What Is Trainchinese?

Updated

Trainchinese is a Chinese-English dictionary and flashcard learning platform for simplified and traditional Chinese. It combines dictionary search (with example sentences and audio) with vocabulary lists, interactive flashcards, games, and quizzes, and it runs online plus on iOS, Android, and desktop apps. It suits learners who want one place to look up words, build study lists, and drill vocabulary with spaced repetition.

What you can do with it

Dictionary and vocabulary lists

  • Search a Chinese-English dictionary that covers both simplified and traditional characters, with example sentences and audio recordings.
  • Build your own word lists from dictionary entries, or copy ready-made lists. The site states there are more than 1,000 vocab lists covering hundreds of topics and difficulty levels, prepared by staff and other users.

Flashcard training

  • Train a chosen vocabulary set online or in the mobile/desktop apps.
  • Words are practiced in four "training modes" focused on reading, writing, recognizing spoken words, and translating into your native language.
  • The flashcard presentation differs by mode. For example, one mode may show Chinese and ask for the translation, while another may play only audio and ask you to identify the word.
  • The system counts how often you "know" and "don't know" each card and removes cards from the cycle accordingly.

Spaced repetition

  • Trainchinese uses spaced repetition: when a word is "passed," it disappears from training and is scheduled to return later, so review is spread over time rather than repeated in one block.

Games and quizzes

  • Vocabulary can also be reinforced through educational games and quizzes, alongside the flashcard modes.

Where you can use it

  • Online in a browser.
  • iOS and Android phones and tablets.
  • Desktop PC or Mac apps.

Who it's for

  • Beginners through advanced learners who want dictionary lookup and structured vocabulary drilling in the same tool.
  • Learners studying either simplified or traditional Chinese.
  • Teachers and schools: the site offers a page on using trainchinese for a class or school.

Account and access notes

  • You can search the dictionary, but the site prompts you to sign in or register to "get more content and less ads."
  • Registration asks for an email address, a nickname, and a password.
  • The site uses cookies and states that by using it you agree to their use.
  • A contact form is available for feedback, technical issues, text errors, questions, or account deletion. Your user-name and the page you're viewing are automatically included in the message.
  • Payment platform information (Paddle) appears in the site data; specific prices and plan limits are not stated here, so check the site for current terms.