The same story, written for what you know.
We had HanziTales write chapter 1 of one story for readers who know different words. Say roughly how many words you know, then open any version: the underlined words are the ones new to you, with pinyin over them.
Why aren't the versions the same story word for word?
Each version is its own book: the same plot and characters, planned and written for its reader's words and chapter length, so the scenes differ a little too. A first chapter also has to set up the story, so it brings in more new words than the chapters after it. You also choose how many chapters a book has: more chapters leave room for a richer story, with more characters, subplots and turns.
Starts at the level you picked. A short story checks it. Free account.
Free to start. Your books and words sync on every device.
Same size, different words
These two readers know about as many words, but not the same ones. Each chapter is written from its own reader's words, so each reads easily for one and less so for the other. A graded reader can only match your level; HanziTales matches your words.
Short, medium, long
The same reader's chapter 1 at three lengths. You choose how much you read in a chapter; longer chapters get further into the story.
How it works
Find your level
Read a short story and tap the words you don't know. That's the whole test.
Read books made for you
Each chapter uses the words you know, plus a few new ones to learn.
Words come back
Words you tap return in quick quizzes, right before you would forget them.
Why stories at your level
Reading research finds that a text reads comfortably when you know about 98% of its words (Hu & Nation, 2000). Most texts for learners either miss that and send you to the dictionary every line, or stay so simple they never grow. HanziTales writes every chapter from the words you know and the ones you're learning, adds only as many new words as you choose, with pinyin over them, and brings them back until they stick.
Questions
How much Chinese do I need?
None to about 3,000 words. The level test places you, and each book is written for that level.
Is it free?
Starting is free: the account is free and needs no card.
Simplified or traditional characters?
Simplified characters, with pinyin you can show or hide.
What do I need to use it?
A browser, on a phone, tablet or computer.