Best Chinese screensaver for learning words 🖥

I built the best simple, modern, and high-quality Chinese 'word of the day' screensaver for macOS to help with learning Mandarin.

Download Screensaver

It works by displaying Mandarin Chinese words, alongside English definitions, along with example Chinese sentences that are level-appropriate for the word.

As well, it also displays the pinyin and tones. So, when my computer goes to sleep, the monitor switches the screensaver on and I can still learn new words as I walk by.

It also serves as a useful reminder throughout the day to keep learning.

Link to this headingFeatures

• Learn Mandarin using word lists from HSK 1 - HSK 6 (levels of fluency*).
• Displays pinyin, tone, (simplified) character, English definition, and example Chinese sentences for each word.
• Words rotate every 10 seconds.
• Compatible with multi-monitor setups (displays on all monitors).

*More information on HSK levels can be found here. New HSK 1 - 9 lists coming soon.

Link to this headingHow to get started

1. Download the screensaver, unzip it, and double click on the .saver file.
2. Select HSK list you want to learn in macOS Settings
   
3. (Optional) Set a hot corner to activate the screen saver

This project was inspired by Apple's Word of the Day screensaver built into the Mac (which unfortunately only supports English and Japanese).

I've also open-sourced all of the code and files/resources for this screensaver on GitHub.

If you think of any improvements or run into issues, feel free to create an issue on GitHub (or even contribute to it!).

And if you're curious what HSK level you are in Mandarin, check out this free tool I worked on here.

Best of luck on your language-learning journey.