Latest Updates

Word Learning Order

• The default learning order for words in lists has been changed from 'Random' to 'Frequency' (you'll learn words that appear more frequently first). We have also updated this value for all lists previously set to 'Random'. (This means if you'd prefer to learn words at Random, you'll have to manually select 'Random' from learning order within each list.)

Bugfixes

• The End of Study Session "New Words Learned" screen now shows the individual words learned, not just the progress bars for each list. This was the original design from HC 1.0 but had gone missing in 2.0.

Updates

• Linking codes for TCB, Du Chinese, and maayot are now always visible on integration setup pages (even after links are established). Not yet linked to your favorite apps? Head to Settings > Integrations!

Bugfixes

• The garbage icon (to remove words from personal lists directly from the dictionary page) now correctly appears to the left of each list name upon hovering the list name with your mouse.
• Leeches now correctly display "none" for "next review" in the Review Log from the word's dictionary page.

Hotfixes

Two fixes that bring back features from HC 1.0!

• New words now appear blue while studying (same as HC 1.0).
• The end-of-study-session stats now show you your progress with new words again. A bug from 2.0 release prevented these stats from showing.

We are also aware of an issue preventing people from submitting new words to the dictionary for admin approval. We are working on a fix.

Hotfixes

Additional (and more substantial) improvements to dashboard loading speed.

Removed popups from HC 1.0 that announced promotions or new trials. These will come back in the future in a more polished way.

Hotfixes

Improvements to dashboard loading speed.

Hotfixes

Thanks for the emails! More fixes rolling out today:

• Fixed a bug that could occasionally hide the input form when adding words in bulk to a personal list.
• Location of column description popups have been altered on the Words page so as to not hide the data below when mousing over a table row on a desktop.
• Fixed the color of tiles for blocked words and leeches in various places in dark mode.
• Fixed a few dark mode styles on the word status dropdown on dictionary pages.
• Updated the color of the 'close' button on the search screen on mobile devices in dark mode.
• Fixed the way longer compound words look on dictionary pages on mobile devices.
• Fixed a bug where some ancient forms from Outlier were displaying with the incorrect color in dark mode.
• Fixed a bug where various tables in the Foundations Course would cause horizontal scrollbars when on mobile devices.
• Added a few missing graphics to slides in the Foundations course.
• Removed a broken link to "add your school" to the oficial List Catalog.
• Fixed missing text in the 'Assume All' modal in the List 'Bulk Action' screen.
• Removed extra, empty bullet points in the 'Meaning Tree as component' section of the dictionary.
• Fixed the color of links to personal lists that contain the word on dictionary pages when in dark mode.
• Fixed the color of the dotted 'trail' in the Foundations course when in dark mode.
• Fixed a typo on the Words page in the header for 'Mastered' words.
• Fixed a few instances where modals would not apply a backdrop blur.

Day #2 Hotfixes!

Thanks for the emails! Here are the bugs we've squashed in the first 24 hours of Hack Chinese 2.0 going live:

• Bulk list importing should now work properly.
• Fixed a bug preventing some users from viewing dictionary pages.
• Fixed a bug preventing users from enabling "Production" training (English to Chinese) when on mobile devices.
• Fixed a bug that showed only 6 lists in a user's queue. All lists should now be visible.
• Fixed a bug that prevented words from being added to lists from dictionary pages when using the dropdown of lists.

We have a few dozen smaller bugs we are still working through. Keep those emails coming!

We will also be taking several actions to decrease the time to load various pages, especially the dashboard. Thanks for your patience in the coming days as we work through these launch issues!

Introducing Hack Chinese 2.0!

Hack Chinese 2.0 has been a long time coming. This is undoubtedly the largest release for Hack Chinese ever -- even bigger than our original release in 2018. This update includes many new "big-ticket" features, tons of "quality of life" improvements, and a fresh new (yet familiar) design.

I've poured my heart and soul into this project from the very beginning, and every line of code in version 2.0 is no different. I really hope you love it.

On a more personal note, I wanted to share a little about why this update took as long as it did...

由于不想让我的父亲看到这篇内容，我用中文写下这些话。我的父亲患上了阿尔茨海默症，我的生活因此彻底颠覆了。我从香港搬到了美国，以便支持他和我的家人。在2024年，我花了更多时间陪伴家人，并重新适应久别十多年的美国生活，因此Hack Chinese的进展非常缓慢。我由衷地感谢这些年来坚持使用Hack Chinese的每一位用户——是你们的支持让我在美国这段艰难的时间过的容易一点。

I (Daniel) am fired up for the future. More people seem to be interested in learning Chinese. Options for consuming content are expanding. The demand for easy to use, efficient tools is increasing. It really is an exciting time to be learning Chinese, and I'm glad to be along for the ride with all of you!

Now, onto the updates!!

#1 Functional Components from Outlier Linguistics

In Hack Chinese 1.0, we harnessed the awesome power of spaced repetition to help you learn Chinese characters with unmatched efficiency.

