Hanyu

The Hanyu program, developed by bpe and currently at version 1.5, is a unique and easy-to-use tool for practicing Chinese hanzi characters and pinyin. Unlike many other language learning applications, Hanyu stands out because its hanzi set aligns with the course at the CLT in Leuven (specifically the 2004-2005 academic year). Even if users are not enrolled in this course, the program remains highly beneficial, as the hanzi closely follow the progression outlined in the New Practical Chinese Reader 1 textbook.

Hanyu can be found under the Education category, specifically in the Languages subcategory. It supports various operating systems, including Windows XP, 7, and 8, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether one runs hanyi.exe or hanyu.exe, the experience is consistent and reliable.

The program is categorized as Freeware, meaning it is available for everyone to download and use for free. Previous versions are also accessible, but version 1.5 is the most up-to-date offering.

The fact that Hanyu is free to download, combined with its focused curriculum, makes it an exceptional choice for students and enthusiasts aiming to enhance their Chinese language skills.

Pros:

• Aligned with the CLT Leuven course and New Practical Chinese Reader 1.
• Freeware license ensures no cost.
• Supports multiple OS versions including Windows XP, 7, and 8.
• Easy to use and specifically designed for hanzi and pinyin practice.

Cons:

• Limited to the hanzi set related to specific educational courses.
• May not cover advanced levels of Chinese learning.

You may want to check out more software, such as Rincevent or Declan's Italian FlashCards, which might be related to Hanyu.