# Twinkle - Mandarin Chinese — learn 1500 phrases

> Gamified Mandarin Chinese learning app for vocabulary and phrases. (iPhone/iPad app by Iaroslav Mironov.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twinkle-mandarin-chinese/id1091374776 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Iaroslav Mironov](https://appshunter.io/developer/640082786)
- Category: Education, Entertainment
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 103 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.1 · 112 MB
- Languages: Korean, German (Germany), Russian, Malay, Vietnamese, Norwegian Bokmål, Swedish, European Spanish, Arabic, American English and 13 more
- Released: 2016-03-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twinkle-mandarin-chinese/id1091374776/reviews.md

## What is Twinkle?

Learn 3000 words and 1500 phrases in Mandarin Chinese playing this game. Tap the twinkling tiles in the correct order to form the word or phrase.

How this works:

When you are memorizing words or phrases, your brain will get tired quickly and you will lose focus. However, if you get your brain busy with some task which is simple, but not very predictable, you will stay alert and will experience better retention and better motivation to learn. The simple activity like that of playing a game can make the learning process much easier.

## Key features

- Learn 3000 words
- Learn 1500 phrases
- Tile-tapping game mechanic
- Improves retention
- Boosts motivation
- Engaging learning process

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Play Now | $0.99 | one-time |
| Show similar | $1.99 | one-time |
| Save Card | $0.99 | one-time |
| 16 Hot Characters | $0.99 | one-time |
| Speaking test | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ad Free | $0.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twinkle-mandarin-chinese/id1091374776/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Не понятно

*2024-10-09*

Здравствуйте👋 мне не понятно как играть😑. из-за того что иероглифы двигаются сами по себе 🤬,в начале вопрос на сколько вы знаете китайский язык и то спасибо за это🙂но после какая-то каша начинается 🤯, либо я не понимаю как играть либо эта приложение такое не удобное 

Мне бы хотелось научится в это играть😃.

Но иероглифы двигаются сами по себе🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

### 4/5 — Application pour apprendre le Chinois

*2024-02-25*

Manque le HSK on peut quand même apprendre des Mots IPhone 6

### 5/5 — Helps with everything

*2021-11-22*

This app is really helpful to learn phrases, it gets you more use to how sentences are formed.

### 1/5 — Very buggy on iPad

*2021-02-25*

Fine for a few minutes then becomes less and less responsive, slow, and more buggy. Finally have to close program and restart.

### 5/5 — Все нравится.

*2019-12-29*

Все замечательно. Но только не нравится, что надо платить в несколько этапов. Странно как то🤷‍♀️

### 5/5 — Спасибо большое!

*2019-04-15*

Очень интересно играть, затягивает!

### 5/5 — Привет

*2018-12-30*

Это супер

### 5/5 — Easy to learn

*2018-12-30, version 2.12*

I found Twinkle’s approach of selecting words from a grid and have words learned start off blank help me learn. Was easy for me to pick up some phrases

### 5/5 — Absolutely awesome!

*2018-10-22*

Being a total beginner I keep enjoying an uber effective algorithm helping me acquire tons of mind-blowing hieroglyphs like it is a walk in the park! Plus, it is budget-friendly! Kudos to the developers!

### 5/5 — Great relaxed learning

*2018-09-29*

I knew zero Chinese before playing with this app. The app makes it very chill and no pressure which is what helps the relaxed learning. The layout could be better but it’s simple and plain enough to not distract your brain. I haven’t had any bugs problems with it. Really good app. Schools should promote more relaxed learning like this app.

## Frequently asked questions about Twinkle

### What is the learning methodology of Twinkle?

Twinkle uses a gamified approach where users tap twinkling tiles in the correct order to form words or phrases. This method aims to keep the brain alert and improve retention and motivation for learning Mandarin Chinese.

### How many words and phrases can I learn with Twinkle?

Twinkle allows you to learn up to 3000 words and 1500 phrases in Mandarin Chinese through its interactive game.

### What devices does Twinkle support?

Twinkle is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for Apple users on the go.

### How often is Twinkle updated?

The app was last updated on July 13, 2024, with version 2.24, indicating regular maintenance and potential feature additions.

### What is the age rating for Twinkle?

Twinkle is rated for ages 4 and up, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including children and adults.

### Does Twinkle have ads?

Yes, Twinkle contains advertisements. This is common for free educational apps that offer in-app purchases.

### What are the in-app purchase options in Twinkle?

While the app is free to download and use, it offers in-app purchases. Specific details on what these purchases unlock are not provided in the description.

### How does Twinkle compare to other Mandarin learning apps?

Twinkle differentiates itself with its unique tile-tapping game mechanic designed to enhance focus and retention, rather than relying solely on flashcards or traditional lessons.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.24 — 2024-07-13

Fixing more crashes

### 2.23 — 2024-07-04

Fixing a crash

### 2.22 — 2024-06-10

Improving translations

### 2.21 — 2024-04-05

Improving translations

### 2.20 — 2024-03-10

Adding more words

## Apps similar to Twinkle

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [HelloChinese - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hellochinese-learn-chinese/id1001507516) | 4.9 (22,833) | Free | Education |
| [ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chineseskill-learn-chinese/id777111034) | 4.8 (15,302) | Free | Education |
| [Ka: Learn Chinese Tones](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ka-learn-chinese-tones/id6444140899) | 4.8 (615) | Free | Education |
| [iHuman Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihuman-chinese/id1139733348) | 4.8 (5,667) | Free | Education |
| [Learn Chinese – Studycat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-studycat/id547571511) | 4.5 (1,045) | Free | Education |
| [Learning Chinese Words Writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learning-chinese-words-writing/id1107164806) | 4.4 (211) | Free | Education |

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All apps by Iaroslav Mironov: https://appshunter.io/developer/640082786

## Related topics

[twinkle](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/twinkle)

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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 2026-08-28.*
