# Zen Chinese : Flashcards — Mandarin made easy

> Spaced repetition flashcards for learning Mandarin Chinese vocabulary. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Betemps.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-chinese-flashcards/id896928358 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Michael Betemps](https://appshunter.io/developer/673540208)
- Category: Education, Business
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 17 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.4 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-11-06
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-chinese-flashcards/id896928358/reviews.md

## What is Zen Chinese?

Zen Chinese, the only flashcard app that won’t give you headaches.

Because learning Chinese can sometime be arduous, we believe that your learning experience must remain as smooth as possible : NO complex options to configure, NO content to painfully input by yourself, NO distraction. Based on Leitner’s study method (spaced repetition), Zen Chinese takes all the decisions for you to let you focus on the essential. You’ll become a master in no time!

Enjoy.

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Features:

▶ Over 10,000 cards to study, with audio and sorted by theme
▶ Switch between simplified and traditional characters
▶ Switch between pinyin tone marks and pinyin numbers
▶ Multiple options (sorting, review mode, blacklist…)
▶ Regularly updated (including additional content)

************************************************

About Zen Chinese:

Bored by those Chinese manuals? Tired of trying to remember your Chinese characters (汉字 hànzì)? Based on Leitner’s spaced repetition algorithm, Zen Chinese will significantly improve the way you’re learning your Chinese words. 

Choose what you want to learn, then let us do the rest: You’ll just need to book 15 minutes of your time, each day, to learn and review the cards selected by the old Zen Master embedded in our application. You’ll become a master in no time.

“Zen Chinese” aims to help students - typically beginners to upper-intermediate - who are looking for an efficient way to develop their vocabulary base or quickly master specific topics. The flashcards are grouped by lists - sorted by topics and by level - to make your learning experience as smooth as possible.

Adopt the Zen Attitude! 加油!

Your Zen Chinese team


Support: contact@zen-chinese.com

## Key features

- Over 10,000 flashcards with audio
- Simplified and traditional character support
- Pinyin tone marks and numbers option
- Spaced repetition learning method
- Content updated regularly
- Themed and level-sorted flashcard lists

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HSK (2010) Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| HSK Pack | $2.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-chinese-flashcards/id896928358/reviews.md

### 3/5 — It’s alright

*2021-01-18, version 1.8*

It’s a pretty straightforward flash card app. It works, especially for early learning. 
It’s a bit clunky and the English is pretty odd in places. Clearly not proofread. But hey, it’s just flashcards

### 5/5 — Really Great App. Simple yet powerful

*2015-02-27, version 1.6*

I have been using it for several months and i always amaze myself at remembering those characters. That method really does the trick. The design is neat, clear. You can use it a long period of time before you reach a level where you need to purchase in-app options. The excellent review mode in the new version is what was missing before. Everything is now there to make it an enjoyable learning journey. Great job ! Congrats to the developers!

## Frequently asked questions about Zen Chinese

### What learning method does Zen Chinese use?

Zen Chinese utilizes the Leitner system, a spaced repetition method. This algorithm optimizes review intervals for vocabulary, helping users learn and retain Mandarin Chinese words more effectively over time.

### How many flashcards are available in Zen Chinese?

The app features over 10,000 flashcards for studying Mandarin Chinese. These cards are organized by theme and include audio pronunciation to aid learning.

### Can I switch between character sets in Zen Chinese?

Yes, Zen Chinese allows you to switch between simplified and traditional Chinese characters. You can also choose to display pinyin with tone marks or numbers.

### Is Zen Chinese suitable for beginners?

Yes, Zen Chinese is designed for beginners to upper-intermediate learners. It aims to provide a smooth and distraction-free learning experience, making it accessible for those new to Mandarin.

### How often is Zen Chinese updated?

The application is regularly updated, including the addition of new content. The latest version available is 1.8, last updated on August 5, 2020.

### What devices does Zen Chinese support?

Zen Chinese is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up.

### Does Zen Chinese have ads?

No, Zen Chinese does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with no ads to interrupt your learning sessions.

### What is the user rating for Zen Chinese?

Zen Chinese has a strong user rating of 4.7 stars, based on 17 ratings. This indicates a high level of user satisfaction with the app's features and effectiveness.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8 — 2020-08-05

Bug fixes and performance improvement.

### 1.7 — 2018-05-09

• Improved interface, bug fixes & performance improvement

We appreciate your support and the feedbacks you gave us so far; we’re working hard to bring you great features. Don’t hesitate to give us a feedback at contact@zen-chinese.com.

Your Zen Chinese team

### 1.6 — 2015-02-26

• New Content (free) : Talking about China, Chinese Zodiac, China’s Ethnic groups, China’s provinces and their capitals
• New Content (paid) : HSK Chengyu
• New Feature “Review Mode”: Review more efficiently once you’ve reached your daily goal
• Improved interface, bug fixes & performance improvement

We appreciate your support and the feedbacks you gave us so far; we’re working hard to bring you great features. Don’t hesitate to give us a feedback at contact@zen-chinese.com.

Your Zen Chinese team

### 1.5.1 — 2014-11-08

• Minor bug fixes

### 1.5 — 2014-11-06

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Zen Chinese

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [HSK 1 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-1-hero-learn-chinese/id1109421922) | 3.8 (56) | Free | Education |
| [HSK 3 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-3-hero-learn-chinese/id1128820514) | 3.9 (28) | Free | Education |
| [HSK 4 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-4-hero-learn-chinese/id1130586087) | 3.8 (26) | Free | Education |
| [HSK 5 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-5-hero-learn-chinese/id1141142649) | 4.0 (25) | Free | Education |
| [HSK 2 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-2-hero-learn-chinese/id1127780555) | 4.1 (17) | Free | Education |
| [HSK 6 Hero - Learn Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-6-hero-learn-chinese/id1144307805) | 4.2 (5) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Michael Betemps

- [Zen Chinese (HSK Edition)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-chinese-hsk-edition/id673540205)

All apps by Michael Betemps: https://appshunter.io/developer/673540208

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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.*
