Apps
Best apps to learn Mandarin in 2026
Three apps that cover real conversation, looking up new words, and daily practice.
Chinese Shifu is the most usefull & effective app for learning Chinese
ChineseShifu guides you from your very first tones to confident conversations - at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Rating 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Show up for practice every day
Set how much Chinese you want to practice each day. ChineseShifu helps you keep that pace, so small daily sessions add up to steady progress.
Understand every story you read
Read short stories and listen to them, spoken by native Mandarin speakers. Translate any word or sentence as you go, so you follow the story and pick up the language inside it.
Make new words stick
See the meaning, the pinyin, and how each word is pronounced. Review until the words stay with you, ready when you read or speak.
Build sentences that sound right
Practice grammar by putting sentences together yourself. You learn how the pieces fit, so you can say what you mean instead of only recognizing it.
Learn Chinese — free guides and tips
Practical articles written for real learners — whether you're just starting out or preparing for your HSK exam.
HSK Prep
Chinese Flashcards: All 300 HSK 1 Words
The full HSK 1 list as flashcards: every character with pinyin and English, ready to practice.
Beginner Tips
How to Learn Chinese Tones as a Complete Beginner
The four tones of Mandarin feel impossible at first — but with the right approach, you can train your ear and your voice faster than you think. Here's where to start.
HSK Prep
HSK 1 Vocabulary: The 150 Words You Need to Know
HSK 1 is your first milestone — and it's more achievable than it looks. We break down all 150 required words with memory tips and example sentences.
Everyday Chinese
10 Chinese Phrases for Everyday Conversation
Skip the textbook openers. These are the phrases real Mandarin speakers use every day — greetings, small talk, and the polite phrases that make a great impression.
Download for free
The app can be downloaded totally for free for iPhone smartphones.
Rating 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