Language Resources

ArchChinese

ArchChinese is a good online dictionary for beginners. It allows input in pinyin, Chinese, or English.

zdic.net is a more advanced online dictionary. It offers in-depth information on Chinese characters and their etymology and usage.

Chinese Grammar Wiki

The Chinese Grammar Wiki organizes articles about Chinese grammar by level and then by word, phrase, or idea. Each article includes examples as well as links for further study. This resource is best for beginning, intermediate, and early advanced Chinese learners.

In order to type Chinese characters, you will need to install a Chinese keyboard layout. Keyboard layouts are available for both simplified and traditional characters. You may find keyboard layouts for simplified and traditional characters under different names or in different areas during the keyboard layout installation process.

The most popular Chinese character input methods are pinyin based, so to enter a character, begin typing it phonetically. 

As you type, common characters will appear in a box below your cursor.

You may either continue typing, allowing the input method to select the appropriate character for the pinyin you've entered, or you may select from character list in the box by typing the corresponding number. 

Typing help for Macs

• Set up your computer to type using a Chinese input method layout. Choose from either simplified or traditional characters. We recommend installing the pinyin input method.

Typing help for Windows

• Set up your computer to type using a Chinese input method layout. Choose from either simplified or traditional characters. We recommend installing the pinyin input method.