There are dozens of Mandarin apps. For a child ages 6–13, only a few things separate one that sticks from one that gets deleted by Friday. Here are the seven to check — then judge any app, including ours, against them.
The HSK 1–6 framework is the closest thing to a global Mandarin standard. An app aligned to it slots under what schools teach instead of competing with it.
Kids forget. The app should resurface each word right before it slips — that is what turns a Monday lesson into June-retained vocabulary (词汇).
Tones are half of Mandarin. Look for real, responsive speaking — ideally a tutor a child can talk to — not just tapping the right tile.
Characters (汉字) are learned by writing them. Stroke-order practice builds the muscle memory reading alone never will.
For a child: no ads, no behavioral tracking, no open chat or friend search, and purchases gated behind a parent. Verify the safety policy, do not assume it.
You should be able to see what your child actually learned without speaking Mandarin yourself — a plain-English weekly summary beats a vanity streak counter.
A free way to start, a clear price, and cancel-anytime. Be wary of free-with-ads models aimed at children.
Bóyǎ was built against this exact checklist: the full HSK 1–5 curriculum on a spaced-repetition engine, a live AI voice tutor, stroke-order writing, a child-safe and ad-free design, and a weekly parent digest. See the side-by-side with general apps, or start with the free character lessons.
Ages 6–13 is the sweet spot: old enough to read instructions, young enough that tones and characters come easily. Bóyǎ is built specifically for this range.
No. A good app translates progress for you. Bóyǎ sends a weekly digest in plain English showing exactly what your child mastered.
Start free to see if your child engages. Bóyǎ keeps HSK 1 free forever; the Family plan ($14.99/mo or $119/yr, up to 8 kids) unlocks HSK 1–5, the live tutor, and the full map.