Hack Chinese is a browser‑based spaced‑repetition platform focused solely on Mandarin. It prioritizes review of weak items before introducing new words, offers curated HSK/textbook lists and granular progress analytics, and supports both simplified and traditional characters. Sessions are time‑boxed, keeping reviews short and consistent.
Category: Mandarin
Website: https://www.hackchinese.com/
Retention‑first algorithm
Time‑boxed sessions
Detailed progress analytics
Curated and de‑duplicated HSK/textbook decks
Simplified and traditional support
Browser access on any device
20‑day free trial
Hack Chinese is a web‑only SRS built to make large‑scale vocabulary retention practical. The platform tracks every word you learn and schedules reviews at optimal intervals, displaying rich charts so you can visualize progress.
Hack Chinese works for all learners who need an efficient way to lock in thousands of Mandarin words.
Create a free account in your browser, take the placement test, and import or select pre‑made HSK or textbook decks. Set a daily time goal and enable simplified or traditional character mode.
Log in each day, review the queue until the timer ends, then learn a handful of new words suggested by the algorithm. Use arrow keys or swipes to mark known/unknown, read the example sentences, and track progress on the dashboard. Add new vocabulary from readings to your personal list as you encounter it.
Keep sessions to 10‑15 minutes to avoid fatigue, and enable the retention‑first slider to strengthen weak items before tackling fresh words. Tag decks by textbook or topic so duplicates auto‑merge and your stats stay clean.
Requires a paid subscription after the 20‑day trial and currently lacks an offline mobile app. Rare slang or niche words may be missing, and review backlogs can grow if you skip days.