Hi there, it’s Emily! Learning Chinese can seem like a daunting task, especially for kids. But thanks to modern technology, language learning has never been easier—or more fun! With a variety of apps designed specifically for young learners, your child can explore the fascinating world of Mandarin through games, songs, stories, and interactive lessons.

Whether your child is a beginner or already knows a few words, these apps make learning Chinese engaging and accessible. Here’s a roundup of the best apps for kids to learn Chinese, with tips on how to make the most of them.

Top Apps to Help Kids Learn Chinese

Study Cat has a Chinese language for kids app base on its award-winning interactive gameplay…but it’s best suited for very young children (It follow the Cambridge methodology). It’s probably the most fun to use, at least according to 40,000 reviews – but try out the free trial and see what you think!

1. LingoAce

Why It’s Great: LingoAce is a specialized app offering immersive Mandarin lessons designed for kids. It features native-speaking teachers, making it an excellent choice for those serious about learning Chinese.
Best Features:
- Live, interactive classes taught by professional instructors.
- Personalized learning plans based on your child’s age and proficiency level.
- Engaging animations and games to reinforce lessons.
Ideal For: Kids aged 5-12 looking for structured, teacher-led lessons.
Cost: Subscription-based.

2. Duolingo

Why It’s Great: Known worldwide for its gamified learning approach, Duolingo offers a simplified introduction to Chinese, perfect for kids who are just starting out.
Best Features:
- Short, interactive lessons focusing on vocabulary, characters, and pronunciation.
- Fun rewards system with streaks and badges to motivate kids.
- Speech recognition for practicing tones.
Ideal For: Kids aged 8+ who enjoy self-paced, game-like learning.
Cost: Free with optional in-app purchases for premium features.

3. PandaTree

Why It’s Great: PandaTree combines live tutoring with fun, interactive activities, making Mandarin lessons feel personal and engaging.
Best Features:
- One-on-one lessons with native Mandarin speakers.
- Games, stories, and cultural activities tailored to kids.
- Parent progress reports to track learning.
Ideal For: Kids aged 5-15 who need personalized attention and live interaction.
Cost: Subscription-based.

4. ChineseSkill

Why It’s Great: This app gamifies Chinese learning with an emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills, perfect for young learners.
Best Features:
- Lessons organized by themes like animals, numbers, and daily activities.
- Speech recognition to improve tones and pronunciation.
- Progress tracking and achievements to keep kids motivated.
Ideal For: Kids aged 7+ who love interactive, game-like learning.
Cost: Free with premium options available.

5. HelloChinese

Why It’s Great: HelloChinese is beginner-friendly, with lessons tailored to both kids and adults. It’s known for its focus on pronunciation and tone accuracy, which is crucial for learning Mandarin.
Best Features:
- Interactive lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and characters.
- Speech recognition to practice tones.
- Fun mini-games and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Ideal For: Kids aged 8+ who want a comprehensive learning app.
Cost: Free with premium options.

6. Little Chinese Learners

Why It’s Great: Specifically designed for young children, this app teaches Mandarin through songs, videos, and interactive games.
Best Features:
- Songs and rhymes for teaching basic words and phrases.
- Fun activities like matching characters to meanings.
- Ad-free environment safe for kids.
Ideal For: Kids aged 3-6 just starting their Mandarin journey.
Cost: Subscription-based.

7. Lingokids

Why It’s Great: Lingokids offers a playful way to introduce Mandarin to younger kids, with games and songs that make learning feel like playtime.
Best Features:
- Games and activities designed around vocabulary and everyday phrases.
- Parental tools to track progress.
- Offline mode for learning anywhere.
Ideal For: Kids aged 4-8.
Cost: Free with optional premium subscription.

8. Skritter

Why It’s Great: Skritter focuses on character writing and recognition, perfect for kids who need to practice writing Chinese characters.
Best Features:
- Interactive tools for writing characters on a touchscreen.
- Progress tracking for stroke order and accuracy.
- Lessons on vocabulary and tone practice.
Ideal For: Kids aged 10+ who are ready to tackle Chinese writing.
Cost: Free trial, then subscription-based.

9. DinoLingo

Why It’s Great: DinoLingo is a multi-language platform with fun, engaging lessons for kids learning Mandarin.
Best Features:
- Videos, songs, and games covering everyday topics.
- Flashcards for vocabulary building.
- Interactive quizzes to test comprehension.
Ideal For: Kids aged 3-10 who love colorful, animated content.
Cost: Subscription-based.

10. Mondly Kids

Why It’s Great: Mondly Kids uses bright visuals and interactive lessons to make Mandarin learning exciting for children.
Best Features:
- Lessons on greetings, numbers, and daily activities.
- Augmented reality (AR) features for immersive learning.
- Speech recognition for tone practice.
Ideal For: Kids aged 5-12 who enjoy tech-driven learning.
Cost: Free with premium options.

