10 Best Websites to Learn Chinese Characters for Free

Websites for learning Chinese characters can greatly improve your Mandarin Chinese skills. Whether you’re a beginner or want to enhance your skills, finding the correct web resources is essential.

In this post, we will present a complete list of the top free websites and apps for learning Chinese characters. These tools allow Chinese language learners to properly practice and grasp the complexity of the Chinese language.

Part 1. Best Website to Learn Chinese Characters for Free

Websites to learn Chinese characters offer a variety of resources for anyone interested in mastering the intricacies of Mandarin Chinese. These platforms provide free online lessons tailored to suit the needs of Chinese language learners at different levels. Below are some of the best websites to help you learn Chinese characters effectively.

WuKong Chinese

WuKong Chinese is a comprehensive website dedicated to teaching Mandarin Chinese and learn Chinese. In addition to bringing together many native Chinese teachers who graduated from prestigious universities, This platform offers a range of chinese lessons and free resources for learning Chinese characters, including interactive lessons and practice exercises, and printable worksheets. You can select the Chinese-English language course and choose the lesson you want to learn.

This allows you to build your vocabulary and understand the meanings of Chinese character, Chinese words, along with their pronunciation and images. Additionally, WuKong provides tools that help you speak Chinese confidently, making it easier for Chinese learners to engage in conversational Chinese.

Resources Available	WuKong provides a structured curriculum focusing on various aspects of the Chinese language, including vocabulary, grammar, and character writing. Chinese students can use the worksheets to practice Chinese words and individual characters at the same time.
Cost	The website offers many resources for free, making it accessible for learners on a budget
Age Suitability	WuKong is designed for learners aged 3 to 18, but can be beneficial for adults as well.

BBC Chinese

The BBC Chinese website is a well-respected resource for learning Mandarin and Chinese characters. It features a variety of learning tools aimed at all levels. Chinese learners can enhance their language skills by engaging in learning Mandarin Chinese through a wide array of materials, such as conversations, stories, poetry, and more.

You can listen to Chinese words, phrases, and sentences on various topics, including computers, time, weather, and others. Additionally, you can explore different themes through engaging videos, making the process of learning Mandarin fun. This includes studying Chinese characters while focusing on proper pronunciation, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Resources Available	The site includes audio and video lessons, quizzes, and articles that cover Chinese culture and language.
Cost	All Chinese learning resources are free, making it a great option for anyone looking to learn without financial commitment.
Age Suitability	The content is suitable for learners of all ages, from children to adults.

Learn Chinese Everyday

Learning Chinese Everyday focuses on providing daily lessons for mastering Chinese characters and vocabulary. This website is user-friendly and engaging, making it a great resource for Chinese learning. Each day, you can learn a new Chinese word, along with its meaning, pronunciation, and common words or phrases used in daily life.

Additionally, the platform includes example sentences to help you understand how to use the word in context, which is particularly useful for engaging with native speakers.

Resources Available	Students can access a range of lessons, including character writing guides, pronunciation tips, and vocabulary lists.
Cost	The platform is free to use, allowing learners to explore various topics without any cost.
Age Suitability	The website is designed for beginners and is suitable for learners of all ages.

Overseas Chinese Language and Culture Education Online

This website is dedicated to promoting the Chinese language and culture globally. It offers valuable resources for learning Chinese character, making it an excellent tool for anyone interested in acquiring a new language. With insights from native speakers and various mandarin learning materials, users can deepen their understanding of Chinese characters while exploring the rich cultural context of China.

Resources Available	The platform provides lessons, videos, and cultural insights to enhance the learning experience.
Cost	Most resources are available for free, making it accessible for everyone.
Age Suitability	Suitable for all ages, with material tailored for different learning levels.

Chinese Etymology

Chinese Etymology is a unique resource that delves into the history and structure of Chinese characters, making it a valuable tool for serious learners of Mandarin. This website provides insights into the origins of words and their meanings, helping you understand the language on a deeper level.

It also includes example sentences that showcase how various phrases and words are used in context, enhancing your overall comprehension of the Chinese language. By exploring this resource, you can gain a better appreciation for the intricacies of Chinese characters and their significance in China.

Resources Available	The site offers detailed explanations of character origins and components, helping learners understand the language on a deeper level.
Cost	All resources are free, making it a valuable addition to any learner’s toolkit.
Age Suitability	Ideal for older students and adults who wish to explore the linguistic roots of Chinese characters.

Pandanese

Pandanese is an innovative platform that uses a spaced repetition system to help learners memorize Chinese characters effectively. This engaging tool is designed for those looking to learn Mandarin and enhances the experience of learning Chinese through structured lessons. By focusing on the components of characters and their meanings, as well as commonly used phrases, users can build a solid foundation in Mandarin, making it easier to progress in their language journey.

Resources Available	The website features a handcrafted curriculum that teaches radicals, characters, and vocabulary through engaging methods.
Cost	While some features are free, users can also opt for premium content to enhance their learning experience.
Age Suitability	The platform is appropriate for learners of all ages, especially those looking for a structured approach.

