MDBG offers English-to-Chinese lookup with Mandarin Pinyin, character definitions, and translation tools.
Zhongwen
Chinese Classical Literature links characters in Chinese classics to English definitions and etymologies.
About Zhongwen
Zhongwen provides Chinese classical texts with each character linked to an English definition and etymology. Characters are shown as images, so no Chinese software is required to view them.
The collection includes the Tao Te Ching, The Art of War, Tang Poems, The Analects, Doctrine of the Mean, The Great Learning, and Classic of Filial Piety. Links to English translations are provided for most works.
Key features
- Each character linked to English definition
- Each character linked to etymology
- Characters displayed as images without Chinese software
- English translation links for most works
- Includes Tao Te Ching, Art of War, Analects
- Includes Tang Poems, Doctrine of the Mean, Great Learning
Best for: Readers working through classical Chinese texts who need character-level definitions and etymology.
Good for
- No Chinese software needed because characters display as images
- Every character links to definition and etymology
- Most works include links to English translations
Watch out for
- English translation links are provided for most works, not all
Zhongwen at a glance
- Website
- zhongwen.com/gudian.htm
- Category
- Education & Learning › Language Learning
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Zhongwen FAQ
Do I need Chinese software to read the texts?
No. Characters are displayed as images.
Are English translations included?
Links to English translations are included for most works.
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