# HanziHunter: Learn Chinese — Read 99% of everyday Chinese > Learn Chinese characters and vocabulary using spaced repetition and interactive practice. (iPhone/iPad app by Nathan Zhang.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanzihunter-learn-chinese/id6780400560 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Nathan Zhang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896682780) - Category: Education, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 60 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-07-19 - Data updated: 2026-09-08 - Monetization: freemium - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hanzihunter-learn-chinese/id6780400560/reviews.md ## What is HanziHunter? Learn the 3,000 most frequently used Chinese characters, enough to read 99% of everyday written Chinese. LEARN IN THE ORDER THAT MATTERS Characters are introduced by real-world frequency, so the first ones you learn are the ones you'll actually see most. No wasted effort on rare characters. WHY HANZIHUNTER • Smart scheduling: the same spaced-repetition system as Anki, so you remember more in less time. • Translate: scan or paste any Chinese text to get pinyin over every character and English underneath • Built for learning: every character comes with pinyin, a clear definition, example sentences, the common words it appears in, and its etymology. • Learn to write: every character animates stroke by stroke, and writing practice grades your finger strokes as you trace or write from memory. • Make it a game: memorize characters by racing the brush. • Study your way: follow the raw frequency list, or pick exact HSK levels for characters AND vocabulary, and switch whenever your goal changes. • Real reading at any level: 2,900+ short stories, folk tales, interesting facts - each written only with characters you've already learned. • Browse everything: the 成语 idiom collection and 9,000+ HSK words are free to explore. • Your own words: add anything you meet in the wild; pinyin and meaning fill themselves in. • A few minutes a day: set your own pace, from a relaxed 1 new character a day to an intense 12. • Home & lock screen widgets: discover characters, preview your next words, or keep a review prompt on your lock screen. • Works offline: everything lives on your device, and no account is required (progress backed up on your iCloud account). FREE TO START Free home and lock screen widgets. Master your first 100 characters and words completely free. Reading passages at every level. 3 free translations a day. Writing practice for 10 characters a day. All characters, words, and idioms browsable. GO PREMIUM Learn all 3,000 characters and study the full HSK vocabulary, with unlimited writing practice, unlimited translations, exact-level HSK decks, custom words, streak repairs, pro review controls, detailed progress stats (activity heatmap, recall trends, and projected mastery) and every theme. Try Premium free for a week. Privacy Policy: https://hanzihunter.com/privacy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ ## Key features - Frequency-based character learning - Spaced repetition system - Interactive writing practice - Real-world reading passages - HSK level customization - Offline functionality - Home and lock screen widgets ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | HanziHunter Premium | $9.99 | per month | | HanziHunter Premium | $59.99 | per year | **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | HanziHunter Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time | ## Frequently asked questions about HanziHunter ### What is HanziHunter's learning methodology? HanziHunter uses a smart scheduling system, similar to Anki, which is a spaced-repetition system. This method optimizes memorization by reviewing characters at increasing intervals, ensuring you remember more in less time. ### How does HanziHunter help with reading Chinese? The app focuses on the 3,000 most frequently used Chinese characters, which are sufficient to read 99% of everyday written Chinese. It introduces characters by real-world frequency, so you learn the most relevant ones first. ### Can I practice writing Chinese characters with HanziHunter? Yes, HanziHunter offers writing practice where each character animates stroke by stroke. The app grades your finger strokes as you trace or write from memory, helping you develop writing skills. ### What are the benefits of HanziHunter Premium? Premium unlocks unlimited writing practice, unlimited translations, full access to all 3,000 characters and HSK vocabulary, custom word lists, and detailed progress statistics like activity heatmaps and recall trends. ### Does HanziHunter work offline? Yes, HanziHunter works offline as all content lives on your device. No account is required for basic functionality, though your progress can be backed up to your iCloud account. ### How much does HanziHunter cost? HanziHunter is free to start, allowing you to master your first 100 characters and words, access reading passages, and use limited translations and writing practice. Premium subscriptions are available for $9.99/month or $59.99/year, with a 7-day free trial for the annual plan. ### What is the age rating for HanziHunter? HanziHunter has an age rating of 12+, making it suitable for teenagers and adults learning Chinese. ### How often is HanziHunter updated? The app was last updated on September 7, 2026, with version 1.5.3. This indicates a relatively active development cycle, with updates addressing features and performance. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.5.3 — 2026-09-07 • Translate: scan or paste any Chinese text to get pinyin over every character and English underneath • A completely new reading library: 2,900+ passages written only with characters you've learned - legends, folk tales, interesting facts • Sharper streaks, a smoother look, and many fixes • Content and performance improvements ### 1.5.2 — 2026-08-24 The latest version contains content and performance improvements. All 9,300+ HSK words have example sentences with pinyin and translation. ### 1.5.1 — 2026-08-15 HSK vocabulary decks now cover the complete official list, plus speed improvements throughout the app. ### 1.5.0 — 2026-08-09 Learn to write: every character animates stroke by stroke, and you can practice by tracing or from memory. Study by HSK level: exact-level decks for characters AND vocabulary, HSK 1 to 9. Over 9,000 HSK words and the 成语 idiom collection, free for everyone to browse, and free to study within your first 100 cards. Add your own words, and start studying them immediately. Pro review controls: retention target, daily review limits, pause or restart any card. ### 1.1.0 — 2026-08-01 A quick placement quiz builds your personalised plan. New lock-screen widget walkthrough with a live demo. ## More apps by Nathan Zhang - [Snap Pinyin: Photo Translator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snap-pinyin-photo-translator/id6769730569) All apps by Nathan Zhang: https://appshunter.io/developer/1896682780 ## Related topics [chinese characters study](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/chinese-characters-study) --- *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 2026-09-08.*