In one paragraph: Modian Words (墨典单词) is a paid, ad-free vocabulary app for iPhone and iPad. It schedules each word's review on days 1, 2, 4, 7 and 15 — the points where memory is about to fade — so you spend your effort at the moment it pays off most. Word lists and the built-in dictionary work fully offline, and progress syncs across your own devices through iCloud. One-time purchase, no subscription.
How it works
Memory decays fastest in the first hours after learning, then levels off. Reviewing a week later means relearning from scratch; reviewing at the right moment costs a fraction of the effort. That is the whole idea behind spaced repetition, and it is what the app automates.
- Pick a word list. Choose the exam or topic you are working toward.
- Set a daily target. Around 20–40 new words a day is sustainable for most people.
- Learn today's batch. Each word comes with pronunciation, phonetic transcription and example sentences.
- Clear the reviews when they come due. The app decides which words resurface and when; words you miss drop back to a shorter interval.
What is inside
Works without an internet connection
Once a word list is downloaded, the entire study loop runs on-device — new words, reviews and dictionary lookups all work in airplane mode. This matters more than it sounds: subways, flights and international roaming are exactly when you have time to study and no reliable connection. Only list downloads, web translation and iCloud sync need the network.
Built-in offline English dictionary
Definitions live on the device, so lookups are instant and cost no data. Words you look up can be added straight into your current study plan.
Four ways to test recall
Quick test, standard test, spelling test and dictation. All four force you to retrieve the word from memory rather than reread it — the difference that decides whether you still know the word two weeks later.
Capture words from photos
Point the camera at a page, a slide or a sign. The app recognises the English text, splits it into words, shows the definition for each, and lets you add the unfamiliar ones to your list in one tap.
No ads, no feed, no streak guilt
There are no banner ads, no recommendation feed and no social layer. You open the app, clear the day's words, and leave. Because it is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, there is no incentive to keep pulling you back in.
iPhone and iPad, synced through iCloud
One purchase covers both. Progress, notes and review schedules merge automatically inside your own Apple account — not on a developer's server. iPad supports Split View so you can keep reference material open alongside.
Word lists
The lists are organised around Chinese-market English exams, plus general-purpose collections:
- CET-4 / CET-6 — China's College English Test, roughly 4,500 and 6,000 words
- Postgraduate entrance exam (考研英语) — around 5,500 words
- TOEFL, IELTS, GRE — for study-abroad preparation
- Middle school and Gaokao — China's secondary school and college entrance exams
- Programmer English — technical vocabulary
- Custom import — bring your own word list
The exact catalogue depends on the current app version; browse it in the Resources tab.
Price
A single purchase of ¥30 (Chinese App Store), no subscription and no in-app unlocks. Every word list and feature is included. Pricing in other storefronts follows Apple's regional tiers, and the App Store page is always the authority. Occasional promotions apply.
What it is not
- Not a conversation practice or speaking tutor app.
- Not a course platform — there are no video lessons.
- Not available on Android or the web. iOS and iPadOS only.
- Not an English-to-English dictionary — definitions are in Chinese.
Get the app
Modian Words is on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. View on the App Store →