Pleco Chinese Dictionary 3.2.93

Pleco presents itself as a comprehensive tool for Chinese language learners, combining a Chinese-English dictionary, document reader, and flashcard system within a single application. Developed by a company with 17 years of specialized experience in mobile Chinese learning software, Pleco offers a range of features designed to support effective study and comprehension.

Major features: ($ = paid add-on)

• Robust dictionaries: The free version includes two comprehensive dictionaries—CC-CEDICT and an in-house PLC dictionary—covering approximately 130,000 Chinese words accompanied by 20,000 example sentences with Pinyin. Additional free resources are available through optional downloads, including a Cantonese-English dictionary with 22,000 entries. Further specialized dictionaries can be purchased as upgrades. ($)
• Handwriting input: Enable lookup of unfamiliar characters by drawing them directly on-screen, powered by a highly accurate recognition engine. (basic version free, enhanced version $)
• Live OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Quickly look up characters or words by pointing your device's camera at them or scanning images. ($)
• Screen Reader/OCR capability: Instantly perform word lookups within other applications via a floating interface, compatible with Android 4.1 and later. (reader free, OCR $)
• Flashcard System: Create flashcards from dictionary entries with one tap, import existing word lists, utilize spaced repetition techniques for efficient learning, and study through various modes such as fill-in-the-blank and tone drills. (simple version free, full features $)
• Audio pronunciation: Listen to native-speaker recordings—male and female—for over 34,000 words instantly. The basic syllable recordings are free; multi-syllable pronunciations require an upgrade. Additionally, example sentences can be heard through system TTS (free or enhanced for more natural speech).
• Advanced search functionality: Search for words using Chinese characters, Pinyin (with or without tones/spaces), or combinations thereof, supporting wildcards and full-text search capabilities.
• Cross-referencing: Tap on any Chinese character or word within entries to directly access its definition.
• Stroke order diagrams: Visual animations demonstrating character strokes—500 available in the free version; an additional 28,000 are included via paid add-on.
• Voice recognition: Use speech input to search for words verbally.
• Document reader: Open Chinese texts or PDFs and quickly look up unknown words through tap; compatible with web pages via Share and clipboard functions. (free) Paid features support querying characters directly from documents or web content. ($)
• PRC and Taiwan dialect support: Support for both simplified and traditional characters across definitions, stroke orders, searches, OCR, and handwriting input. Incorporates Zhuyin (with ruby) and Pinyin annotations for pronunciation details.
• Cantonese language support: Display headwords and perform searches using Jyutping or Yale romanization systems. Additional Cantonese dictionaries and audio resources are available as optional purchases. ($)
• No advertisements: The app operates without ads or promotional prompts for add-ons.

The developer provides dedicated customer support—responses via email are prompt—and maintains an active community at plecoforums.com for user engagement and assistance.

The company has been producing Chinese language dictionary applications since 2000, with a consistent user base across four platforms over the past 17 years. Their long-term users benefit from backward compatibility; for example, dictionaries purchased on early devices remain accessible on newer models without additional charges.

Purchased add-ons are transferable across devices alike other paid apps: simply install the free app on your new device to reactivate your additional resources. Migration options are available for users switching from other operating systems through pleco.com/android.

This application utilizes Accessibility services to support features like the Screen Reader function—helpful in Chinese-speaking regions for users less familiar with Chinese characters.

Follow Pleco on Twitter and Facebook at plecosoft for updates and support information.