SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words.
Although it is not a learning tool, it shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: stroke order, character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters.
Besides recognizing the correspondence between simplified and traditional variants, SmartHanzi also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆.
TESTS
SmartHanzi includes tests based on HSK levels as a way to check one’s progress. Progress is shown on 12 months. Tests are short and errors reviewed first. One can choose longer tests, or to review unsure words or check supposedly known words.
ETYMOLOGY
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato".
Trying to “learn” Chinese writing without leveraging this invaluable assistance would be an unreasonable challenge. Etymological indications and character series emphasize these reference points.
DICTIONARIES
As a free application, SmartHanzi offers a smaller choice than major commercial applications, but remains globally best in class for the intended usage.
USER INTERFACE
Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear.
On tablets, landscape mode (horizontal) can be used either in full screen (split window like on laptop) or multiple applications: the original reader on one side with SmartHanzi on the other side.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words.
Although it is not a learning tool, it shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: stroke order, character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters.
Besides recognizing the correspondence between simplified and traditional variants, SmartHanzi also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆.
TESTS
SmartHanzi includes tests based on HSK levels as a way to check one’s progress. Progress is shown on 12 months. Tests are short and errors reviewed first. One can choose longer tests, or to review unsure words or check supposedly known words.
ETYMOLOGY
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato".
Trying to “learn” Chinese writing without leveraging this invaluable assistance would be an unreasonable challenge. Etymological indications and character series emphasize these reference points.
DICTIONARIES
As a free application, SmartHanzi offers a smaller choice than major commercial applications, but remains globally best in class for the intended usage.
USER INTERFACE
Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear.
On tablets, landscape mode (horizontal) can be used either in full screen (split window like on laptop) or multiple applications: the original reader on one side with SmartHanzi on the other side.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words.
Although it is not a learning tool, it shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: stroke order, character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters.
Besides recognizing the correspondence between simplified and traditional variants, SmartHanzi also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆.
TESTS
SmartHanzi includes tests based on HSK levels as a way to check one’s progress. Progress is shown on 12 months. Tests are short and errors reviewed first. One can choose longer tests, or to review unsure words or check supposedly known words.
ETYMOLOGY
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato".
Trying to “learn” Chinese writing without leveraging this invaluable assistance would be an unreasonable challenge. Etymological indications and character series emphasize these reference points.
DICTIONARIES
As a free application, SmartHanzi offers a smaller choice than major commercial applications, but remains globally best in class for the intended usage.
USER INTERFACE
Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear.
On tablets, landscape mode (horizontal) can be used either in full screen (split window like on laptop) or multiple applications: the original reader on one side with SmartHanzi on the other side.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words.
Although it is not a learning tool, it shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: stroke order, character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters.
Besides recognizing the correspondence between simplified and traditional variants, SmartHanzi also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆.
TESTS
SmartHanzi includes tests based on HSK levels as a way to check one’s progress. Progress is shown on 12 months. Tests are short and errors reviewed first. One can choose longer tests, or to review unsure words or check supposedly known words.
ETYMOLOGY
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato".
Trying to “learn” Chinese writing without leveraging this invaluable assistance would be an unreasonable challenge. Etymological indications and character series emphasize these reference points.
DICTIONARIES
As a free application, SmartHanzi offers a smaller choice than major commercial applications, but remains globally best in class for the intended usage.
USER INTERFACE
Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear.
On tablets, landscape mode (horizontal) can be used either in full screen (split window like on laptop) or multiple applications: the original reader on one side with SmartHanzi on the other side.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
A full text can be copied with immediate access to unknown words. Meeting words and characters in context, together with related ones, strongly helps memorizing.
On iPad, the UI fits nicely with two side by side apps in landscape orientation:
- The original text can be on one half of the screen with one's preferred reader,
- SmartHanzi on the other side: same presentation as with iPhone, all selected dictionaries and attached details immediately available in one single page.
CHARACTERS
SmartHanzi shows stroke order for 9500 characters, with animation and quiz (draw a character with your finger).
SmartHanzi also shows etymology of Chinese characters from the Etymological Dictionary of Han/Chinese Characters by Lawrence J. Howell and Hikaru Morimoto.
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Getting familiar with basic components and their explanation brings effective milestones for students at all levels, both for remembering characters and when meeting new ones.
Make friends with characters!
HSK TRAINING
Levels 1 to 6, monthly progress is shown. The basic option is with short tests, mistaken results are retried first. Users can prefer longer tests, review unsure words or check known words. Results are saved, user's progress is shown over the last 12 months.
