# Pinyin TL

> Recognizes Chinese text in images and displays Pinyin and dictionary definitions. (iPhone/iPad app by Tom Kerrigan.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-tl/id6812143919 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tom Kerrigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/295445504)
- Category: Utilities, Education
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.6 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-09-18
- Data updated: 2026-09-22
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-tl/id6812143919/reviews.md

## What is Pinyin TL?

Do you ever look at Chinese text and wish you could see Pinyin above each character?

Now you can, with Pinyin TL!

With Pinyin TL, you take a picture, select some Chinese text within that picture, and that text is displayed at the top of the screen along with its corresponding Pinyin.

You can even tap on a word (at the top) and see its CC-CEDICT dictionary entry.

App features:
- Uses Apple's "Live Text" UI for text selection
- Recognizes traditional AND simplified Chinese characters
- Recognizes text when the layout is horizontal OR vertical
- Recognizes text even if it's stylized or handwritten (to some degree)
- Displays the correct Pinyin for every character, even characters that have multiple transliterations (usually)
- Correctly identifies each word in a sentence (usually)
- Displays translations from CC-CEDICT
- Works offline

Pinyin TL is made by the developer of tChess (the chess app that was featured in Apple's "Learn" commercial for the iPad) and Learn Chess (the Apple Staff Favorite e-book).

## Key features

- Recognizes traditional and simplified Chinese
- Displays Pinyin for characters
- Provides CC-CEDICT dictionary entries
- Supports horizontal and vertical text
- Works offline
- Uses Live Text for selection


## Frequently asked questions about Pinyin TL

### What is Pinyin TL?

Pinyin TL is a utility app that uses your device's camera to recognize Chinese text in images and display the corresponding Pinyin pronunciation for each character. It also offers dictionary definitions for words.

### How does Pinyin TL recognize Chinese text?

Pinyin TL utilizes Apple's Live Text UI to select Chinese characters from images. It can recognize both traditional and simplified Chinese, and works with horizontal or vertical text layouts.

### Can Pinyin TL translate Chinese text?

While Pinyin TL's primary function is to display Pinyin for recognized Chinese characters, it also provides translations from the CC-CEDICT dictionary when you tap on a word.

### Does Pinyin TL require an internet connection?

No, Pinyin TL is designed to work offline, meaning you can use its text recognition and Pinyin display features without an active internet connection.

### What devices is Pinyin TL available on?

Pinyin TL is available for iPhone and iPad devices.

### What is the price of Pinyin TL?

Pinyin TL is a paid application, with a price of $4.99.

### How often is Pinyin TL updated?

Pinyin TL was last updated on September 18, 2026, with version 1.0. Further update frequency is not specified.

### What is the age rating for Pinyin TL?

Pinyin TL has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2026-09-18

No release notes.

## More apps by Tom Kerrigan

- [Chess - tChess Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tchess-pro/id295445501)
- [Chess - tChess Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tchess-lite/id296756437)
- [Chess - Learn Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-learn-chess/id305309870)
- [PopGroup](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popgroup/id318974349)
- [PopGroup Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popgroup-lite/id318975161)
- [Chess - tChess Pro (Int'l)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tchess-pro-intl/id333297414)

All apps by Tom Kerrigan: https://appshunter.io/developer/295445504

---

*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 2026-09-22.*