# Zishu — Learn to write Chinese

> Learn to write Chinese characters with stroke order, validation, and HSK level coverage. (iPhone/iPad app by Ben Morrison.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zishu/id6747624319 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ben Morrison](https://appshunter.io/developer/329695258)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 98 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-08-05
- Data updated: 2026-07-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zishu/id6747624319/reviews.md

## What is Zishu?

Authentic Stroke Order - Learn proper stroke sequences used by native writers with data from the comprehensive MakeMeAHanzi database

Real-Time Validation - Get instant feedback as you write, ensuring every stroke is correct before moving on

Smart Learning System - Three-stage progression: observe, trace with hints, then write independently

HSK 1-6 Coverage - Complete character sets for all HSK levels, perfectly aligned with official test requirements

Practice Modes - Choose between guided learning or test yourself with handwriting mode

Progress Tracking - Monitor your learning journey with detailed statistics and streak tracking

Customizable Themes - Elegant duotone modes and customizable colors make practice visually pleasing

Pronunciation Support - Tap any character to hear native pronunciation with proper tone sandhi rules

  Perfect For:
  - HSK test preparation (levels 1-6)
  - University Chinese courses
  - Self-directed learners
  - Heritage speakers improving writing
  - Anyone passionate about Chinese culture

  Learning Features:
  - Character decomposition and radical analysis
  - Custom practice sets for focused study
  - Endless practice mode with spaced repetition
  - Offline functionality - practice anywhere
  - Goal setting with daily targets
  - Wrong character review

## Key features

- Authentic stroke order learning
- Real-time writing validation
- Smart three-stage learning system
- HSK 1-6 character coverage
- Guided and handwriting practice modes
- Progress tracking and statistics
- Offline functionality

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zishu/id6747624319/reviews.md

### 3/5 — My sets have gone

*2026-02-09*

I love this app, it helped me to learn 150+ hanzi, however after the update all my sets I’ve created earlier have gone

**Developer response:** Hello! So sorry for the bug. I released a patch which hopefully addresses this error, and this should only be a one time thing. Thank you for the feedback, I'll make sure to more thoroughly bug test updates in the future.
-Archer

### 5/5 — Big help

*2026-02-02*

I learned ~25 characters in a week.

### 5/5 — Best App for learning Chinese on foenem grave…

*2025-08-05*

Masterful. Utterly masterful.
Using this app alone, I was able to learn and write over 100 Mandarin characters in only a few weeks.
The way it is designed also makes it fun and engaging to learn as well. Truly the best in the market and is free too! Such a generous developer. I bet he's a 6'2, fine white curly haired entrepreneur.

## Frequently asked questions about Zishu

### What learning methodology does Zishu use?

Zishu employs a smart learning system with three stages: observe, trace with hints, and write independently. This method is designed to build confidence and accuracy in character formation.

### How does Zishu help with HSK preparation?

Zishu covers all HSK levels from 1 to 6, providing complete character sets aligned with official test requirements. It includes practice modes and progress tracking to aid in test preparation.

### Can I practice Zishu offline?

Yes, Zishu offers offline functionality, allowing you to practice Chinese characters anywhere without an internet connection.

### Does Zishu offer pronunciation guidance?

Yes, Zishu provides pronunciation support. You can tap any character to hear native pronunciation, including proper tone sandhi rules.

### How does Zishu track my progress?

Zishu monitors your learning journey with detailed statistics and streak tracking. This helps you visualize your improvement and stay motivated.

### What devices is Zishu available on?

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

### How often is Zishu updated?

The latest version of Zishu is 1.1.1, last updated on February 5, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.

### Does Zishu have ads?

No, Zishu does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted learning experience for its users.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.1.1 — 2026-02-05

Bug fixes
-Translation fix
-Set deletion patch

### 1.01 — 2026-02-02

Editing premade sets
Black/White duotone
Most missed character statistics
iPhone SE UI fix
Metadata update
Bug fixes
Other small changes

### 1.0 — 2025-08-05

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Zishu

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Chinese Short Dialogue](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chinese-short-dialogue/id6494301080) | 5.0 (17) | Free | Education |
| [HSK Online - Exam HSK & TOCFL](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsk-online-exam-hsk-and-tocfl/id6444394590) | 4.0 (2) | Free | Education |
| [BW Hanzi Writer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bw-hanzi-writer/id6470270145) | 4.9 (11) | Free | Education |
| [WriteChinese - learn to write](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writechinese-learn-to-write/id1510206953) | 4.5 (20) | Free | Education |
| [Literate Chinese](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/literate-chinese/id6741540532) | 4.8 (46) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Ben Morrison

- [Coin Crash](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coin-crash/id874148071)
- [Swipe Four.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swipe-four/id961845778)
- [9 Square Frenzy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/9-square-frenzy/id977022306)
- [CozySynth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cozysynth/id6759995393)

All apps by Ben Morrison: https://appshunter.io/developer/329695258

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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 2026-07-04.*