What programs/apps do you find helpful in learning Chinese?

[Cyath]

Currently I'm reading webpages with the assistance of Chinese Reader 8, which I'm finding really useful. I also use the almighty Google Translate, of course. 

 

Wondering what other people here use. Could there be a better program than Chinese Reader 8? I've heard good things about Pleco as well.

 

 

[Shelley]

Pleco, that's the only one for me.

 

Not only is it a reader it is so much more, dictionary, flashcards and so on.

 

Try the free version, but definitely buy a basic bundle, then expand as you need it.

 

I think you can't do better than Pleco.

 

You don't say what level you are, but you might also find HelloChinese helpful. I did a review here http://www.livethelanguage.cn/category/reviews-of-chinese-learning-apps/

 

Also on that page there is part 1 of my review of Pleco.

 

Hanzi grids is very useful.

 

Have a look a my blog for a list of things I use  http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/blog/108/entry-605-my-learning-materials-and-resources/

 

 

[Flickserve]

Are these apps just specifically for reading Chinese?

[mikelove]

Wenlin is great on desktops - we use it all the time here when copy-editing dictionaries :-)

[Shelley]

Are these apps just specifically for reading Chinese?

 

No, didn't think that the OP only requested reading Chinese apps.

 

From the topic title:

What programs/apps do you find helpful in learning Chinese?

 

I thought it was generally about helpful programs/apps.

[abcdefg]

Currently I'm reading webpages with the assistance of Chinese Reader 8, which I'm finding really useful.

 

OP, are you talking about this MDBG product or something else? https://mdbg.loqu8.com/

 

Also, you should have a look at this excellent review article and the associated thread: http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/51989-a-short-list-of-resources-for-studying-chinese/#comment-400150

[Cyath]

Yes I was talking about the MDBG product. It occurs to me that Google Zhongwen might work just as well if not better, though.

 

Have looked at the thread, it's full of good info, thanks! I don't think I will have the time to go through them one by one though...

 

It's a pity Pleco doesn't work for desktops. I only have a phone and laptop, no tablet.

 

Will try Wenlin, and will also try the other links slowly. Many thanks for the information once again.

[Shelley]

Pleco works on smart phones.

 

Wenlin is the best desktop substitute for Pleco that I have found.

[zhouhaochen]

I use Pleco with the handwriting input, because it forces me to first memorize the character (being able to write it into the air) and then retain it at least for long enough to be able to hand write it in the App, which takes time to open etc.

 

I know it is not the fastest way to look up a character, but I do not like software that gives immediate translations as the learning effect is basically zero and not having to look up that character again next time I see it is for me just as important as knowing what it means right now.

[imron]

I will shamelessly plug a program that I developed - Chinese Text Analyser.

 

See my signature for other programs I have created and that might come in useful.

[Hagsten]

You can always try Talkify if you like to listen to spoken chinese (like in Google translate). With Talkify you can actually listen to chinese web pages with quite good pronunciation and quality, Might be helpful?