Duolingo is a great general-purpose language app. Bóyǎ is a different thing: Mandarin (中文), built like a game, for one specific kid — yours, ages 6–13. Here is where they differ, with no spin. Features and prices on other apps change often, so verify the latest on their site.
| What matters | Bóyǎ | General apps (e.g. Duolingo) |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Kids ages 6–13, specifically | A broad, mostly-adult audience across many languages |
| Curriculum | The official HSK 1–5 vocabulary, in order | App-specific path, not always mapped to HSK |
| Method | Spaced repetition (间隔重复) tuned per child | Gamified lessons; spacing varies by app |
| Speaking practice | A live AI voice tutor your child talks to | Usually scripted speaking prompts, not open conversation |
| For the parent | A weekly digest of exactly what was learned | Limited parent-facing reporting |
| Business model | Subscription. No ads. Children can’t buy anything | Often free-with-ads or upsell tiers |
| Writing | Stroke-order practice for every character | Reading/typing focus; handwriting varies |
| Price | HSK 1 free forever; Family $14.99/mo or $119/yr, up to 8 kids | Free tier with ads; paid tiers vary |
If you want one app for many languages, an adult learner, or a totally free option and you don’t mind ads — a general app is a sensible choice. We would rather tell you that than pretend otherwise.
If the learner is a child, the language is Mandarin, and you want it mapped to the HSK curriculum (词汇), with real speaking practice, stroke-order writing, no ads, and proof you can read each week — that is exactly what Bóyǎ is built for.