Mandarin Phrasebook vs TcmNote
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Mandarin Phrasebook
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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
TcmNote
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◆ 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
Verdict
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
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.
Mandarin Phrasebook ships an update every 6 weeks, TcmNote weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mandarin Phrasebook | TcmNote |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6.99 | Free — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 88 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Qvyshift LLC | Yangguang Ma |
In-app purchases
Mandarin Phrasebook
No in-app purchases
TcmNote
- $1.99 / Month$1.991 Month
- $19.99 / Year$19.991 Year









