Hanzi Rush (汉字冲刺) is a free web and mobile application for learning Chinese characters (Hanzi). It uses Speed-FSRS, an adaptive spaced repetition algorithm that optimizes review intervals based on both accuracy and response speed. It supports HSK 2.0 (levels 1-6), HSK 3.0 2021 standard (levels 1-9), YCT (levels 1-4), and 214 Kangxi radicals with 17,981 vocabulary entries.

Yes. HSK levels 1-2 are free forever with all 6 training modes and unlimited sessions. Premium unlocks HSK levels 3-9, advanced analytics, and priority support.

What is Speed-FSRS and how is it different from regular spaced repetition?

Speed-FSRS is an enhanced version of the FSRS-5 spaced repetition algorithm. Unlike traditional SRS that only considers whether you got an answer right or wrong, Speed-FSRS also factors in how fast you responded. Faster correct answers indicate stronger memory, resulting in longer review intervals. This reduces unnecessary reviews while ensuring difficult characters are seen more often.

Which HSK levels does Hanzi Rush support?

Hanzi Rush supports both HSK standards: HSK 2.0 (levels 1-6, ~5,000 characters) and HSK 3.0 2021 (levels 1-9, 11,092 entries). It also includes YCT levels 1-4 (630 entries for younger learners) and all 214 Kangxi radicals with stroke order animations.

How is Hanzi Rush different from Duolingo or other Chinese learning apps?

Hanzi Rush focuses specifically on Chinese character mastery rather than general language courses. Key differences: (1) Speed-FSRS algorithm adapts to your response speed, not just accuracy; (2) 6 specialized training modes including stroke order animation and brush-style writing practice; (3) Full HSK 3.0 (2021) support with 11,000+ entries; (4) Database-backed progress that persists across devices; (5) Offline-first mobile app with automatic sync.

Does Hanzi Rush work offline?

Yes. The web version works as a Progressive Web App (PWA) with offline support. The mobile app (iOS and Android) is fully offline-first — you can train without an internet connection, and your progress automatically syncs when you reconnect.

What training modes are available?

Hanzi Rush offers 6 training modes: (1) Learning — study new characters with pinyin and translations; (2) Test — recall characters under time pressure; (3) Quick Challenge — rapid-fire speed drills; (4) Voice Input — speak pinyin using speech recognition; (5) Stroke Order — watch animated stroke sequences; (6) Writing Practice — draw characters with brush-style calligraphy and ink effects.

Features — Hanzi Rush

Everything you need to master Chinese characters — powered by a speed-aware spaced repetition algorithm.

Speed-FSRS Algorithm

Hanzi Rush uses Speed-FSRS, a custom extension of the open-source FSRS-5 spaced repetition algorithm. While standard FSRS-5 schedules reviews based solely on whether you got the answer right or wrong, Speed-FSRS also factors in how quickly you responded.

A correct answer given in 1.2 seconds indicates stronger memory than the same correct answer given in 8 seconds. Speed-FSRS captures this signal by mapping response time to a continuous difficulty modifier, producing more accurate review intervals and reducing unnecessary repetitions.

Based on FSRS-5 (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) by Jarrett Ye
Response-time weighting for finer-grained memory estimation
Per-character stability, difficulty, and elapsed-day tracking
Automatic interval adjustment — no manual "easy/hard" buttons needed

6 Training Modes

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Learning Mode

Study new characters with contextual hints. Pinyin appears after 3 seconds to encourage active recall before revealing the answer. Mistakes don't affect your statistics, so you can explore freely.

⚡

Test Mode

Speed-based assessment where every response is timed. No hints — results directly feed the Speed-FSRS algorithm to calculate optimal review intervals. Your accuracy and response time shape future sessions.

⏱️

Quick Challenge

5-minute timed challenge. Race through as many characters as possible before time runs out. Great for daily warm-ups or building speed under pressure.

🎤

Voice Mode

Speak the pinyin out loud and the app evaluates your pronunciation using the Web Speech API. Trains tonal accuracy and builds speaking confidence alongside character recognition.

✍️

Stroke Order

Watch animated stroke-by-stroke demonstrations for any character. Then practise by drawing each stroke in the correct order on screen. Uses the Make Me a Hanzi open-source dataset.

🖊️

Writing Practice

Full character writing with real-time stroke validation. Draw entire characters on a canvas and receive instant feedback on stroke accuracy, order, and proportions.

HSK & YCT Content

Hanzi Rush ships with 17,981 entries covering the full range of official Chinese proficiency standards:

HSK 2.0 (Classic)

6 levels, ~5,000 words. The pre-2021 standard still used by many textbooks and courses.

HSK 3.0 (2021 Standard)

9 levels (HSK 1-9), ~11,000 words. The current official standard from the Chinese Ministry of Education.

YCT 1-4

Youth Chinese Test for children and teenagers (ages 6-15). 4 levels with cumulative word lists.

214 Kangxi Radicals

The building blocks of all Chinese characters. Master these to decode unfamiliar characters by recognizing their components.

Gamification

Stay motivated with a built-in progression system designed to reward consistency:

XP System — Earn experience points for every training session. Points scale with accuracy and speed.
10 Levels — Progress from Beginner to Legend as you accumulate XP. Each level unlocks a new title.
Streaks — Track consecutive days of training. The app records both your current and longest streaks.
22 Achievements — Unlock badges for milestones: first session, 100% accuracy, 1000 characters learned, training at 6 AM, and more.

13 UI Languages

The entire interface — navigation, training instructions, settings, achievements, and legal pages — is fully translated into 13 languages:

English, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese

Language detection is automatic based on browser settings, with manual override available in Settings. All translations are human-reviewed.

AI Dictionary

Look up any character and get AI-powered explanations covering meaning, usage context, etymology, and example sentences. The AI dictionary uses a multi-provider architecture with automatic fallback:

6 LLM providers with priority-based routing
Automatic fallback if primary provider is unavailable
Explanations contextualised to the character's HSK level
Related words and compound examples

Comparison

How Hanzi Rush compares to other Chinese learning apps:

Feature	Hanzi Rush	Duolingo	Skritter	HelloChinese	Pleco
Price (free tier)	HSK 1-2 free forever	Limited daily	No free tier	Limited free	Free dictionary
SRS Algorithm	Speed-FSRS (speed-aware)	Proprietary	SM-2 based	Basic SRS	SM-2
Training modes	6 modes	2-3 modes	2 modes	4 modes	3 modes
HSK 3.0 (2021)	HSK 1-9	Partial	HSK 1-6	HSK 1-6	HSK 1-6
Stroke order	Animated + quiz	No	Yes	Basic	Static
Voice input	Yes (pinyin)	Yes (sentences)	No	Yes	No
AI Dictionary	6 LLM providers	No	No	No	No AI
UI languages	13	Many	1 (English)	5	1 (English)
Kangxi radicals	214 dedicated	No	Partial	No	Lookup only
Offline mode	PWA + SW cache	Premium only	Yes	Premium	Yes