How to Get Started with Trainchinese

Updated

Trainchinese is a Chinese-English dictionary and flashcard system for learning simplified or traditional Chinese. To get started, create an account with your email address, a nickname, and a password, then search the dictionary to build word lists or copy one of the ready-made lists, and begin training online or in the iOS, Android, or desktop apps. You can browse the dictionary and some content before signing in, but registering removes ads and unlocks more content.

Create an account or sign in

On the site you have two entry points: Create an account and Sign in.

To register, provide:

  • Your email address
  • A nickname
  • A password

Then select Register now! If you already have an account, use Sign in instead. Note that the site uses cookies, and by continuing to use it you agree to their use.

Search the dictionary and build word lists

Once you're in, use the dictionary search to look up words and phrases. From there you can create your own word lists. The dictionary covers both simplified and traditional Chinese and includes example sentences and audio recordings.

If you'd rather not build lists from scratch, you can copy ready-made lists from a selection of more than 1,000 vocab lists. These cover hundreds of topics and different difficulty levels, and are prepared both by trainchinese staff and by other users.

Train your vocabulary

Training works across four "training modes," each focused on a different skill:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Recognizing spoken words
  • Translating words into your native language

The flash cards are presented differently in each mode. For example, in one mode you may see Chinese and be asked for its translation; in another you may only hear a word and be asked to identify it.

The system counts how many times you "know" and "don't know" each card and removes cards from your training cycle accordingly. It also uses spaced repetition: each time you pass a word, it disappears from training and is scheduled to come back later, so words stay fresh in your memory.

Choose where to study

You can do everything online, or use apps for:

  • iOS
  • Android
  • Desktop PC or Mac

If you teach Chinese

If you teach Chinese privately or at school, trainchinese offers a way to use the system with your class or school. The site links to a "Learn more" page for this, so check there for the details of what's included.

Quick checklist

  1. Register with email, nickname, and password (or sign in).
  2. Search the dictionary for words and phrases.
  3. Create your own word list, or copy a ready-made one.
  4. Start training in the four modes.
  5. Let spaced repetition bring passed words back later.
  6. Study online or in the mobile/desktop apps.