The all-in-one Chinese learning app

Yizi 易字

Learn to read and write Chinese characters — for real.

  • 2,500+ characters
  • Spaced repetition
  • 120k-word dictionary
  • Built-in text reader
Download on the App Store

Need practice paper? Generate a free printable grid (田字格) →

Handwriting

Learn to write more than 2,500 characters with a Spaced Repetition System that knows exactly when you're about to forget one.
Most apps only teach you to recognize characters. With Yizi, you learn to read and write them, the way native speakers actually do.

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Dictionary

Search the integrated CC-CEDICT dictionary — more than 120,000 vocabulary entries — and every word you look up automatically becomes a flash card, so nothing you search gets forgotten.

It works entirely offline, so lookups are instant, whether you're at home or on a train with no signal.

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Text reader

Import any text you like — an article, a book, a chat log — and read it in the built-in reader.
Tap an unknown word to check its meaning, then tap again to turn it into a flash card with the original sentence as context.
The reader adapts to your level, and you can even practice writing the characters as you read.

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Optimized for iPad

Yizi takes full advantage of the larger iPad screen, so handwriting practice feels closer to pen and paper — and study sessions stay comfortable for longer.

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Stay Motivated Every Day

Set a daily goal and track your progress and streak so you can see your habit build, day after day.
The character banner shows, at a glance, exactly which characters tripped you up today, so you know what to review next.
Then make it yours with multiple color themes and home screen widgets.

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About

Hello, I'm Stephane (aka thaos), an independent developer and language enthusiast. I built Yizi after realizing I could barely handwrite a single character, despite having studied Chinese for more than 20 years.

Yizi is everything I wish I'd had: every learning trick I've picked up along the way, built to make memorization as fast and enjoyable as possible. Learning Chinese is a long, beautiful journey, and I hope Yizi can walk part of it with you.

Thanks to everyone who helped and supported me while building this, and thank you for reading this far. If you have feedback or a question, I'd genuinely love to hear from you.