# Pinyin Pengyou — Keyboard for language learners

> Chinese language learning keyboard with Pinyin to Hanzi suggestions. (iPhone/iPad app by Guy Brooker.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-pengyou/id1617039874 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Guy Brooker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441858266)
- Category: Education, Travel
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 1.17/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.4 · 7 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2022-04-14
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-pengyou/id1617039874/reviews.md

## What is Pinyin Pengyou?

Learning Chinese ? Difficult to communicate in Chinese characters ?

This app provides a keyboard for learners of Chinese. Type the first few letters of a Chinese word in Pinyin and see possible matches with the full pinyin word, the Chinese characters (Hanzi) and an English translation to help you chose the right word. 

Many learners are not able to comfortably use the builtin iOS Chinese keyboards, because they require full familiarity with Chinese characters and their meaning. Pinyin Pengyou allows even a brand new learner with only a handful of pinyin words to begin to type Chinese characters comfortably on their iPhone or iPad.

Enable the keyboard in settings and give it full access so it can search the dictionaries. Use the keyboard in any iOS app, by selecting from the globe icon on the on-screen keyboard. 
In the Pinyin Pengyou app you can select from a list of dictionaries up to a level which matches the words you have learnt. HSK levels 1 to 6 (and beyond). TOCFL levels 1 to 4. Pimsleur Mandarin up to level III. You may also add additional custom words and phrases with translations of your own. A dictionary of country names is also provided. The main screen of the app provides access to the word lists for each dictionary. All Suggestible words list only the words in the selected dictionaries. All Words list every word in every dictionary.

When the keyboard appears, start typing a pinyin word. Matching words with full pinyin, hanzi and a translation are displayed above the keyboard. Swipe the suggestions left and right to see every matching word. Tap a suggestion to enter the word, press return or space to just enter the roman letters typed so far. Tap and hold a suggestion to display the full definition over the keyboard, just tap the definition to dismiss.

In the app settings, haptic and/or audio feedback can be enabled for key presses and one of three keyboard layouts QWERTY, AZERTY or QWERTZ  may be selected.

Downloading the app is free, and without a subscription, only pinyin words will be entered into your documents. Subscribe to the app with either a low monthly, six-monthly or annual fee to enable the ability to write in Chinese hanzi. Press the info button to show the subscription offers if not already subscribed.

The app keeps track of how many times words are used and it suggests more frequently used words first. No data is transmitted beyond your device.

Reach out to me at the address on my website if you have any questions, or press "Help?" on the Setup screen.

Pinyin is a romanization of Mandarin. Pengyou is the Chinese word for friend !

EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Pinyin to Hanzi word suggestions
- English translations for Pinyin words
- HSK and TOCFL level dictionaries
- Custom word and phrase addition
- Haptic and audio feedback options
- Multiple keyboard layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ)

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual App Subscription | $8.99 | per year |
| Six Monthly App Subscription | $4.99 | per 6 months |
| Monthly App Subscription | $0.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-pengyou/id1617039874/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Can’t even use the keyboard

*2025-01-23*

The ONLY app I can use the keyboard is this app. It does not let me use the keyboard on any app! It’s so angering!

### 1/5 — Bad app

*2024-07-31*

If i write 朋友 the app writes péngyou. If its like that on a simple word i can't trust this app. Its péngyǒu we all know that. Bad app

### 5/5 — Just what I was looking for but make sure to choose most advanced dictionary

*2024-06-14*

Good for students of Chinese that can speak and understand but don’t yet have a good knowledge of characters.

Choosing the simplest dictionary means you miss out on a lot of the simplest words like 到. So choose dictionary wisely.

### 5/5 — Absolutely game changing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*2023-05-27*

Thank you so much x8888 这个帮助了我好多

### 2/5 — Want to try it but….

*2023-03-01*

The developer wants full access to transmissions of anything you type… That’s a hard pass for me unfortunately. It looks like it could be a very useful app otherwise. It’s reasonably priced for what it offers. Just let me keep my privacy please.

## Frequently asked questions about Pinyin Pengyou

### How does Pinyin Pengyou help me learn Chinese?

Pinyin Pengyou provides a specialized keyboard that suggests Chinese characters (Hanzi) as you type Pinyin. This allows you to build Chinese words and phrases even with limited knowledge of characters, aiding in communication and learning.

### What dictionaries are available in Pinyin Pengyou?

The app offers dictionaries aligned with HSK levels 1 to 6 and TOCFL levels 1 to 4. It also includes Pimsleur Mandarin up to level III, a country names dictionary, and allows users to add their own custom words and phrases.

### Can I type in Chinese characters with Pinyin Pengyou?

Yes, you can type in Chinese characters (Hanzi) by subscribing to the app. Without a subscription, only Pinyin words will be entered into your documents.

### What are the subscription options for Pinyin Pengyou?

Pinyin Pengyou offers a monthly subscription for $0.99, a six-monthly subscription for $4.99, and an annual subscription for $8.99. All plans include a 7-day free trial.

### Does Pinyin Pengyou work on my iPhone or iPad?

Yes, Pinyin Pengyou is designed to work on both iPhone and iPad devices. It functions as a system-wide keyboard that can be used within any iOS application.

### How often is Pinyin Pengyou updated?

The latest version of Pinyin Pengyou is 1.1, which was last updated on September 19, 2022. The app was initially released on April 14, 2022.

### Is Pinyin Pengyou suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Pinyin Pengyou is specifically designed for learners who are new to Chinese characters. It allows you to start typing Chinese comfortably with just a few Pinyin words.

### Does Pinyin Pengyou track my typing data?

No, Pinyin Pengyou prioritizes user privacy. It keeps track of word usage internally to suggest frequently used words first, but no data is transmitted beyond your device.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1 — 2022-09-19

This is a terrific update:
 - Switch on/off haptic and or audio feedback on the app Settings Page
 - Select QWERTY, AZERTY or QWERTZ keyboard layout
 - Send questions and Feedback with "Help?" button on Setup page
 - iOS 16 compatibility

### 1.0 — 2022-04-15

No release notes.

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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## More apps by Guy Brooker

- [Quick AC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quick-ac/id1454911540)
- [Home Kat Inspector](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/home-kat-inspector/id1600459820)
- [TDAC Buddy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tdac-buddy/id6751799544)

All apps by Guy Brooker: https://appshunter.io/developer/1441858266

## Related topics

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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 2026-06-01.*