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China · Education & LanguagesYoudao
Look up words, translate text or photos, and take online courses through Youdao, NetEase's education platform and China's leading dictionary and translation app.
What it helps with
- Translating menus and signs with the cameraPoint the camera at Chinese text to see an English translation over the picture.
- Speaking with someone in ChineseConversation mode translates spoken English and Chinese back and forth.
- Looking up words with examplesThe dictionary gives pinyin, pronunciation and example sentences.
About Youdao
Youdao (网易有道, NYSE: DAO) is a Chinese intelligent-learning company founded in 2006 as a subsidiary of NetEase, one of China's largest internet companies. It started as Youdao Dictionary, now used by more than 500 million people and widely regarded as China's leading dictionary and translation app, and later expanded into online courses, exam-prep content, and AI-powered learning hardware like its Dictionary Pen translation devices. Youdao's language-learning and dictionary tools weathered China's 2021 crackdown on after-school K-12 tutoring better than many pure tutoring platforms, since core products serve adult learners and general reference use rather than school-curriculum tutoring.
Key Features
- Multilingual Dictionary and Translation: Look up words and translate text between Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French and other languages, with offline support for common language pairs.
- Camera Translation: Point your camera at text - a menu, sign, or document - to get an instant translation without typing.
- Exam-Prep and Language Courses: Structured courses for English proficiency tests (CET-4/6, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT) and general language learning.
- AI Learning Devices: Hardware like the Youdao Dictionary Pen pairs with the app for tap-to-translate and interactive reading support.
How to Get Started
- Download the Youdao Dictionary app (or Youdao Translate for dedicated translation features).
- Search for a word, phrase, or use the camera translation feature to look up unfamiliar text.
- Browse Youdao Classroom or the course platform for structured lessons if you want a full course rather than quick lookups.
- Save vocabulary to your personal word list for later review.
Before you use it
- Good to know: Youdao is made by NetEase and works normally inside mainland China, where Google Translate is not accessible.
- Limits: Offline translation packs and some advanced features require the paid membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Youdao work with a foreign bank card in China?
- Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
- Is Youdao available in English?
- Yes, Youdao has an English-language interface.
- Do I need a local phone number to use Youdao?
- No, an international phone number generally works for Youdao.
- Do I need local ID or residency for Youdao?
- No, Youdao doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use Youdao?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does Youdao cost?
- Free with ads; paid membership adds offline and premium features