In Hack Chinese 2.0, we're supercharging everything with functional components—the building blocks of Chinese characters.

To do this, we've partnered with Outlier Linguistics, whose research into the origins and evolution of Chinese characters is second to none.

Thanks to our collaboration, everything you need to understand the authentic story behind each Chinese character (including ancient forms, component breakdowns, meaning trees, and more) can now be found right in our dictionary.

If you've used Outlier's character dictionary add-on in Pleco but were unsure of how to read, understand, and apply the data... don't worry; we've also built "Foundations," a 15-module course that will get you up to speed in just a few hours.

#2 Reverse Quizzing (English > Chinese)

In Hack Chinese 1.0, we focused on "recognition" training, where you see a Chinese character and are prompted to recall its pronunciation and meaning.

In Hack Chinese 2.0, we've added "production" training where you see English words and are prompted to recall their Chinese pronunciations.

Production training may improve your ability to produce Chinese words when speaking or typing, and we're excited to get feedback on how we've implemented it without increasing your review burden.

To get started, head to Settings > Directions.

#3 Shared Vocabulary Lists

Mark your lists as Private (just for you), Shared (accessible to anyone you share a link with), or Community (accessible to everyone and listed in our community catalog).

If you're in a study group and want to let your friends study from the same lists you've created, this is for you!

#4 Upgraded: Word Management

We're giving you complete transparency into the words we are tracking for you. Search through your words, filter by status, and take actions like memorize, block, or reset, all from one screen.

And, you can override leech status for individual words!

#5 Upgraded: Lists

1. Intra-List Search - Search within a particular list to find the words you're looking for.
2. New "Heatmap" View - See a graphical representation of your progress mastering all the words in a particular list.
3. Learning Order - Change the order in which you learn words from a list (Random, Frequency, FIFO).
4. Visibility - Mark your lists as Private (just for you), Shared (accessible to anyone you share a link with), or Community (accessible to everyone and listed in our community catalog).
5. Bulk Actions - Assume all, un-assume all, memorize all, un-memorize all.
6. Copy Words to List - Copy words from one of your lists into another list.
7. Printable Worksheets - Physical copies of your word lists can be useful for studying offline, showing your tutor, or pinning to your wall. We've included a few pre-made templates, but would love your feedback on what other worksheets would be useful.

There are now six distinct modes when cramming from a single list:

• Weak words only
• Unstudied words only
• Assumed known words only
• Weak + Unstudied
• Weak + Unstudied + Assumed
• Weak + Unstudied + Assumed + Strong

#6 Upgraded: Dictionary Pages

Dictionary pages have received major new features and numerous quality-of-life improvements. Here's what's new:

1. Functional Components - For individual characters, the most obvious change is the inclusion of functional components, meaning trees, and ancient forms -- all thanks to our collaboration with Outlier Linguistics. These are the real stories behind Chinese characters, the only path to true understanding.
2. Word Status - You can now see (and change!) a word's status right from the dictionary.
3. Review Log - See your historical performance of successful reviews and lapses over time.
4. Fast Add - You'll be able to add a word to your most-recently-added-to list with one click, so you don't have to a) click a dropdown and b) select a list. (1 click is better than 2!)
5. Remove from List - Remove words from your lists right from the dictionary.
6. Composites - We've added character composites so you can see words that include the character you're looking at. (eg. If you're looking at '北', you'll see words like 北方 and 北京.)
7. Breakdowns - For multi-character words, you'll see the individual characters that make up the word (eg, if you're looking at '北京', you'll see '北 - north' and '京 - capital').

#7 Upgraded: List Catalog

Our List Catalog has been redesigned, and is now separated into four distinct groups:

1. Official (what's known as the 'List Catalog' today)
2. Community (lists that others have chosen to share with everyone)
3. Personal (the lists you've made -- regardless of their visibility status)
4. Sync - A specific spot for lists that are hooked up to Du Chinese, The Chairman's Bao, or Maayot.

#8 Multi-Cram

Cram from Multiple Lists

You can now cram from multiple lists at the same time. 'Everyday' mode (which considers your entire vocabulary) is still a great choice for daily use, but sometimes you need to focus on the words from just a few lists right now.

#9 Upgraded: Dashboard

Our dashboard has looked the same since 2018. With some experience (and user requests), it's time for an upgrade!

Some widgets have been upgraded or redesigned. Some have been removed. Some are brand new. We think you'll love it, but we can't wait to get your feedback!

#10 - A Fresh New Design

Every screen in HC 2.0 has received lots of attention. Expect more consistent styles, more polished animations, and more considered element placements.

In addition, we've made numerous quality-of-life changes (small features that don't warrant a headline, but will save you a few seconds on actions you perform frequently).

We've also made the beautiful KaiTi Chinese character font the default!

Please report any issues

With all software updates (and especially with updates as large as this one), there are bound to be bugs. If you see something that doesn't look right, from error screens to windows that look out of place or pixels that need adjustments -- please shout! team@hackchinese.com.

Thanks so much and we can't wait to keep delivering even more in 2025 and beyond!