Published January 21, 2026

The Five Best Apps for Learning Chinese

Staff Writer

Admitted Students

A view of the Shanghai skyline from a walkway.

In a community like NYU Shanghai, where roughly half the population is made up of native Chinese speakers and the other half comes from more than 70 countries, learning how to communicate across languages is part of daily life. So, whether you’re just beginning your Mandarin journey or hoping to impress new classmates with your growing skills, the right app can make all the difference.

“When I first arrived in Shanghai, my Chinese was limited to ‘ni hao,’” recalls Masha Shramko. She’s a double major in Art History and Interactive Media and Business at NYU Shanghai. “I was honestly scared to leave the campus bubble where everyone spoke English.” With the right tools and steady practice, however, that uncertainty turned into confidence.

The apps below will make your Mandarin journey more approachable and even fun. Then, you’ll be saying it’s a piece of cake—小菜一碟, that is—in no time.

Two students working on a laptop together.

1. HelloChinese

If you’re starting from scratch, it’s hard to beat HelloChinese, a free, beginner-friendly option. The app takes learners through everyday topics beginning with pinyin, making it accessible even if you have no background in Mandarin. Lessons balance reading, writing, listening, and speaking without overwhelming you. Furthermore, built-in pronunciation checks let you record your voice and receive immediate feedback.

Two students walk by a graffiti wall in Shanghai.

2. Pleco

For many students, Pleco quickly becomes indispensable. “Pleco really helped me because Google Translate was not always accurate,” says Danielle Alexa Co. She attended a Chinese high school in the Philippines before coming to NYU Shanghai. Danielle adds, “It gives many different translations for the same word, which is beneficial because different contexts use different terms.” More than a dictionary, Pleco lets you look up characters by typing, drawing, or scanning text with your camera.

Two students with coffee and desserts on a street in Shanghai.

3. Skritter

Handwriting Chinese characters is often one of the toughest skills to master, and Skritter can help. The app allows you to write characters directly on your screen while guiding you through proper stroke order and structure. “One area many students struggle with is handwriting characters,” Masha notes. “Skritter does require a paid subscription, but it’s definitely worth it for building strong character-writing skills.”

A bird’s-eye view of a busy street in Shanghai.

4. Google Translate

When you need help communicating in real time, Google Translate is hard to beat. It’s especially useful for quick conversations, checking homework, or getting a second opinion on phrasing. When Masha first arrived in Shanghai, she recalls, “Google Translate and similar tools quickly became my best friends.” She also recommends downloading English and Chinese for offline use, just in case your VPN is off.

5. SuperChinese

Recently, more language learning apps have begun incorporating AI, including SuperChinese. The app blends structured lessons with AI-powered learning, with a particular focus on more advanced language skills. Users can talk to an AI at any time and receive real-time responses, including pronunciation feedback. “I like combining study guides and materials provided by NYU Shanghai professors with AI tools,” Masha explains. “ChatGPT can be surprisingly helpful when used intentionally.”

The Shanghai skyline, illuminated against a deep blue sky.

More Language Learning Opportunities at NYU Shanghai

Of course, apps are just one piece of the picture. At NYU Shanghai, all non-Chinese students reach Mandarin proficiency by graduation, supported by resources like the Language Peer Mentor Program, faculty-led field trips, and language-focused student organizations, such as the Language & Linguistics Club.

Still, as students are quick to point out, the most powerful learning tool is Shanghai itself. “Being surrounded by the language every day is unlike any app or textbook,” concludes Masha. “Speaking, listening, and reading practice are everywhere. Ordering coffee in Chinese, having a short conversation with a DiDi driver, or reading characters in the metro all add up and boost your language skills incredibly fast.” And that’s something no app can replace.