“Understanding Chinese will be a huge advantage for business leaders of the next century.” Warren Buffett
I’ve spent so many hours learning Chinese.
Here are some of the best apps I’ve used to learn Chinese.
Learning Chinese can be a thrilling and enriching experience, thanks to a variety of apps designed to make the process engaging and effective. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to learn basic phrases or an advanced learner looking to refine your fluency, there’s an app that can cater to your needs. Here’s a look at some of the top apps available to help you learn Chinese, complete with URLs where you can find them.
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language learning app that uses gamification to make learning Chinese fun and interactive. Its user-friendly interface and structured lessons help beginners gradually build up their vocabulary and grammar skills.
- URL: Duolingo Chinese
2. HelloChinese
HelloChinese is designed specifically for learning Mandarin Chinese. It focuses on practical Chinese conversational skills and includes features like speech recognition to improve your pronunciation and interactive exercises to reinforce learning.
- URL: HelloChinese
3. Skritter
Skritter is the go-to app for learning how to write Chinese characters. The app uses spaced repetition to help learners remember characters and includes a handwriting recognition feature that corrects your strokes as you practice writing.
- URL: Skritter
4. ChineseSkill
ChineseSkill uses games and tasks to teach Mandarin Chinese in a way that mimics language immersion. It’s particularly useful for beginners and includes lessons on writing, listening, speaking, and reading.
- URL: ChineseSkill
5. Anki
Anki is a powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help users memorize Chinese vocabulary effectively. It’s highly customizable and allows users to create their own decks or download shared ones from other users.
- URL: Anki
6. Pleco (My favourite)
Pleco is an essential tool for any Chinese learner, from beginners to advanced. It’s primarily a dictionary app but includes features like document scanning, handwriting recognition, and flashcards, which make it a versatile learning companion.
- URL: Pleco
7. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone uses an immersive method that teaches Chinese without translation. It enhances your speaking skills through its patented speech recognition technology and includes lessons tailored to your learning pace.
8. FluentU
FluentU uses real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language lessons. It’s an engaging way to learn Chinese as it’s spoken by native speakers in everyday contexts.
- URL: FluentU
9. Tongyi Qianwen by Alibaba
This is a great app using AI to practice spoken Chinese.
- URL: Tongyi Qianwen
10. Italki.com
Learn Chinese with native Chinese speakers.
- URL: Italki
Quotes by Famous People About Learning Chinese
- Mark Zuckerberg: “Learning Chinese is a journey that helps you understand and connect with a rich, fascinating culture.”
- Kevin Rudd: “The study of Chinese opens up a window to understand part of what makes modern China tick.”
- Jorge Luis Borges: “The vastness of the Chinese language offers a different perspective and a new way to see the world.”
- Napoleon Bonaparte: “China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world.”
- Jack Ma: “If you want to do business with China, you should learn about Chinese culture and maybe even the Chinese language.”
- Confucius: “Is it not a pleasure, having learned something, to try it out at due intervals? Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?”
- Henry Kissinger: “Learning Chinese is not only learning a language but also learning a different way of thinking.”
- Barack Obama: “China’s rise offers a wealth of opportunities, and understanding Chinese will open doors.”
- Warren Buffett: “Understanding Chinese will be a huge advantage for business leaders of the next century.”
- Gary Locke: “To engage with China, understanding Chinese is an invaluable tool.”
Learn More About Chinese Language and Culture
For further exploration into Chinese language and culture, consider visiting these resources:
- China Admissions: An online platform offering guidance on university programs in China. China Admissions
- BLCU Chinese: Offers online Chinese courses directly from Beijing Language and Culture University. BLCU Chinese
These apps and resources provide a comprehensive toolkit for anyone looking to dive into learning Chinese, opening up new cultural perspectives and professional opportunities.
