Pleco Dictionary

freemium

The ultimate Chinese dictionary app that every serious Chinese learner must have! Comprehensive character lookup with stroke order, audio, and cultural notes.

Key Strengths

Instant character recognition via camera

Comprehensive definitions with etymology

Stroke order animations

Audio pronunciation by native speakers

Powerful flashcard system

Works offline after download

Best For

Character lookup and analysis

Building personal vocabulary lists

Quick translation of text via camera

Serious students who want depth

Travelers needing offline access

Cultural Insight

Named after a Chinese idiom meaning 'breaking waves' - this app helps you navigate the ocean of Chinese characters with confidence!

Limitations

Interface can be overwhelming for beginners

Some advanced features require payment

Not gamified like some apps

Availability

Pricing

Basic free, Premium features $10-30

Platforms

iOSAndroid

Difficulty Level

all-levels

Expert Assessment

Essential tool for any serious scholar of the Chinese language. Its comprehensive approach and cultural depth make it indispensable.

Why Pleco is Essential

Camera OCR

Point your camera at any Chinese text and get instant translations - perfect for menus, signs, and books.

Stroke Order

Learn proper character writing with animated stroke order demonstrations for every character.

Offline Access

Download dictionaries for complete offline access - essential for travelers and areas with poor connectivity.

Etymology

Understand character origins and evolution with comprehensive etymology information.

Audio Pronunciation

Native speaker audio for accurate pronunciation learning and tone practice.

Flashcard System

Built-in spaced repetition flashcards to systematically build and retain vocabulary.

Get Started with Pleco

Join millions of Chinese learners who rely on Pleco as their essential learning companion. The basic version is free and powerful enough for most learners.

"Breaking waves" - Navigate the ocean of Chinese characters with confidence!

Visit Pleco.com

Available on iOS and Android app stores