Comparison

Mandarin Phrasebook vs TcmNote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Mandarin Phrasebook

Features
Read full description

Military-related Mandarin Chinese phrases for language learners. With Mandarin text and audio. Using this app, you can select an English phrase and view its translation and how to pronounce it in Mandarin. This app is based on the modules publicly available online from the U.S. Defense Language Institute. While this app's subject matter relates mainly to military topics, the app is broadly useful with content relating to a range of topics. • Easy to use • Contains over 600 phrases with native speaker audio recordings • Dictionary lookup: Type or say what you want to search • Pronunciation help: See the transliterated/Romanized text • Good for language learning, or as a reference

About

TcmNote

Features
Read full description

◆ App Introduction Shanghan Notes is a deep learning tool and utility app designed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) enthusiasts, practitioners, and students. Built upon core classics like the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shanghan Lun) and the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (Jingui Yaolue), it integrates study notes on formulas, Chinese herbs, and medical cases. Our goal is to assist users in studying, understanding, reviewing, and applying classic theories effectively during their TCM learning journey. ◆ Core Features • Classic Medical Library Includes foundational TCM works such as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Huangdi Neijing), the Classic of Difficult Issues (Nan Jing), and Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It serves not only as a reading tool but also as a source of wisdom for exploring human physiology, pathology, and the art of health preservation. • Intensive Reading of Original Clauses Contains the complete original clauses of the Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolue. Supports quick search and comparison, helping you repeatedly contemplate the logic of pattern differentiation and treatment by the Medical Sage, Zhang Zhongjing, and master the core essence of Six Meridian Pattern Differentiation. • Detailed Explanation of Formulas & Pharmacology Covers all formulas and Chinese herbs found in the Shanghan and Jingui texts, complete with relevant study notes to help users better understand the usage and efficacy of these formulas and herbs. • Medical Case Studies Features a selection of common clinical cases applying classical formulas. These cases reconstruct the authentic diagnosis and treatment process, helping users cultivate practical skills in TCM inquiry, prescription, and medication. ◆ Usage Scenarios • A clinical reference tool for TCM students and licensed practitioners • Classical formula study notes for TCM enthusiasts • A reference manual for health-conscious individuals focusing on family wellness • A research platform for exploring the logic of TCM inquiry and the wisdom of health management Let's revisit the classics together, appreciate the profound depth of TCM through Shanghan Notes, and become the guardians of our own and our family's health. ◆ Disclaimer All medical information, medical text content, formulas, and herbal information provided by this App are for learning, reference, and academic exchange purposes only. They do not constitute any form of medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Before making any medical decisions based on information from this App, please be sure to visit a legitimate medical institution and consult a professional doctor. ◆ Terms and Privacy • Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://yangguang2009.github.io/docs/manuals/tcmnote/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-english

Screenshots

Mandarin Phrasebook4 screens
TcmNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: TcmNote at Free against Mandarin Phrasebook's $6.99. TcmNote also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Mandarin Phrasebook's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

TcmNote is free to download; Mandarin Phrasebook costs $6.99 up front. TcmNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Mandarin Phrasebook asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mandarin Phrasebook ships an update every 6 weeks, TcmNote weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 1 level
Mandarin Phrasebook versus TcmNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMandarin PhrasebookTcmNote
Price$6.99Free — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB88 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperQvyshift LLCYangguang Ma

In-app purchases

None

Mandarin Phrasebook

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

TcmNote

Subscriptions2
  • $1.99 / Month$1.991 Month
  • $19.99 / Year$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Mandarin Phrasebook free?
Mandarin Phrasebook costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is TcmNote free?
TcmNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Mandarin Phrasebook or TcmNote have ads?
TcmNote shows ads; Mandarin Phrasebook does not.
Which is updated more often, Mandarin Phrasebook or TcmNote?
Mandarin Phrasebook ships an update every 6 weeks, and TcmNote weekly. Most recently, Mandarin Phrasebook was updated on November 3, 2026 and TcmNote on October 30, 2026.

Other comparisons