Wenlin

Wenlin (文林) is the best Chinese word processor and I say this for a couple of reasons. Besides being a wonderful tool for reading, typing and overall learning of Chinese, Wenlin is user friendly.

Microsoft’s Chinese input method actually works quite well too, but say you aren’t 100% sure that the combination of characters they give you is what you want…you have to go look it up. That’s what so good about Wenlin, as you type you can make sure you are inputting the correct characters. The format is a little bit different, and it takes a minute or two to get used to. I have also used NJStar, and Key, neither of which really seemed too user friendly. Dr. Eye was very impressive, but the version I used a couple of years ago didn’t have word processing software, I don’t know if they do now. The only bad thing I can think of about Wenlin is they don’t have an easy way to enter in the Chinese listing comma, but here is what I like:

Copy, Cut & paste any Chinese text, (simplified or traditional) from the internet or word document and if you can’t read the text already, you can scroll over the characters that you don’t know and it will tell you the definition and uses of the word at the bottom of the screen.

Add your own definitions.

See character origins.

Create character flashcards (this can be improved upon though).

Convert traditional to simplified and vice versa.

Wenlin’s definition database is from John DeFrancis’ Chinese –English ABCDictionary, (which I would also recommend to avid Chinese learners.)

Definitions let you see the traditional form as well.

Sample sentences are given with most definitions, to help with correct usage.

Search through radicals, stroke count, pinyin, pinyin plus tones, and English – Chinese capability.