Free Editor's pick ★

Zhongwen

Hover dictionary for any Chinese webpage

Last verified: Jul 1, 2026

Zhongwen (Chinese Popup Dictionary) is the most popular Chrome extension for reading Chinese on the web. Hover over any character or word to see pinyin, definitions, and HSK level. Includes a built-in word list exporter for Anki. Essential for turning everyday web browsing into study time.

Pairs well with ReadChinese

Use Zhongwen when reading Chinese news and blogs; use ReadChinese for structured graded story practice.

Pros

  • ✓Works on any webpage
  • ✓HSK level shown
  • ✓Anki export
  • ✓Completely free

Cons

  • −Chrome/Firefox only
  • −No mobile version

Related resources

Freemium

Language Reactor

Dual subtitles for Netflix and YouTube

listeningvocabularyreading
Free

Mandarinspot

Reading helper with pinyin and translation overlay

readingvocabulary
Freemium

Pleco ★

The essential Chinese dictionary app

vocabularyreadingwriting
Freemium

Toucan

Sprinkle Chinese into your daily browsing

vocabularyreading

Read this next

The Robot That Wanted to Be a Bird HSK 2

A free HSK-leveled story with audio narration and word-by-word help. No account needed.

Read this story →