Part 2. Apps to Help Memorise Chinese Characters

When exploring websites to learn Chinese characters, it’s essential to consider various apps that enhance your learning experience. These apps focus on teaching the meaning of characters while helping you practice writing and pronunciation. By utilizing interactive features, they make it easier to learn Chinese characters effectively. Here are some top apps to help you memorize Chinese characters and build your vocabulary:

Skritter

Skritter is an app designed specifically for learning how to write Chinese characters. It provides a guided approach to mastering stroke order and character recognition.

Chinese Writer

This app focuses on character writing in Mandarin and helps users practice through engaging games and exercises, perfect for visual learners. By incorporating various words and phrases, it provides students a comprehensive approach to mastering the intricacies of Chinese characters, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable.

Lingbe

Lingbe connects language learners with native speakers through voice calls, allowing for practical application of learned Mandarin characters in conversation. This app enables users to practice writing and speaking by using words and phrases in a fun way, enhancing their language skills while building confidence in real-life interactions.

HelloChinese

HelloChinese is a comprehensive app that offers an interactive course with lessons, quizzes, and writing practice in Mandarin, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

Students can learn new words and phrases in a fun way, enhancing their writing skills while engaging with the language in an enjoyable manner. This approach helps solidify their understanding of Mandarin and boosts their confidence in using the language.

ChineseSkill

ChineseSkill provides a gamified learning experience tailored for upper intermediate learners, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and character memorization through engaging activities. The course encourages users to incorporate new words into their daily schedule, making language practice a regular part of their routine. This interactive approach helps learners effectively reinforce their skills while enjoying the process of mastering Mandarin.

Part 3. Advice on How to Learn Chinese Characters

Learning Chinese characters can seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies and resources, it becomes an achievable goal. Understanding the components of characters, practicing regularly, and using engaging methods can significantly enhance your learning experience.

By incorporating techniques like mnemonics, flashcards, and multimedia resources, you can build a solid foundation in reading and writing. Embracing patience and persistence will not only make the process enjoyable but also lead to steady progress in mastering this essential aspect of the Mandarin language. Here are the specific advice on how to learn Chinese character.

• Focus on the Components: Understanding radicals and components can help you break down characters into manageable parts.
• Read Mandarin Books: Start with children’s books to familiarize yourself with characters in context.
• Test Yourself with Flashcards: Use flashcards to reinforce memory and test your retention of characters.
• Learn to Write Chinese Characters: Practice writing characters regularly to enhance muscle memory and recall.
• How to Memorize Chinese Characters?: Utilize mnemonic devices and spaced repetition to improve memorization.

FAQ about Websites to Learn Chinese Characters

Q 1. Tips for Choosing the Right Chinese Learning Website?

When selecting a website, consider the resources available, user interface, and whether it offers a structured curriculum that suits your learning style.

Q 2. Can you learn advanced Chinese on Duolingo?

While Duolingo is a great tool for beginners, it may not cover advanced topics comprehensively. Supplementing it with other resources is recommended for higher proficiency.

Q 3. How to Learn Mandarin Chinese Online?

Learning Mandarin Chinese online can be an enriching experience. Here are some effective strategies to help you get started:

Strategy	Description
1. Choose the Right Resources	Language Apps: Use apps like HelloChinese, ChineseSkill, or Duolingo for structured lessons and daily practice. <br> Websites: Explore websites like BBC Chinese or WuKong Chinese for comprehensive lessons and materials.
2. Set Clear Goals	Define your learning objectives, such as mastering basic conversational skills, improving vocabulary, or understanding Chinese characters.
3. Create a Study Schedule	Establish a daily or weekly study schedule that fits your lifestyle. Consistency is key to language acquisition.
4. Practice Speaking with Native Speakers	Use platforms like Lingbe or Tandem to connect with native speakers for conversational practice. This helps improve pronunciation and fluency.
5. Engage with Multimedia Content	Watch Mandarin movies, listen to music or podcasts, and read Chinese books or articles. Immersing yourself in the language helps reinforce learning.
6. Incorporate Writing Practice	Practice writing Chinese characters using apps like Skritter. Writing helps reinforce memory and understanding of the language.
7. Use Flashcards for Vocabulary	Create flashcards for new words and phrases. Apps like Anki can help with spaced repetition, making vocabulary retention more effective.
8. Join Online Communities	Participate in forums or social media groups focused on learning Mandarin. Engaging with other learners can provide motivation and support.
9. Take Online Chinese Courses	Consider enrolling in structured online courses that provide a curriculum, assessments, and feedback from instructors.

Q 4. Is it enough for beginners to learn simplified Chinese characters?

For beginners, learning simplified Chinese characters is usually sufficient. Simplified characters are primarily used in Mainland China and Singapore, and they tend to be easier to learn due to fewer strokes, making them more accessible. Additionally, most language learning materials and online courses focus on simplified characters, providing ample resources for learners.

Mastering simplified characters allows beginners to communicate effectively in writing and understand modern texts. Therefore, starting with simplified characters is a practical choice, and as learners progress, they can decide whether to explore traditional characters based on their interests.

Conclusion

Websites to learn Chinese characters are invaluable for anyone serious about mastering the language. From structured lessons to interactive apps, there are numerous resources available for free. By exploring these platforms, you can enhance your understanding of Mandarin Chinese and improve your skills in the Chinese language effectively.