Learning Chinese has never been more accessible thanks to the abundance of online resources available today. Whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an advanced learner seeking to refine your skills, there's an app or website out there to suit your needs. Here, we've compiled a list of the top 10 Chinese learning platforms of 2024, complete with brief descriptions and details on their features, pricing, and effectiveness.
From my previous years of experience my first suggesting app is
Hanping Lite
Website: Hanping Lite; https://hanpingchinese.com/
Free and Premium versions available.
Hanping Lite is a user-friendly Chinese dictionary app designed to help learners quickly look up Chinese characters and words. Its intuitive interface and extensive database make it a handy tool for learners of all levels.
Rating: Highly rated for its user-friendly interface and accurate translations.
Pleco
Website: Pleco; https://www.pleco.com/
Free and Premium versions available. Premium version starts at $29.99.
Pleco is one of the most popular Chinese learning apps, offering a comprehensive dictionary, flashcards, and other useful features. Its advanced search functionality and customizable flashcard system make it a favorite among learners.
Rating: Widely praised for its accuracy and reliability.
Ling
Website: Ling; https://www.ling-app.com/
Free and Premium versions available. Premium subscription starts at $9.99/month.
Ling is an interactive language learning platform that offers courses in Chinese, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation lessons. Its gamified approach to learning makes it engaging and effective for learners of all levels.
Benefits: Ling offers a personalized learning experience with adaptive lessons tailored to each learner’s level and pace. Its interactive exercises and quizzes help reinforce learning and improve retention.
Rating: Highly rated for its effectiveness in language acquisition.
italki
Website: italki; https://www.italki.com/
Free to sign up. Pricing varies based on individual teacher rates.
italki is a language learning platform that connects learners with native Chinese speakers for personalized one-on-one lessons. Students can choose from a wide range of certified teachers and schedule lessons at their convenience.
Benefits: italki provides an immersive learning experience with real-life conversations and feedback from native speakers. Learners can practice speaking and listening skills in a supportive environment.
Rating: Highly rated for its quality of instruction and affordability.
eChineseLearning
Website: eChineseLearning; https://www.echineselearning.com/
Free trial available. Pricing for premium lessons varies based on package.
eChineseLearning offers live online Chinese lessons with experienced teachers. Its curriculum covers all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, and focuses on practical communication skills.
Benefits: eChineseLearning provides personalized instruction with one-on-one lessons tailored to each student’s goals and learning style. Its flexible scheduling allows learners to study at their own pace.
Rating: Well-regarded for its effective teaching methods and professional instructors.
Hello Chinese
Website: Hello Chinese; https://www.hellochinese.cc
Free and Premium versions available. Premium subscription starts at $6.99/month.
Hello Chinese is a comprehensive language learning app that covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Its structured lessons and interactive exercises make it ideal for self-paced learning.
Benefits: Hello Chinese offers a step-by-step curriculum with interactive lessons and quizzes to reinforce learning. Its gamified approach keeps learners motivated and engaged.
Rating: Highly rated for its user-friendly interface and engaging content.
Memrise
Website: Memrise; https://www.memrise.com/
Free and Premium versions available. Premium subscription starts at $8.99/month.
Memrise is an online language learning platform that uses memory techniques and entertainment elements to make learning fun and effective. With courses available in 25 languages and more than 150 courses, Memrise has something for every learner.
Benefits: Memrise offers a variety of learning modes, including video lessons, audio recordings, and interactive exercises. Its spaced repetition algorithm helps learners retain information more effectively over time.
Rating: Widely praised for its engaging content and effective learning techniques.
GlobalExam
Website: GlobalExam; https://www.global-exam.com/
Free trial available. Premium subscription starts at $29.90/month.
GlobalExam offers test preparation materials for various language proficiency exams, including HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) for Chinese. Its adaptive learning platform helps learners track their progress and focus on areas that need improvement.
Benefits: GlobalExam provides comprehensive study materials and practice tests to help learners prepare for language proficiency exams. Its personalized study plans cater to individual learning needs and goals.
Rating: Well-regarded for its effectiveness in exam preparation and personalized study plans.
Duolingo
Website: Duolingo; https://www.duolingo.com/
Free with optional in-app purchases.
Duolingo is a free online language learning platform that offers language courses, an online English proficiency test platform, and a language learning assistant program. All language courses are free, allowing users to play and learn at the same time.
Benefits: Duolingo offers a fun and interactive way to learn Chinese with bite-sized lessons and gamified activities. Its adaptive learning system adjusts to each learner’s progress, ensuring effective and engaging practice.
Rating: Highly praised for its user-friendly interface and accessibility.
LingoAce
Website: LingoAce; https://www.lingoace.com/
Free and Premium versions available. Premium subscription starts at $17.5/monthly subscription
LingoAce is a platform for learning Chinese as a foreign language, focusing on beginners. It integrates gamification and adaptive learning to enhance learning fun and effectiveness. With structured free courses and skill training modules, with 25-minute per class; LingoAce is a highly-rated app for Chinese learners.
Rating: Highly rated for its interactive learning features and personalized instruction.
On a journey to learn Chinese opens up a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. As someone who has personally benefited from using Pleco and Hanping Lite throughout my career, I can attest to the immense value of these tools in mastering the language. Learning Chinese as a foreign language may seem daunting at first, but with dedication and the right resources, anyone can achieve fluency. So why wait? Start your Chinese learning journey today and unlock the door to a new world of possibilities!
Remember, persistence is key, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Keep pushing forward, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Chinese with confidence and ease.
“Niche To China”
