# Hanzi — Learn to write & type Chinese > Learn Chinese characters with animated stroke order and typing practice. (iPhone/iPad app by Richard Gomes.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanzi/id1360748032 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Richard Gomes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1360748031) - Category: Education, Business - Price: Free - Rating: 2.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 9.0 · 1 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-04-02 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanzi/id1360748032/reviews.md ## What is Hanzi? Learn Chinese writing from the very beginning, starting with simple but useful characters that later combine to make more complex characters. Just follow the animated stroke order! I wrote this app for my kids to learn how to read, write and type text messages to their grandparents in China. This free version includes 80 characters. After mastering these, you will be able to write phrases like: • "Hello" - 你好 • "I don't understand" - 我不懂 • "I have to go to class!" - 我要去上课了 • "Please give me a cup of water" - 请给我一杯水 • "This is my daughter" - 这是我的女儿 You will need to enable the iPhone Chinese keyboard in the Settings app: General -> Keyboard -> Add New Keyboard ... -> Chinese (Simplified) -> Handwriting While not a pre-requisite for this app, if you are taking a listening and speaking course in Mandarin Chinese, you can also follow the pinyin (pronounciation) shown alongside each character. Stay tuned for the full version with all HSK Levels 1 to 6 characters as well as many more phrases and features. ## Key features - Animated stroke order guides - Learn to write basic characters - Practice typing Chinese text - Includes common phrases - Free version with 80 characters ## Recent user reviews (3 of 3) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanzi/id1360748032/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Unable to Use App *2020-11-05* Due to the iPhone handwriting feature only being accessible by tilting the phone on its side, and this app that does not tilt when doing so... It is impossible to use this app sadly. Very disappointed. ### 4/5 — Very helpful *2019-07-05* I have really enjoyed using this app. I use a stylus to give me a more authentic feeling of writing. Things that I like: 1. It is NOT a tracing app. I have used about 10 apps that have you trace the characters. I find that tracing is not as effective for remembering the strokes later. 2. The characters are typed not painted. While I appreciate the calligraphic characters for their beauty, it’s a bit more practical to practice the types form. 3. The characters are basic characters that one learns when beginning to study the language. This brings a consistency since I am obviously not just practicing the characters for the fun of writing without comprehending the meaning. My suggestions: 1. I would love to hear the character as well as see it. Maybe once at the beginning and then with a speaker icon to repeat as desired. 2. I wish the characters were categorized into lists or that there were a way to save my place or randomize it more. I see the same characters over and over because they always go in the same order. ### 5/5 — Great for Learning *2019-04-12* Great for young kids learning to type Chinese characters on iPhone. ## Frequently asked questions about Hanzi ### How does Hanzi teach Chinese characters? Hanzi teaches Chinese characters by providing animated stroke order guides. This visual method helps users understand the correct sequence for writing each character. ### What is the learning methodology of Hanzi? The app focuses on learning characters from the beginning, starting with simple ones that build into more complex characters. It emphasizes correct stroke order for writing and also includes typing practice. ### Does Hanzi offer progress tracking? While the description doesn't explicitly mention progress tracking features, the app allows users to master 80 characters in the free version, implying a progression through learning these. ### Is Hanzi suitable for beginners? Yes, Hanzi is designed for learning Chinese writing from the very beginning, starting with simple characters. It's ideal for those new to the language. ### What devices does Hanzi support? Hanzi is available for iPhone and iPod devices, as indicated by its supported devices list. ### How often is Hanzi updated? The app was last updated on August 18, 2018, with version 1.0.3. Future updates are planned for a full version with more content. ### What is the age rating for Hanzi? Hanzi has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and children. ### Does Hanzi have ads? No, Hanzi does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use without any ad interruptions. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 1.0.3 — 2018-08-18 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Now with 80 characters and shake to shuffle ### 1.0.2 — 2018-04-06 Now over 50 characters for free ### 1.0.1 — 2018-04-04 Minor updates ### 1.0 — 2018-04-02 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Hanzi | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Fun Chinese Flashcards 2025](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fun-chinese-flashcards-2025/id1474436952) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Education | | [HSK Hero - Chinese Characters](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-hero-chinese-characters/id1105794226) | 4.4 (163) | Free | Education | | [Chinese Characters-mandarin](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chinese-characters-mandarin/id1576661299) | 3.0 (3) | Free | Education | | [HSK 2 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-2-hero-learn-chinese/id1127780555) | 4.1 (17) | Free | Education | | [JTC - Learn Mandarin Chinese!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jtc-learn-mandarin-chinese/id1474067517) | 4.7 (79) | Free | Education | | [HSK 1 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-1-hero-learn-chinese/id1109421922) | 3.8 (56) | Free | Education | --- *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 2026-06-01.*