The App: Pleco
What's That? Pleco is, at its most basic version, an offline Chinese to English dictionary. Through upgrades and add-ons, it is also home to flashcards, audio recordings, handwriting practice, etc., all designed to further your Chinese language education.
Price: Free, for the most basic version. If you go to the add-on menu, you'll find a few possible bundles to upgrade your experience – the Basic Bundle for $29.99 and the Professional Bundle for $79.99 – or options to purchase individual additions to your Pleco dictionary.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Android via Google Play, Android APK
Why Pleco? For this expat, Pleco has been an invaluable tool as I have learned the basics of Chinese.
Find them online: https://www.pleco.com/
What's That? Pleco is, at its most basic version, an offline Chinese to English dictionary. Through upgrades and add-ons, it is also home to flashcards, audio recordings, handwriting practice, etc., all designed to further your Chinese language education.
Price: Free, for the most basic version. If you go to the add-on menu, you'll find a few possible bundles to upgrade your experience – the Basic Bundle for $29.99 and the Professional Bundle for $79.99 – or options to purchase individual additions to your Pleco dictionary.
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Android via Google Play, Android APK
Why Pleco? For this expat, Pleco has been an invaluable tool as I have learned the basics of Chinese.
- When communications stall thanks to this steep language barrier, I have been able to use the pinyin keyboard on the app to have the native speaker type what they wish to tell me, and vice versa.
- As I come across unknown characters, I use the handwriting feature to muddle my way through finding the translation.
- Because it is an offline app, I'm not reliant on WiFi connections or data service to find the translation I need – incredibly useful in a tight spot.
- I haven't opted for upgrades, having found the free version more than enough for my relatively basic needs.
Find them online: https://www.pleco.com/