Chinese idioms,
always in sight.
Chinese idioms, with the context to use them. Keep one on your Home Screen, then tap to open the full explanation.
One idiom in view.
A full explanation
one tap away.
Home Screen widgets and the Today lesson.
Know when
the words fit.
Find it. Save it. Revisit it.
Search by Chinese, pinyin, or meaning. Save useful idioms and return to them in short flashcard sessions.
Reading and review work offline. No account required.
Understand the context.
Meaning, usage notes, and four examples for every idiom.
Come back to what matters.
Save useful idioms and revisit them with flashcards.
A meaning is only the start.
Usage notes and four examples for every idiom.
水滴石穿
Encouraging · conversational
Steady effort can overcome a hard task
Literally, “Dripping water wears through stone.”
When to use it
Use to encourage small efforts continued over time.
It describes persistence, not a fast result or brute force.
In conversation
每天练习一点，水滴石穿，总会有进步。
Practice a little every day; steady effort will bring progress.
Learn the image behind the words, and when they belong in a sentence.
Read the full lessonYour Home Screen.
A little more Chinese.
Four Home Screen widget styles, in two sizes. Tap to open the full explanation.
A small widget keeps the idiom, pinyin, and meaning in view. A medium widget adds an example.
Widgets follow your app collection. Daily idioms repeat through that collection; iOS controls refresh timing.
A collection to keep.
Read offline, save useful idioms, and come back to them with flashcards.
| Your collection | Free | Almanac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Complete idioms | 20 | 1,000+ |
| Saved idioms & review | Free collection | Full collection |
| Home Screen widgets | All four styles | All four styles |
| Browse by topic | Not included | Included |
| Payment | Free | One-time purchase |
Daily idioms repeat through your app collection. No ads or subscription.
Before you start.
Who is Almanac for?
Intermediate Mandarin learners who want to understand and use chengyu. Explanations are in English.
Does it work offline?
Reading, search, saved idioms, and flashcards work offline. Pronunciation depends on the Mandarin voices available on your device.
Can I use traditional Chinese?
Yes. Switch between simplified and traditional Chinese in Settings.
Do I need an account?
No. Progress stays on your device. There is no cloud sync.