# DDB Access > Digital Dictionary of Buddhism and Classical Chinese access for scholars. (iPhone/iPad app by Jean SOULAT.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ddb-access/id1356043052 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jean SOULAT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118405986) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 278 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-11-08 - Data updated: 2026-08-18 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ddb-access/id1356043052/reviews.md ## What is DDB Access? DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Classical Chinese) are collaborative works edited by Charles Muller, University of Tokyo. DDB Access gives access to DDB and CJKV-E from iPhone and iPad. DDB Access is a free application. Any user may access the dictionary by entering "guest" as the username with no password. This will allow a total of 20 searches in each of the DDB and CJKV-E dictionaries in a 24-hour period. Contributors can get unlimited access by submitting a 350+ word entry as specified at http://www.buddhism-dict.net/contribute.html DDB and CJKV-E are primarily resources for scholars. Contributors are required to have completed a graduate degree to at least the equivalent of the M.A. level in graduate school program at a fully accredited university, where one has received direct formal training in the reading of classical East Asian Buddhist texts. DDB Access also contains a demo (WIP) of Séraphin Couvreur's "Dictionnaire classique de la langue chinoise" which supports most of its translations with example sentences and their sources. SEARCH Search dictionaries by Chinese, pinyin or translation. PARSE AND LOOKUP After copying a full text, SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words. The app shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters. It 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. Texts or individual words can be read aloud with Apple voices. ETYMOLOGY 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". Character series emphasize these reference points. All character series available for the current character are easily accessible. DICTIONARIES The application also includes general dictionaries for scholars working on Buddhist texts with literary or historical terminology, and a first demo of the "Couvreur" dictionary for Classical Chinese. USER INTERFACE User chooses to show pronunciations in Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese. Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear. On iPad, landscape orientation, the app can show either in full screen (with both parse and lookup parts visible) or multiple applications: smartphone-like format side by side with the original text. MAC VERSION A dedicated Mac version is on Mac App Store. ## Key features - Search by Chinese, pinyin, or translation - Parse and lookup unknown words in text - View character etymology and series - Read texts and words aloud - Customizable user interface - Access to DDB and CJKV-E dictionaries ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ddb-access/id1356043052/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Perfect tool for reading chinese Buddhist texts *2019-10-23* I’m a student and just found this indispensable tool. Cannot recommend it enough. ## Frequently asked questions about DDB Access ### What is DDB Access? DDB Access provides mobile access to the Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (DDB) and CJKV-E (Classical Chinese) dictionaries, edited by Charles Muller. It allows users to search, parse text, and look up words with detailed character information. ### How can I access DDB Access? DDB Access is free to download and use. Guest users can access the dictionary with a limit of 20 searches per day in each dictionary. Contributors can gain unlimited access by submitting an entry. ### Who is DDB Access for? DDB Access is primarily designed for scholars and students who work with Buddhist texts and Classical Chinese. Contributors are required to have completed graduate-level studies in the field. ### Does DDB Access have ads? No, DDB Access does not contain advertisements. It is a free application that provides ad-free access to its comprehensive dictionary resources. ### What devices does DDB Access support? DDB Access is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It offers a customizable user interface, including landscape orientation on iPad for enhanced viewing. ### Can DDB Access read text aloud? Yes, DDB Access can read texts or individual words aloud using Apple's built-in voices. This feature aids in pronunciation and comprehension. ### How often is DDB Access updated? The latest version of DDB Access is 2026.04, last updated on April 7, 2026. This indicates regular updates to improve functionality and content. ### What languages can pronunciations be shown in? Users can choose to display pronunciations in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese within DDB Access. This multilingual support enhances its utility for a global audience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2026.08 — 2026-08-15 Dictionaries updated. ### 2026.04 — 2026-04-07 Dictionaries updated. ### 2025.11 — 2025-11-03 Dictionaries updated. Fixed: in text views (parsing), alternative selections are more precise. Readings: raw XML in lookup page (click "..." at end of list). ### 2025.08 — 2025-08-13 Dictionaries updated ### 2025.04 — 2025-04-01 - Fixed: 214 Kangxi keys now show correctly. - Dictionaries updated. - Couvreur demo: cont'd. ## Apps similar to DDB Access | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Kana Sprint](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-sprint/id6757630707) | — | Free | Education | | [Cantonese Chinese: Lingo CN](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cantonese-chinese-lingo-cn/id1612175186) | — | Free | Education | | [Allied Schools App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/allied-schools-app/id6759822493) | — | Free | Education | | [DracoChinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dracochinese/id6751784292) | — | Free | Education | | [Kana!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana/id6754180403) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | | [Kanatabs_2025](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanatabs-2025/id6751169941) | — | $2.99 | Education | ## More apps by Jean SOULAT - [SmartHanzi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarthanzi/id1118405987) - [SmartHanzi-Kanjis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarthanzi-kanjis/id6477888783) All apps by Jean SOULAT: https://appshunter.io/developer/1118405986 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-18.*