DDB Access vs Bojang
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DDB Access
Access comprehensive Buddhist and Classical Chinese dictionaries with search, parsing, and pronunciation features. Ideal for scholars, it offers detailed character information and etymology.
- Search by Chinese, pinyin, or translation
- Parse and lookup unknown words in text
- View character etymology and series
- Read texts and words aloud
- Customizable user interface
- Access to DDB and CJKV-E dictionaries
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DDB (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism) and CJKV-E (Classical Chinese) are collaborative works edited by Charles Muller, University of Tokyo. DDB Access gives access to DDB and CJKV-E from iPhone and iPad. DDB Access is a free application. Any user may access the dictionary by entering "guest" as the username with no password. This will allow a total of 20 searches in each of the DDB and CJKV-E dictionaries in a 24-hour period. Contributors can get unlimited access by submitting a 350+ word entry as specified at http://www.buddhism-dict.net/contribute.html DDB and CJKV-E are primarily resources for scholars. Contributors are required to have completed a graduate degree to at least the equivalent of the M.A. level in graduate school program at a fully accredited university, where one has received direct formal training in the reading of classical East Asian Buddhist texts. DDB Access also contains a demo (WIP) of Séraphin Couvreur's "Dictionnaire classique de la langue chinoise" which supports most of its translations with example sentences and their sources. SEARCH Search dictionaries by Chinese, pinyin or translation. PARSE AND LOOKUP After copying a full text, SmartHanzi provides immediate access to unknown words. The app shows links to related words (also in, contained) and character details: character series (Kangxi, etymology). With this perspective beyond immediate usage, one gets naturally familiar with words and characters. It also recognizes multiple traditional variants. For instance, searching 真 (or finding 真 in a text) will show both 真 and 眞, according to what is present in selected dictionaries. Or it will recognize equally well 為 / 爲 or 眾 / 衆. Texts or individual words can be read aloud with Apple voices. ETYMOLOGY Along centuries, Chinese writing has developed a number of reference points, reasonable or simply traditional, well known by most Chinese: "Se non è vero, è ben trovato". Character series emphasize these reference points. All character series available for the current character are easily accessible. DICTIONARIES The application also includes general dictionaries for scholars working on Buddhist texts with literary or historical terminology, and a first demo of the "Couvreur" dictionary for Classical Chinese. USER INTERFACE User chooses to show pronunciations in Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese. Lookup is easily customizable to just show preferred details and keep presentation clear. On iPad, landscape orientation, the app can show either in full screen (with both parse and lookup parts visible) or multiple applications: smartphone-like format side by side with the original text. MAC VERSION A dedicated Mac version is on Mac App Store.
Bojang
Master the Tibetan language with this interactive app. It offers a structured learning path with quizzes, authentic audio feedback, and content for all skill levels, from alphabet basics to real-life conversations.
- Progressive learning system
- 3 skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
- 26 topic-based lessons
- Interactive quizzes with instant feedback
- Authentic audio pronunciation
- Score tracking and progress monitoring
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Learn Tibetan the fun and interactive way with Bojang! Bojang is a comprehensive Tibetan language learning app designed for English speakers who want to master the beautiful Tibetan language. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, Bojang offers a structured learning path with engaging quizzes and authentic audio feedback. FEATURES: Progressive Learning System • 3 skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced • 26 topic-based lessons covering everything from alphabet to real-life conversations • Structured curriculum that builds upon previous knowledge Interactive Quizzes • Multiple-choice questions with instant feedback • Audio pronunciation for correct and incorrect answers • Score tracking to monitor your progress • Beautiful animations and encouraging feedback in Tibetan Comprehensive Content • Beginner Level: Alphabet, vowels, numbers, body parts, fruits & vegetables, household items • Intermediate Level: Emotions, animals, occupations, clothing, nature, basic verbs, food & drinks • Advanced Level: Real-life scenarios like ordering food, hospital visits, monastery etiquette, Losar celebrations Perfect for: • Students of Tibetan Buddhism • Travelers to Tibet and Tibetan communities • Cultural enthusiasts • Language learning hobbyists • Anyone interested in preserving Tibetan culture
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Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Bojang at 5.0 against DDB Access's 4.0. Bojang also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). DDB Access's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Bojang holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
| Parameter | DDB Access | Bojang |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 279 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | Jean SOULAT | Tashi Tsering |
Customer experience
DDB Access
Bojang
In-app purchases
DDB Access
No in-app purchases
Bojang
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is DDB Access free?
Is Bojang free?
Which has better reviews, DDB Access or Bojang?
Do DDB Access or Bojang have ads?
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