Learn Chinese By Writing Downloads & RevenueLearn Chinese By Writing · App Store

HanziDragon teaches Chinese characters through handwriting. One layer at a time — meaning, strokes, components, words — without overwhelming you.

Currently based on HSK 3.0, with 950+ characters covering levels 1, 2 and 3. Each character unfolds in stages. You meet it, learn what it means, watch it being written, then write it yourself — gradually, layer by layer.

How it works

• Watch the stroke order, with components shown in distinct colors — color codes make the structure of each character more visible
• Write by hand the way you would on paper — HanziDragon reads your real freehand writing instead of checking strokes against fixed positions
• Practice from memory with gentle hints that fade as you improve
• Get feedback on what went wrong: stroke order, direction, stroke count, or a mixed-up component (like 日 and 月)
• Explore compound words and pinyin through matching exercises

Each character is practiced and reviewed enough times to actually stick — without rushing.

Two modes

• Guided Path — work through characters in order, lesson by lesson
• Open Practice — pick your own characters, exercise types, and pace, or build a practice set from a photo of your textbook page

Try any level

The free version gives you 40 characters from each HSK level 1-3 (120 total), so beginners and intermediate learners both find practice that fits.

What's included

• 950+ characters covering HSK 3.0 levels 1–3
• Recognition runs entirely on your device — works offline, no account needed
• Native speaker audio
• Apple Pencil support, optimized for iPad
• iCloud progress sync between iPhone and iPad
• Simplified Chinese characters (简体字)

Pro

Subscription required to unlock the full library. More HSK levels are coming — content preparation takes time, but Pro subscribers will get them as they're released, at no extra cost.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

A note from the makers

We made HanziDragon because we wanted to find a way to learn Chinese characters without cognitive overload — one that respects how the brain actually absorbs new information. From the makers of Robokana, a similar app for Japanese kanji.

Questions or feedback? [email protected]

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