SmartHanzi is a free yet professional grade app for students and anyone wishing to read real Chinese texts (web, PDF), even with a limited level in Chinese.
It includes general Chinese dictionaries for English, French and German as well as the short definitions for DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Dictionary of Confucian, Daoist and Intellectual Historical Terms).
PARSE AND LOOKUP
SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words.
Although it is not a learning tool, it shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: stroke order, character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters.
Besides recognizing the correspondence between simplified and traditional variants, SmartHanzi also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆.
TESTS
SmartHanzi includes tests based on HSK levels as a way to check one’s progress. Progress is shown on 12 months. Tests are short and errors reviewed first. One can choose longer tests, or to review unsure words or check supposedly known words.
ETYMOLOGY
Etymology is not only for scholars or experts. Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato".
Trying to “learn” Chinese writing without leveraging this invaluable assistance would be an unreasonable challenge. Etymological indications and character series emphasize these reference points.
DICTIONARIES
As a free application, SmartHanzi offers a smaller choice than major commercial applications, but remains globally best in class for the intended usage.
USER INTERFACE
Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear.
On tablets, landscape mode (horizontal) can be used either in full screen (split window like on laptop) or multiple applications: the original reader on one side with SmartHanzi on the other side.
MAC VERSION
SmartHanzi is also on Mac App Store.
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