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MDBG Chinese Dictionary
What it is
MDBG Chinese Dictionary combines Chinese-English and English-Chinese lookup with tools for reading and practicing Chinese. Search words using Chinese, Mandarin pinyin, or English definitions, and use wildcard queries to find entries. Character information can include radical and stroke counts, Mandarin pinyin, Yale and Jyutping Cantonese, Cangjie, and four-corner codes. For longer text, the annotation tool can add pinyin and English definitions inline or in popups. The free online dictionary also offers flashcards, quizzes, Chinese text input, and written Chinese tools; its practice page adds vocabulary web feeds and character flashcards. MDBG offers versions for web, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and browser extensions. The macOS dictionary works offline. Its trial covers HSK levels 1–4, approximately 3,000 entries, while the full version has over 120,000 entries. Chinese Reader for Windows can scan selected text, look up and pronounce Chinese, translate text, and work offline. The free plan is available, and paid access starts at $15.95.
For and against
For
- Search by Chinese, pinyin, or English definitions.
- Character entries can include multiple pronunciation and code systems.
- Text lookup can annotate pinyin and English definitions.
- MacOS and Windows options support offline use.
- Free online dictionary includes flashcards and quizzes.
Against
- MacOS trial covers HSK levels 1–4 only.
- MacOS trial includes approximately 3,000 entries.
- Paid access starts at $15.95.
The verdict
MDBG brings dictionary lookup, text annotation, and study tools together, with different options for web and desktop use. Check the macOS trial’s entry limits and the paid price if you need broader coverage.
Who it suits
It suits Chinese learners who want lookup, text annotation, and character practice in one service. The offline macOS and Windows options may suit readers who need dictionary access without an internet connection.
Plans and prices
MDBG macOS trial
HSK levels 1–4 only · approximately 3,000 entries
Read 14 Oct 2026 · mdbg.net
Online dictionary
Chinese-English and English-Chinese lookup · flashcards · quizzes · text annotation
Read 14 Oct 2026 · mdbg.net
Chinese Reader Free Edition
Browser text selection · English/Chinese/Pinyin lookup · basic Mandarin voice
Read 14 Oct 2026 · mdbg.loqu8.com
Chinese Reader Preview Edition
Windows 10/8/7 · Professional features during trial · no credit card required
Read 14 Oct 2026 · mdbg.loqu8.com
MDBG Chinese-English Dictionary for macOS
Offline dictionary · over 120,000 entries in full version · macOS 10.13–26
Read 14 Oct 2026 · mdbg.net
MDBG Chinese-English Dictionary for macOS trial
No time limit · HSK 1–4 words · Approximately 3,000 entries
Read 7 Oct 2026 · mdbg.net
MDBG free online dictionary
Online dictionary and learning tools
Read 7 Oct 2026 · mdbg.net
On the record
- Browser support
- Chinese Reader support documentation describes enabling browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Character data
- Character entries can show radicals, stroke counts, Mandarin Pinyin, Yale and Jyutping Cantonese, Unihan definitions, Cangjie and four-corner codes.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Character details
- Character entries can show radical and stroke counts, Mandarin pinyin, Yale and Jyutping Cantonese, Cangjie, and four-corner codes.mdbg.net · read 7 Oct 2026
- Chinese input
- The web typing interface supports Mandarin Pinyin, Yale, Jyutping, Cangjie and Fast Cangjie input and can send results to dictionary or translation searches.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Chrome privacy
- The Chrome extension states that its dictionary is bundled locally, makes no API or network requests, and collects no analytics or tracking data.chromewebstore.google.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Company identity
- MDBG's legal page identifies the software publisher as MDBG, Inc.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists MDBG as a privately held online-learning provider with one employee.cn.linkedin.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Customers
- MDBG says it has customers in 179 countries and cites users including the U.S. State Department and the United Nations Office at Geneva.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Customisation
- Paid Windows editions support custom definitions, usage notes, personal dictionaries, dictionary ordering, hotkeys, history and ColorTones.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Desktop licence limits
- The EULA licenses one copy to one device and one user, with home-use exceptions capped at five devices or three residents.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Developer resources
- MDBG links to public Python and PHP parsers for CC-CEDICT data, but the downloadable file itself is only a database and requires a compatible application.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Dictionary and study tools
- The free online dictionary includes Chinese-English and English-Chinese lookup, flashcards, quizzes, text annotation, Chinese text input, and written Chinese tools.mdbg.net · read 7 Oct 2026
- Dictionary data
- The word dictionary is based on CC-CEDICT, whose downloadable data is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0.mdbg.net · read 7 Oct 2026
- Dictionary size
- The downloadable CC-CEDICT release dated 2026-10-14 contains 125,271 entries.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- MDBG publishes feature, installation and editions PDF guides plus an interactive settings guide for Chinese Reader 8.mdbg.loqu8.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Flashcards
- Character flashcards randomize characters, show related words and support HSK levels 1 through 7–9 plus simplified or traditional output.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Licence
- CC-CEDICT data is licensed Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0, allowing commercial use with attribution and share-alike changes.mdbg.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: browser behavior
- A Forumosa user reported that Chrome did not automatically show definitions on hover and required text highlighting.tw.forumosa.com · read 14 Oct 2026
