Words to try
These short glosses illustrate useful searches. A full entry can include other meanings. Choose a word to open its dictionary results.
Search by characters, pinyin or meaning
Paste a word such as 学习, enter xuexi without tone marks, or use an English word such as “study”. Numbered pinyin such as xue2 xi2 can narrow the pronunciation. If a Latin query can be read as both pinyin and a meaning, choose the interpretation that matches your search.
Check the pronunciation and the sentence
An entry may have several meanings or more than one reading. Compare the pinyin with your sentence before choosing a definition. Open the available examples to see the word in context. Stroke-order graphics, device pronunciation and recorded audio are available for supported words and characters; they do not cover every entry.
Save words and review them
Save a word in the dictionary, then open Study to practise it. Favorites, custom lists and review dates share the same browser workspace. Daily review collects due words across your lists. Optional iCloud sync connects lists and word progress with the same Apple ID in Laowai; app sync requires Laowai Pro and Laowai 5.3.13 or later.
Definitions and sources
English definitions come from the app’s dated CC-CEDICT snapshot. French and Ukrainian meanings use separate sources and have different coverage. The sources page explains licences, dates and review limits. Original grammar lessons and short readings are available in English, with pinyin and translations.
Continue learning
- Grammar lessons
- Short readingsPinyin toolFor teachers
- Official HSK word lists
- Word meanings and examples
- Dictionary sources and licences
- Study saved words
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