MDBG Chinese Dictionary

Overview

MDBG Chinese Dictionary is a Chinese-English and English-Chinese dictionary paired with reading annotation and study tools. It is best suited to learners who want to look up words, work through Chinese text and practise vocabulary in one online service. The free web offering is the strongest reason to choose it; desktop users should distinguish the Windows reader from the offline macOS dictionary.

Key features

Search accepts Chinese characters, Mandarin pinyin or English definitions, and wildcard queries help when you know only part of a word. Character entries can include radical and stroke counts, pinyin, Yale and Jyutping Cantonese, Cangjie and four-corner codes. This makes MDBG useful both for quick translation and for readers trying to identify or study a character through different systems.

Text annotation adds pinyin and English definitions to Chinese passages, either inline or in popups. Flashcards, quizzes, character practice and vocabulary web feeds extend the service into study, while Chinese text input and written-Chinese tools support composition. Audio pronunciation, usage examples and translation lookup round out the reference features.

The word dictionary is based on CC-CEDICT. Its downloadable data is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0, a relevant point for users who want to reuse that data.

Pricing

MDBG is freemium, with paid access from $15.95. The free online dictionary costs nothing and includes the online dictionary and learning tools, making it the clearest starting point for learners who mainly need web access.

Chinese Reader Free Edition is free and provides browser-based text selection, dictionary lookup and basic Mandarin voice. The Preview Edition is also free, but is a billed 14-day trial with Professional Edition capabilities; it is better for evaluating the fuller Windows reader before deciding whether paid access suits you. Chinese Reader can scan selected text, pronounce Chinese, translate text and work offline, and describes automatic translation through Google and Microsoft services. Its support documentation covers Chrome and Firefox extensions.

The macOS dictionary trial is free with no time limit, but is restricted to HSK levels 1–4 and approximately 3,000 entries. The full version has over 120,000 entries, so the trial can serve beginners but gives advanced learners a narrow view of the paid dictionary. The macOS app works offline and supports searches by characters, Mandarin pinyin or English definitions.

The website uses traffic-log cookies for statistical analysis as well as Google Analytics and AdSense cookies. Chinese Reader support points users to guides and documentation and says feedback is the fastest contact route.

Platforms

MDBG lists Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS and browser-extension availability. The online dictionary and learning tools serve web users, while offline access is described for the macOS dictionary and Windows Chinese Reader. The mobile platform listing does not establish a separate mobile app offering, so the strongest documented experience is on the web and desktop.

Who it's for

Choose MDBG if you are learning Chinese and want dictionary lookup alongside annotation, pronunciation and practice without paying for the online tools. It also suits readers who need offline desktop lookup, provided they choose the macOS dictionary or Windows reader for the relevant features. It is less compelling if you need a full macOS vocabulary during a trial or expect one uniform app experience across mobile and desktop.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free online lookup is paired with annotation, flashcards, quizzes and character practice, so learners can move from reference to study in the same service.
• Pros: Multiple search methods and detailed character codes help with more than straightforward English-to-Chinese translation.
• Pros: Separate Windows and macOS options provide offline capabilities for desktop users.
• Cons: The macOS trial covers only approximately 3,000 HSK 1–4 entries, limiting its value for intermediate and advanced learners.
• Cons: Windows Chinese Reader, the macOS dictionary and the online tools are separate offerings, so platform choice matters.
• Cons: The website uses analytics and advertising cookies, which may not suit readers seeking a less tracked web service.

Alternatives

Online Dictionaries is the broader category to browse if MDBG’s Chinese focus is not the right fit.

Choose ABBYY Lingvo instead if you want a freemium dictionary on Android, iOS, macOS or Windows. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries is a better fit for English learners who want free online access to Oxford Advanced Learner’s and Advanced American dictionaries, plus a text checker and word lists.

The Free Dictionary suits readers seeking a broad collection of reference material, including dictionaries, thesauruses and encyclopedias. For a free English reference tool with definitions, synonyms, examples and basic AI suggestions and translations on Windows, consider WordWeb.

dict.cc is a straightforward alternative for free browser-based dictionary use. Larousse Dictionaries suits readers who want free online reference content, with a premium subscription at 99.00.

Linguee is a free option across Android, iOS and web. GoldenDict is worth considering if you want a free dictionary program for desktop platforms and are prepared to download dictionary content separately.

Verdict

MDBG is a strong choice for Chinese learners who want free online lookup, text annotation and practice tools together. Its breadth is more persuasive than any single lookup feature, but the small macOS trial and the separate desktop editions make it important to choose by platform and vocabulary needs. Look elsewhere if you need a broad macOS trial or a simpler single-platform dictionary experience.