Many students ask us what is the best Chinese dictionary for Mandarin Chinese studies. They found there are many dictionaries available online and on paper.
In this blog, I will introduce the best digital Chinese dictionary and the best paper Chinese dictionary.
The types of Chinese dictionaries
Basically, there are three types of Chinese dictionaries based on its contents.
- Chinese – Chinese dictionary: Mainly for native speakers and advanced Chinese language students. No English definitions.
- Chinese – English dictionary: Chinese dictionary with English translation for foreigners to learn Chinese or native speakers to study English. Some of them also have an English – Chinese dictionary combined.
- Chinese and English Bilingual Dictionary: Chinese dictionary with Chinese and English definitions. This is for foreigners a native dictionary with English translation.
The best type of dictionary for Mandarin Chinese study is the Chinese and English Bilingual dictionary. This is because you can learn to use a Chinese dictionary like a native speaker.
The best digital Chinese dictionary
Pleco is the best digital Chinese dictionary for Chinese learners at all levels. And it is FREE for basic functions.
Pleco was invented by Michael Love when he was studying in China in the 90s. He initially created this to help him memorise Chinese characters and then became the best digital Chinese-English dictionary. Nowadays, millions of people use Pleco App to learn Chinese.
It is a Chinese dictionary created by a Chinese learner for Chinese learners. It has many useful functions.
You can find more information on the Pleco website.
The best paper Chinese dictionary
The best paper Chinese dictionary is the Xinhua Dictionary (Chinese and English Bilingual) 新华字典 – 汉英双语版.
The Xinhua Dictionary has been a bestseller and the most influential and authoritative dictionary in China for native speakers. Almost every primary student in China has a copy of the Xinhua Dictionary (Chinese version).
It has over 600 million copies print run, with many revisions since the first edition in 1953.
As the most popular Chinese language dictionary, the new 2021 Chinese and English Bilingual version includes more than 13,000 characters as well as 3,000 phrases, which proceed to explain words in contexts such as history, society and culture. The target readers of the dictionary are bilingual Chinese and English learners and translators.
On top of the accurate English explanation of Chinese history, society and culture, this 2021 version also has 10 useful Appendices at the back with English explanations.
How to use the two dictionaries in Chinese study?
Pleco:
I would suggest you download Pleco from day one when you start learning Mandarin Chinese.
Pros:
- It is Free for basic functions.
- Good for all levels and you can purchase useful functions as you need.
- Easy to carry around with your phone. No extra luggage.
Cons:
- Too many functions can be disruptive.
- Mainly translations, not explanations.
- If you search for one English word, you will get too many Chinese words and you may not be sure which to use in what situation.
Xinhua Dictionary Chinese-English Bilingual
Pros:
- The most influential and authoritative Chinese dictionary in China for native speakers
- Learn to explain Chinese in Chinese and this will improve your Chinese language skills very quickly.
- Have English definitions to assist you understand.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners.
- You need to carry it. But you can put it on your desk as decoration and use it at home.
- You need to buy it. But the special edition is collectable. The price on our eBay shop is $68 plus postage. If you contact us directly, we can give you a 10% discount.
In summary, use Pleco when you start learning Mandarin Chinese and refer to it as often as you can; use Xinhua Dictionary when you reached the intermediate level (HSK 3 and over) and use it when you are in a reading mood. I would strongly suggest you get a copy and use it more when you study HSK4 and over.
What to buy Xinhua Dictionary now?
Please visit our eBay shop or contact us for a 10% discount.