult for non-English speakers.

3. Hanzii – The go-to dictionary for HSK preparation

Hanzii is a versatile Chinese-English and Chinese-Vietnamese dictionary that caters specifically to learners aiming for the HSK exam. With its focus on both simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese, it’s a great companion for users at any level of HSK preparation.

🌟 Pros:

1. + Support word lookup by pinyin input, Chinese characters, and handwriting.
2. + Provide practical examples to illustrate word usage in various contexts.
3. + Clear and accurate pronunciation for effective listening practice.
4. + Include HSK mock tests and personal vocabulary notebooks for easier review.

🚫 Cons:

1. + The interface may be difficult for some users to navigate.
2. + The free version contains ads and limits access to some advanced features.

4. Youdao Dictionary – The in-depth Chinese dictionary for advanced learners

Youdao Dictionary is an advanced and specialized tool used by both Chinese speakers and learners. It’s ideal for advanced learners and those looking for a detailed understanding of the language.

🌟 Pros:

1. + Support searching via Chinese characters and images
2. + Provide contextual examples for better comprehension.
3. + Offer document translation support for various formats such as PDF, WORD, TXT, EXCEL, and PPT.
4. + Include specialized dictionaries for different fields, perfect for learners at higher levels or professionals.

🚫 Cons:

1. + The interface may be confusing for first-time users.
2. + Only available in Chinese, which might be a barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
3. + Limited to looking up Chinese words in four languages: English, Korean, French, and Japanese.

5. MDBG Chinese Dictionary – The Chinese dictionary for fast vocabulary lookup

MDBG Chinese Dictionary is a reliable, user-friendly dictionary suitable for learners at any stage of their Chinese language journey. It’s accessible through both web-based and mobile app platform.

🌟 Pros:

1. + Clean, easy-to-use interface for quick navigation.
2. + Support vocabulary lookup via Pinyin, Chinese characters, and English.
3. + Provide stroke order guides for accurate character writing.
4. + Include precise Pinyin with tone marks for accurate pronunciation.
5. + Offer numerous examples of word usage in context.
6. + Vocabulary categorized by difficulty level, catering to learners from beginner to advanced.

🚫 Cons:

1. + Lack character recognition through camera scanning.
2. + Do not support translation for long phrases or sentences.
3. + Limited language support, only available in English and Chinese.

How to look up Chinese words by handwriting input

If you’re unfamiliar with the pinyin or can’t remember how to pronounce a word, handwriting input is a practical way to look it up. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to use this feature in the Pleco app.

1. 1️⃣ Download Pleco from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
2. 2️⃣ Launch the app and tap the handwriting input icon in the search bar (either a hand or a pen, depending on the version).
3. 3️⃣ Draw the Chinese character on the screen with your finger. Correct stroke order isn’t mandatory, but following it improves search accuracy.
4. 4️⃣ Pleco will suggest matching characters below the writing area, simply tap the one you’re looking for.

How to look up Chinese words by Pinyin

The pinyin lookup feature is a convenient tool for Chinese learners to look up Chinese words without needing to recognize characters. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. 1️⃣ Download the Hanzii app from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or access the web version at hanzii.net.
2. 2️⃣ On the main screen, tap the search bar at the top and use the Latin keyboard to enter pinyin.
3. 3️⃣ Type the pinyin of the word without tone marks. 

🌟 Example: Type “nihao” to look up the word 你好 (nǐ hǎo). If multiple words share the same pinyin, Hanzii will display a list of matching results.

Tips for effective Chinese – English dictionary use

Here are some useful tips to help you enhance your experience and save time while using Chinese – English dictionaries.

1. ✅ Choose the right dictionary: Pick a suitable dictionary based on your purpose. For quick lookups, Google Translate is great, while for deeper research, Pleco is a better choice.
2. ✅ Utilize diverse search techniques: If you know the pronunciation, search by pinyin. For unfamiliar characters, use handwriting recognition or image scanning features.
3. ✅ Understand word usage: Always look at example sentences to understand the proper usage of the word in context.
4. ✅ Cross-check with back translation: If the translation seems off, translate it back into English or your mother tongue to double-check its meaning.

🌟 Learn more: Chinese Translation: The Importance of Localization

Key takeaways

Thao & Co. hopes the above information has provided valuable insights into high-quality Chinese dictionaries. You can choose the most suitable one based on your current proficiency level and specific learning needs. 

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