MDBG Chinese Dictionary brings Chinese-English and English-Chinese lookup together with tools for reading and practicing Chinese. Search by Chinese characters, Mandarin pinyin, or English definitions, including wildcard queries. Character entries can include radical and stroke counts, Mandarin pinyin, Yale and Jyutping Cantonese, Cangjie, and four-corner codes. For passages, the text lookup tool adds pinyin and English definitions inline or in popups. The free online dictionary also includes flashcards, quizzes, Chinese text input, and written Chinese tools; a practice page offers vocabulary web feeds and character exercises. Separate options include a macOS dictionary that works offline and Chinese Reader for Windows, which can scan selected text, look up and pronounce Chinese, translate text, and work offline. The macOS trial covers HSK levels 1–4, about 3,000 entries, while the full version has over 120,000. Free options are available, and paid access starts at $15.95.
Who it is for
It suits Chinese learners who want dictionary lookup alongside reading and character practice. Offline lookup is available through the macOS dictionary and Chinese Reader for Windows.
What is good
- Search by Chinese, pinyin, English, or wildcard queries
- Text lookup adds pinyin and English definitions
- Includes flashcards, quizzes, and Chinese text input
- macOS dictionary and Windows Reader support offline use
What to know first
- macOS trial is limited to HSK 1–4
- macOS trial covers approximately 3,000 entries
- No standalone mobile apps are listed
Verdict
MDBG combines dictionary lookup with practical reading and study tools, including options for offline use. Check the macOS trial's entry limit and the available Windows and macOS options against your needs.
MDBG Chinese Dictionary plans and pricing
All plansCompared on online dictionaries
- Free plan
- Yes
- Audio pronunciation
- Yes
- Usage examples
- Yes
- Translation lookup
- Yes
- Offline access
- Yes
- Mobile apps
- none
- Languages covered
- 2
