Published by Pleco
Updated September 4, 2025
Chinese dictionary with handwriting, OCR, flashcards, audio, Cantonese, and more
| Version | 3.2.99 |
| Size | 140.2 MB |
| What's New | - Greatly sped up our 'experimental still algorithm' (Settings / OCR) and made it crash less, so we strongly recommend everybody try it out to see if it offers a better combination of speed and accuracy for your needs- Various Google-mandated version compatibility updates |
Pleco Chinese Dictionary is an Android app developed and published by Pleco at Google Play Store on Jan 25, 2012 for Android users. Pleco Chinese Dictionary is so popular that it has gained 1000000 installs so far and growing.
Pleco Chinese Dictionary has emerged as one of the best tools for anyone looking to learn Chinese. With its comprehensive features and easy-to-use interface, it has become a favorite among Chinese language learners.
The user interface of Pleco Chinese Dictionary is both intuitive and sleek. Its features are clearly laid out, making it easy for users to navigate. One of the standout features is the ability to search by drawing and writing characters directly on the screen. This is particularly helpful for those who are still getting familiar with Chinese characters. Moreover, the dictionary can be used offline, which adds a lot of convenience for users without constant internet access.
Pleco Chinese Dictionary offers a variety of tools to help learners. The dictionary breaks down words to individual characters and radicals, which makes it easier to remember new words. It also shows the stroke order for writing characters, assisting learners in mastering the correct writing patterns. Additionally, there is a flashcard system for practicing and memorizing new vocabulary, making it a customizable learning experience.
The app features audio pronunciations, detailed definitions, and various examples to give context to words and phrases. It also supports various Chinese languages such as Traditional Chinese and Cantonese. These features make Pleco Chinese Dictionary versatile for different learning needs. Moreover, the integration of Bopomofo along with Pinyin aids in pronunciation, offering more ways to learn the language.
One of the app's highlight features is the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function, which allows users to scan Chinese text and get instant translations. This is particularly useful for reading Chinese manga or other printed materials. The OCR function simplifies the process of looking up words by allowing users to take a picture or scan the text directly, offering an immediate translation without manual input.
The flashcard system in Pleco Chinese Dictionary is another valuable tool. It is highly customizable and allows users to create their own decks based on the words they are learning. This feature is especially useful for students or anyone serious about gaining fluency in Chinese. The flashcards also include drawing overlays, enabling users to practice their stroke order directly on the app.
Beyond being a dictionary, Pleco also sells graded readers through the app, which are books specifically designed for language learners at different skill levels. This feature is excellent for learners looking to expand their reading comprehension in a structured way. Moreover, the app provides useful examples and has various modes to discover new words, making it a powerful tool for writing practice and enhancing vocabulary.
Pleco Chinese Dictionary boasts a vast and detailed dictionary database, capturing a wide array of characters and words. Users appreciate the app’s depth, as it includes tabs for sentences, stroke orders, and the breakdown of words into their components. This level of detail aids in understanding the intricacies of the language, making it an essential resource for serious learners.
Overall, Pleco Chinese Dictionary is highly recommended for anyone serious about learning Chinese. Its rich functionality, ease of use, and comprehensive features make it an unparalleled tool for enhancing Chinese language skills.
Yes, you can run Pleco Chinese Dictionary on PC, but first, you will need emulator software installed on your Windows or MAC, which you can download for free. In the below video, you will find Pleco Chinese Dictionary in action. Before you install the emulator, check out the minimum and recommended system requirements to run it seamlessly. They may change depending on which version of the emulator you choose. Therefore, we recommend you download the latest version of the emulator. Below you will find three free Android emulators that we have shortlisted based on their popularity:
Up to date graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.
Storage: 1 GB available under installation path, 1.5GB available hard drive space
Internet: Broadband Internet connection
Regardless of which Android emulator you install, the steps to install, configure, and running the Pleco Chinese Dictionary app on PC are the same.
