Start Learning Mandarin for Free: HSK 1–2 Vocabulary in ZenHanzi
Start Mandarin vocabulary practice with free HSK 1–2 in ZenHanzi. Read Hanzi, pinyin with tones, and English meanings on your Android lock screen.
HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary is free in ZenHanzi, an Android app by Codiosity. You can start with those levels and read Hanzi, pinyin with tone marks, and English meanings on your lock screen wallpaper. HSK 3–9 levels and the AllAccess pack are available through in-app purchases.
If you are beginning Mandarin, choose one level first and a daily word count that leaves room to revisit what you read. Use the displayed word for a short practice: notice its written form, pay attention to the pinyin, read its meaning, then return to the pair on another occasion.
What is free, and what can you purchase?
- HSK 1 and 2: vocabulary at these two levels is free to start practising with ZenHanzi.
- HSK 3–9 and AllAccess: optional access through in-app purchases when you want to use vocabulary at further levels.
Try your first routine with HSK 1–2. When you want to add levels, check the packs and purchase information displayed in the app. Choose based on the materials you are studying and the vocabulary practice you need.
Set up your first practice on Android
- 01Install ZenHanzi from its official Google Play listing on a compatible Android device, then follow the setup and permission instructions in the app.
- 02Choose HSK 1 or 2 and the number of words you want to practise per day. Start with an amount you can comfortably read and review.
- 03Set up your learning wallpaper and a rotation option that suits you. ZenHanzi offers timer-based or unlock-based rotation; follow the app instructions for settings on your device.
Once you have set it up, choose a moment your day already contains, such as checking the time before starting work. Give one displayed word your attention, then continue your activity. You decide when to read it and when to return.
Read the Hanzi, pinyin, and English meaning
- Hanzi: notice the shape of the written Mandarin word on screen.
- Pinyin with tone marks: read the written pronunciation and pay attention to the tone marks.
- English meaning: connect the Hanzi and pinyin with the meaning provided.
Work through these parts at a comfortable pace. If an English meaning is unfamiliar, check it in a dictionary before making your own meaning connection. For pronunciation practice, listen to examples from audio materials or a Mandarin teacher while following the pinyin and tones.
Review it yourself today, then return tomorrow
After reading one word, try recalling its English meaning in your mind. When you see the word again on another occasion, reread it and compare it with what you remembered. If your answer differs, give the Hanzi, pinyin, and meaning another look, then continue at your own pace.
Tomorrow, return to your chosen level and notice which words still need another reading. Keep a daily word count that gives you room to review. Adjust it once you know what fits your routine, using the HSK-level vocabulary available in the app.
Vocabulary is available offline
ZenHanzi provides vocabulary you can use offline, so you can read that material when you have no connection. Downloading the app, making purchases, or opening links to learning resources may still require internet access. Set up the app and your chosen access before relying on it for practice while travelling.
Build on word practice with real usage
Use this practice alongside reading, audio materials, conversations, or Mandarin classes. Once you recognise a word meaning, look for examples of how it is used in sentences through those resources. Our look, read, recall guide can also help you arrange a short review of a word you are learning.
- Explore ZenHanzi features and FAQThe official Codiosity product page for the Android Mandarin vocabulary app.https://codiosity.com/en/work/zenhanzi
- Feature and pack source: ZenHanzi on Google Play (checked 12 October 2026)The official listing to try the app and check free HSK access, additional packs, and vocabulary features.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.respawnsociety.zenhanzi
- The look, read, recall guidePractise checking a meaning when you meet the same word again.https://codiosity.com/en/about/insights/zenhanzi-lihat-baca-ingat-kosa-kata-mandarin
- Baca panduan mulai gratis ini dalam bahasa IndonesiaThe Indonesian version of this guide to starting with free HSK 1–2 vocabulary.https://codiosity.com/about/insights/zenhanzi-mulai-gratis-kosa-kata-hsk-1-2
Frequently asked questions
Are HSK 1 and 2 free in ZenHanzi?
Yes, HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary is free in ZenHanzi for Android. You can choose those levels to start practising; HSK 3–9 and the AllAccess pack are available through in-app purchases.
How do I start learning Mandarin for free on Android?
Install ZenHanzi from its official Google Play listing, follow the setup and permission instructions, then choose the free HSK 1 or 2 vocabulary. Set your daily word count and learning wallpaper, then read the displayed Hanzi, pinyin with tone marks, and English meaning. Review the word yourself when you meet it again.
Can I use ZenHanzi vocabulary offline?
ZenHanzi vocabulary is available offline once the app and your chosen access are ready. Downloading the app, making purchases, or opening links to learning resources may still require internet access.
What does a ZenHanzi learning wallpaper display?
A ZenHanzi learning wallpaper displays Hanzi, pinyin with tone marks, and English meanings. You can read those three parts to practise vocabulary at the HSK levels available in the app.
Do I need to purchase a pack to start using ZenHanzi?
You can start with the free HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary in ZenHanzi. HSK 3–9 and AllAccess are optional access choices through in-app purchases; check the pack information displayed in the app when you want to add levels.
How can I build on beginner vocabulary practice with ZenHanzi?
Use ZenHanzi vocabulary alongside audio materials, reading, conversations, or Mandarin classes. Listen to pronunciation examples and look for sentence usage through those resources to build on your Hanzi, pinyin, and word-meaning practice.