# Learn Chinese ‐ Mandarin Spark — Flashcards + Dictionary + HSK

> Interactive flashcards and dictionary for learning Mandarin Chinese. (iPhone/iPad app by Exploro Labs Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-mandarin-spark/id1348854416 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Exploro Labs Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1348854415)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.39/5 from 23 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 159 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2018-04-08
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-mandarin-spark/id1348854416/reviews.md

## What is Learn Chinese ‐ Mandarin Spark?

Mandarin Spark is your personal study tool for learning Chinese!

• Learn Chinese words and characters with INTERACTIVE flashcards

• Expand your vocabulary with over 100,000 words!

• Practise writing characters, spoken tones and reading pinyin

• Install new flashcard decks or build your own

• Optimized study system helps you to learn quicker


== SUMMARY ==

Mandarin Spark is your personal study tool to learn Chinese. It uses interactive flashcards to help you learn Chinese characters (Hanzi), pinyin and tones. Every time you use Mandarin Spark, we generate a personalized Chinese flashcard test, optimized uniquely for you! This ensures you are tested on your weakest areas first and helps you to learn Chinese faster.

You can create your own flashcard decks using the built-in Chinese dictionary, or install HSK word lists. HSK levels 1 to 6 are currently available.


== FEATURES ==

• Interactive Flashcards
4x flashcards tests are designed to strengthen your Chinese character recognition, Hanzi handwriting input, pinyin translation and tone recollection. Tests are bi-directional, so you can test Chinese -> English and English -> Chinese.

• Optimised Testing
Mandarin Spark monitors your study patterns and habits. This information is then used to calculate the most effective flashcard test sequence unique to you. We use a Smart SRS model - this is based on the standard spaced repetition study method, however we apply carefully calculated adjustments, based on your learning profile, to ensure you get an optimised study experience and learn faster!

• Study Paths
Bite-sized, guided learning sessions help make learning Mandarin more manageable. Learn using themed word sets in short sessions, such as most common Chinese words.

• Custom Flashcard Decks
Flashcard decks are available for all HSK levels, or you can create your own custom decks using the built-in dictionary. Mandarin Spark also has free flashcard desks containing the common Chinese words!

• Chinese-English Dictionary
Includes the CC-CEDICT open-source Chinese-English dictionary, which contains over 100,000 entries for building your own custom study lists and flashcard decks. Tap words to view detailed definitions and search for related words.

• Hanzi Stroke Animations
Learn how to write over 8,000 Chinese character with Hanzi stroke animations. Mandarin Spark also support handwriting input – so you can practise writing or reading characters!

• Spoken Chinese
Chinese audio is provided using the built-in text-to-speech (TTS) engine, so you can hear the words spoken during flashcard tests.

• Simplified & Traditional Characters
Learn both Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese characters, or switch between the two.

• Study Rewards
Stay motivated with study rewards. Collect gold stars for each correct answers, and shiny gems for completed flashcard sets.

• Personalised Learning
Create a personal study profile. Set your preference study priorities, change tone colours, set a daily study target and more.

• Offline
Mandarin Spark is designed for offline use - no internet connection is required to take flashcard tests!

• User Guide
The detailed user guide to help you get the most from Mandarin Spark.

A subscription is required to access some features. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store account settings after purchase.

Find out more:
Twitter: MandarinSpark
Instagram: Mandarin_Spark

Privacy Policy: https://mandarinspark.com/privacy/
Terms of Service: https://mandarinspark.com/terms/

## Key features

- Interactive flashcards
- 100,000+ word vocabulary
- Character writing practice
- Spaced repetition system
- Customizable flashcard decks
- HSK level word lists
- Hanzi stroke animations

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-mandarin-spark/id1348854416/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Fun learning Chinese

*2021-04-29, version 1.5.7*

Been using this app for over a year now. Makes learning Chinese fun. Has very effective flashcards which really help me to remember characters and tones! I’ve noticed my spoken Chinese improve just because I’m able to remember tones better! This app will not “teach” you Chinese alone, but it is the best app “tool” to support anybody learning Chinese.

