MDBG Chinese Reader

Overview

Chinese Reader's powerful LiveScan, HighlightScan and list (Lookup, Favorites, History) views can be customized to show only the details that interest you. For example in Taiwan, you would probably choose Bopomofo (Zhuyin fuhao) instead of Pinyin.

• Alternate: When enabled, pointing to Simplified Chinese will show Traditional Chinese (and vice versa)
• Pinyin: Shows Pinyin phonetics (most popular, especially in China)
• Bopomofo: Shows zhuyin fuhao (common in Taiwan)*
• Definition: Shows meanings from the MDBG Chinese-English and other dictionaries
• HSK levels: Chinese proficiency levels (1-6) for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi exam. Levels 5 and 6 are advanced; levels 1-2 are elementary*
• Source: Indicate the source of the dictionary or MLX Auto-translation*
• ColorTones: Chinese characters are shown with colors corresponding to each of the 5 tones in Mandarin Chinese*
• Character tone marks: Show tone marks with the Chinese characters
• Tone numbers: Instead of tone marks, show tone numbers*
• Traditional first: In the lists (Lookup, Favorites, History), show the Traditional Chinese first*
• Group bar: Group entries in the list by column header (Starred, Term, Pinyin / Definition, HSK, etc.)*
• Zoom: Enlarge the Chinese text and English definitions. Ideal for viewing character details in classrooms*

*Some settings are available only on Standard and Professional Editions.

Examples include [A] default, [B] Pinyin numbers, [C] Bopomofo, [D] Source with Chinese-German dictionary, [E] Group bar and [F] Definitions disabled.

Tips

• As you develop proficiency in Chinese, start turning off the learning aids (kind of like removing training wheels from your bicycle). Chinese Reader lets you personalize the settings to show just the information you need. For example, turn off Pinyin or Definitions to train you memory while still hearing the auto-pronunciations and seeing the enlarged Chinese characters
• If the Chinese or English text is displayed incorrectly in Chinese Reader, try the recommended fonts (ARPL New Sung and Arial)
• Using Windows XP? You will also need to install Far East Asian language support