Tests are also available with traditional characters.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store:
- SmartHanzi for Mac (full features).
- SmartHanzi Lite for Mac: translates Chinese words in web pages on the fly, with no need to copy and paste.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
A full text can be copied with immediate access to unknown words. Meeting words and characters in context, together with related ones, strongly helps memorizing.
On iPad, the UI fits nicely with two side by side apps in landscape orientation:
- The original text can be on one half of the screen with one's preferred reader,
- SmartHanzi on the other side: same presentation as with iPhone, all selected dictionaries and attached details immediately available in one single page.
CHARACTERS
SmartHanzi shows stroke order for 9500 characters, with animation and quiz (draw a character with your finger).
SmartHanzi also shows etymology of Chinese characters from the Etymological Dictionary of Han/Chinese Characters by Lawrence J. Howell and Hikaru Morimoto.
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Getting familiar with basic components and their explanation brings effective milestones for students at all levels, both for remembering characters and when meeting new ones.
Make friends with characters!
HSK TRAINING
Levels 1 to 6, monthly progress is shown. The basic option is with short tests, mistaken results are retried first. Users can prefer longer tests, review unsure words or check known words. Results are saved, user's progress is shown over the last 12 months.
Tests are also available with traditional characters.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store:
- SmartHanzi for Mac (full features).
- SmartHanzi Lite for Mac: translates Chinese words in web pages on the fly, with no need to copy and paste.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German with links to related words and characters.
PARSE AND LOOKUP
A full text can be copied with immediate access to unknown words. Meeting words and characters in context, together with related ones, strongly helps memorizing.
CHARACTERS
SmartHanzi shows etymology of Chinese characters from the Etymological Dictionary of Han/Chinese Characters by Lawrence J. Howell and Hikaru Morimoto.
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Getting familiar with basic components and their explanation brings effective milestones for students at all levels, both for remembering characters and when meeting new ones.
Make friends with characters!
HSK TRAINING
Levels 1 to 6, monthly progress is shown. The basic option is with short tests, mistaken results are retried first. Users can prefer longer tests, review unsure words or check known words. Results are saved, user's progress is shown over the last 12 months.
Tests are also available with traditional characters.
OTHER FEATURES
In multi windowing (iPad), the app can show a convenient "iPhone like" smaller window on top of any other application.
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store:
- SmartHanzi for Mac (full features).
- SmartHanzi Lite for Mac: translates Chinese words in web pages on the fly, with no need to copy and paste.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German with links to related words and characters.
PARSE AND LOOKUP
A full text can be copied with immediate access to unknown words. Meeting words and characters in context, together with related ones, strongly helps memorizing.
CHARACTERS
SmartHanzi shows etymology of Chinese characters from the Etymological Dictionary of Han/Chinese Characters by Lawrence J. Howell and Hikaru Morimoto.
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Getting familiar with basic components and their explanation brings effective milestones for students at all levels, both for remembering characters and when meeting new ones.
Make friends with characters!
HSK TRAINING
Levels 1 to 6, monthly progress is shown. The basic option is with short tests, mistaken results are retried first. Users can prefer longer tests, review unsure words or check known words. Results are saved, user's progress is shown over the last 12 months.
Tests are also available with traditional characters.
OTHER FEATURES
In multi windowing (iPad), the app can show a convenient "iPhone like" smaller window on top of any other application.
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store:
- SmartHanzi for Mac (full features).
- SmartHanzi Lite for Mac: translates Chinese words in web pages on the fly, with no need to copy and paste.

SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German with links to related words and characters.
PARSE AND LOOKUP
A full text can be copied with immediate access to unknown words. Meeting words and characters in context, together with related ones, strongly helps memorizing.
CHARACTERS
SmartHanzi shows etymology of Chinese characters from the Etymological Dictionary of Han/Chinese Characters by Lawrence J. Howell and Hikaru Morimoto.
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Getting familiar with basic components and their explanation brings effective milestones for students at all levels, both for remembering characters and when meeting new ones.
Make friends with characters!
HSK TRAINING
Levels 1 to 6, monthly progress is shown. The basic option is with short tests, mistaken results are retried first. Users can prefer longer tests, review unsure words or check known words. Results are saved, user's progress is shown over the last 12 months.
Tests are also available with traditional characters.
OTHER FEATURES
In multi windowing (iPad), the app can show a convenient "iPhone like" smaller window on top of any other application.
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store:
- SmartHanzi for Mac (full features).
- SmartHanzi Lite for Mac: translates Chinese words in web pages on the fly, with no need to copy and paste.