Learn Chinese by actually reading it.
Literate Chinese pairs smart spaced-repetition flashcards with graded stories matched to the words you already know — so you go from studying Chinese to reading it, from your first character to HSK 9 and TOCFL Band C.
Flashcards feed your reading. Reading makes it stick.
Most apps stop at memorization. Literate Chinese connects every flashcard to real Chinese reading practice.
Study smart flashcards
True spaced repetition (SRS) built on your personal vocabulary bank — with HSK, TOCFL, AP, and themed word lists, audio and example sentences on every card.
Read stories matched to you
The app knows exactly which characters you know and shows how much of every story you can already read. Tap any word for pronunciation, meaning, and audio.
Watch it stick
After each session, get a story recommendation using the words you just studied. Track your streak, vocabulary growth, and a reading level that climbs with you.
Everything serious learners need, in one clean app
Graded reading library
Stories, dialogs, and articles filtered to your level, with tap-to-look-up on every word.
True SRS flashcards
Spaced repetition on your personal vocab bank — not static decks. Drill any list on demand.
HSK · TOCFL · AP lists
Complete HSK 2.0 and 3.0, TOCFL bands, AP Chinese, and dozens of themed vocabulary lists.
Taiwan Mandarin
Traditional characters, zhuyin (bopomofo), Taiwan audio, and Taiwan-specific vocabulary.
Capture words anywhere
Snap a photo or record audio and turn new words into flashcards in seconds.
Writing practice
Practice writing characters stroke by stroke to lock them into memory.
Audio everywhere
Native-quality Mainland and Taiwan voices for every word, sentence, and story.
AI word helper
Ask about any word's usage and nuance, with extra example sentences on demand.
The rare app that takes Taiwan Mandarin seriously
Most Chinese apps are Mainland-only. Literate Chinese is built for both — and lets you deliberately study the differences.
- Full Traditional character and zhuyin (bopomofo) support throughout
- Authentic Taiwan pronunciations and Taiwan Mandarin audio
- TOCFL word lists alongside HSK
- Taiwan-specific vocabulary: everyday terms, slang, and loanwords
- Stories automatically adapt their vocabulary to Taiwan or Mainland usage
Start learning right here, right now
📚 Free Chinese Reading Practice
Ninety-plus graded Chinese stories you can read in your browser — beginner through advanced, with translations.
Browse the story library →🃏 Free Chinese Flashcards
Study HSK levels, bopomofo, business terms, and more with free online flashcard decks.
Browse flashcard decks →Guides for serious Chinese learners
The Best Chinese Learning Apps in 2026
An honest comparison of Du Chinese, Hack Chinese, Anki, and more — and which approach actually gets you reading.
Why You Can Pass HSK 5 But Still Can't Read a Novel
The vocabulary-to-reading gap every Chinese learner hits — and how graded reading bridges it.
Why Heritage Speakers Struggle to Read Chinese
Understand spoken Chinese but can't read it? The proven path from speaking to full literacy.
Common questions
Is Literate Chinese free?
Yes — the core study tools, flashcards, and a generous set of graded stories are free. A Premium subscription unlocks the full story library.
Does it support Traditional characters and zhuyin (bopomofo)?
Yes. Switch between Simplified and Traditional, and between pinyin and zhuyin, anywhere in the app — with Taiwan Mandarin audio and Taiwan-specific vocabulary lists.
What levels does it cover?
From your very first character through HSK 9 and TOCFL Band C. Word lists cover HSK 2.0, HSK 3.0, TOCFL, AP Chinese, and dozens of themed topics.
Is it good for heritage speakers?
Yes — if you understand spoken Chinese but struggle with characters, the reading-first approach meets you where you are: stories are matched to the characters you actually know, so you can start reading immediately.
Start reading Chinese with confidence
Download Literate Chinese free on iOS and Android.