Tips for Parents to Maximize Learning

Set Goals Together: Start with small goals, like learning five new words a week, to build confidence and momentum.
Combine Apps with Real-Life Practice: Use apps alongside bilingual books, flashcards, or watching Chinese cartoons.
Engage in Conversations: Encourage kids to practice new words and phrases with family or friends.
Be Consistent: Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to practice—it’s better than cramming all at once.
Make It Fun: Choose apps with games, songs, and interactive features to keep learning enjoyable.

Why Learn Chinese?

Mandarin is one of the most spoken languages in the world, and learning it opens doors to understanding a rich culture and history. Early exposure to Chinese can improve cognitive skills, enhance career opportunities, and even make learning additional languages easier.

FAQs About Learning Chinese with Apps

Q: Can kids become fluent using these apps?
A: Apps are a great starting point for building vocabulary and confidence, but fluency comes with consistent practice, conversation, and immersion.

Q: Are these apps safe for kids?
A: Yes, many of these apps are designed with kids in mind, offering ad-free environments and parental controls.

Q: What’s the best age to start learning Chinese?
A: The earlier, the better! Kids as young as 3 can begin learning basic words and phrases through songs and games.

Additional Resources for Teaching Kids Chinese

Teaching kids Chinese goes beyond apps—there’s a wealth of resources out there that can make learning Mandarin fun and engaging for children. From educational websites and videos to interactive games and printable worksheets, these tools can help complement your child’s language learning journey. Here’s a roundup of some of the best resources for teaching kids Chinese.

Websites for Learning Chinese

1. Chineasy

What It Offers: Chineasy uses beautiful illustrations to make Chinese characters memorable and easy to learn.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The visual approach simplifies complex characters, making it perfect for younger learners.

2. BBC Bitesize – Chinese

What It Offers: Free lessons and activities on basic Mandarin, including vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural facts.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The bite-sized format is perfect for short attention spans.

3. Mandarin Matrix

What It Offers: Mandarin Matrix provides structured online lessons for kids, focusing on reading, writing, and listening.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The platform aligns with international curriculum standards, offering progressive learning.

4. Chinese for Kids – PandaTree

What It Offers: Live tutoring sessions with native speakers, plus games and interactive activities.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The one-on-one approach helps children practice speaking confidently.

5. Little Chinese Learners

What It Offers: Printable worksheets, videos, and songs for teaching Mandarin to young learners.
Why It’s Great for Kids: A colorful and interactive site designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.

YouTube Channels for Learning Chinese

1. Miss Panda Chinese

What It Offers: Songs, rhymes, and fun activities to teach kids Mandarin basics.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Engaging videos that focus on early language skills.

2. DinoLingo Chinese

What It Offers: Animated videos that teach Chinese vocabulary and simple sentences.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Fun characters and stories keep kids entertained while they learn.

3. Mandarin Click

What It Offers: Step-by-step Mandarin lessons for beginners, including kids.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Clear explanations and practical vocabulary.

4. Cool Panda

What It Offers: Videos that introduce Mandarin through songs and daily activities.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Focuses on conversational Chinese with lively visuals.

Books and Printable Resources

1. Tuttle Chinese for Kids Flash Cards

What It Offers: Flashcards with Chinese characters, pinyin, and English translations.
Why It’s Great for Kids: A tactile way to learn vocabulary while practicing pronunciation.

2. Better Chinese

What It Offers: Storybooks, workbooks, and multimedia tools designed for young learners.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Content is structured to build language skills progressively.

3. Mandarin Companion

What It Offers: Graded readers with simple language for beginner and intermediate learners.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Stories are easy to follow, building reading confidence.

Interactive Games and Tools

1. Fun Chinese by Studycat

What It Offers: Interactive games and activities for vocabulary building.
Why It’s Great for Kids: A playful approach to learning Chinese.

2. Pleco Chinese Dictionary

What It Offers: A robust dictionary with flashcards and stroke order animations.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Great for older kids learning to write characters.

3. Quizlet for Mandarin

What It Offers: Flashcards, games, and quizzes for practicing vocabulary.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Highly customizable and easy to use.

Cultural Resources

1. ChinaSprout

What It Offers: Books, games, and cultural resources to teach kids about Chinese traditions.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Combines language learning with cultural appreciation.

2. My First Chinese Reader

What It Offers: Textbooks and online resources focused on early Mandarin learning.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Introduces language through relatable stories and contexts.

Tips for Teaching Kids Chinese

Make It Visual: Use flashcards, posters, and videos to help kids connect visuals to vocabulary.
Incorporate Culture: Teach kids about Chinese festivals, food, and traditions to make learning more meaningful.
Start Small: Focus on simple phrases and everyday words to build confidence.
Practice Daily: Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference in retention.
Celebrate Progress: Use stickers, certificates, or rewards to keep kids motivated.

Conclusion

Teaching kids Chinese doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right mix of apps, websites, books, and games, you can make learning Mandarin an exciting and enriching experience. Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly—have fun along the way!

What’s your favorite resource for teaching kids Chinese? Let me know—I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Love,
Emily