**Developer response:** Thanks for your 5* review! It's great to read your positive feedback about Mandarin Spark!

### 5/5 — Fantastic app to learn chinese

*2020-01-12, version 1.4.1*

This app is very good and I so subscribed about how the design of app. 好看. I just want to suggest the developer for your app is more interested. Why don’t you add the fields like popular sentences which used in daily conversations. Thanks

**Developer response:** Thanks for your 5* review! It's great to read your positive feedback for Mandarin Spark! I've taken note of your suggestion - this is a great idea that would certainly improve the usefulness of the app :-)

### 5/5 — Characters

*2019-09-18, version 1.3.5*

Hi I really like this app. I was wondering is there a way to make a character appear without having to tap on it during the flash card study?  Thanks!

**Developer response:** Thanks for your 5* review! It's great to hear you like using Mandarin Spark!

Characters will be hidden on pinyin and tone cards if you are due to be tested on them in the same set (otherwise this would give away the answer). However, you can get a 'sneak peek' at the characters by tapping in the empty charatacer space.

Hope this answers your question, but if not please feel free to contact support@MandarinSpark.com

### 5/5 — Hidden gem!

*2019-04-30, version 1.2.4*

The best flashcard app for learning Chinese, a true hidden gem. Can’t believe I only stumbled upon this recently... 

Flashcards are great, seem to do a good job at testing me on difficult words and not wasting time on words stuff I already know. The Chinese dictionary is useful to make my own lists, but could be a bit more user friendly to search. However, app has very impressive design and the new update is awesome!

**Developer response:** Thanks for your 5* review! It's great to hear that Mandarin Spark is helping you to learn Chinese more effectively. There's lots of new features and improvements on the roadmap, so keep an eye out for future updates :-)

### 1/5 — Customize flash cards doesn’t work

*2019-01-15, version 1.1.2*

I have a pro account and I’m forced to do characters even though I should be able to turn it off. Fix and I will revise review. I want to do characters on hsk 1 but only pinyin vocabulary in hsk 3. Thanks.

**Developer response:** Hello. Good news! You can now switch on/off characters, pinyin or tones at your discretion. You can even apply different settings to different flashcard decks. Thanks for supporting Mandarin Spark Pro!

## Frequently asked questions about Learn Chinese ‐ Mandarin Spark

### What is Mandarin Spark?

Mandarin Spark is a personal study tool designed to help you learn Chinese. It utilizes interactive flashcards, a comprehensive dictionary, and personalized study plans to cover characters, pinyin, and tones.

### How does Mandarin Spark help me learn faster?

Mandarin Spark employs an optimized testing system based on a Smart SRS model, which monitors your study patterns. This personalized approach ensures you focus on your weakest areas first, accelerating your learning process.

### Can I create my own study materials in Mandarin Spark?

Yes, you can create your own custom flashcard decks using the built-in Chinese-English dictionary, which contains over 100,000 entries. You can also install pre-made decks for HSK levels or common Chinese words.

### Does Mandarin Spark support both Simplified and Traditional Chinese?

Yes, Mandarin Spark allows you to learn and switch between both Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese characters, catering to different learning preferences and needs.

### What HSK levels are covered by Mandarin Spark?

Mandarin Spark currently offers flashcard decks for HSK levels 1 through 6, providing comprehensive preparation for these standardized Chinese proficiency tests.

### Does Mandarin Spark offer any motivation for studying?

Yes, Mandarin Spark includes study rewards to keep you motivated. You can collect gold stars for correct answers and shiny gems for completing flashcard sets.

### What devices is Mandarin Spark available on?

Mandarin Spark is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple users.

### How often is Mandarin Spark updated?

The latest version of Mandarin Spark is 1.6.6, which was last updated on March 22, 2022. Updates typically include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.6.6 — 2022-03-22

- General performance enhancements

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*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 2026-06-10.*
