How to use ZiMatch

1. Choose a recognition game

Word Matching shows five Chinese–English pairs in two stable columns. Select one tile on each side to connect a word with its meaning. After a correct match, its replacement occupies the same slots but stays temporarily unavailable. The wait shortens when the usable board is running low, keeping fast rounds moving.

Word Pillar presents one prompt with five possible answers. Choose the matching answer to advance. Its pace and layout are independent from Word Matching.

2. Set the direction and pace

Choose English → 汉字 to recognize Chinese forms from meanings, or 汉字 → English to recognize meanings from Chinese vocabulary. Untimed mode lets you work without a clock. Timed mode counts down from the limit you select.

Sets range from 10 to 100 words. You can show pinyin beneath Hanzi or hide it when you want to rely more heavily on character recognition. Starting a new round applies the current settings.

3. Work through the supplied curriculum

ZiMatch begins with an unlocked curriculum block and expands it in groups of 50. Choosing a larger set automatically unlocks enough distinct words to build that round. The Word Library shows the vocabulary currently available to you, supports search, and lets you inspect or reset an individual word's statistics.

Round selection is weighted rather than fixed. Not-yet-practiced words receive a modest boost, and misses increase the chance that a word returns in a later round. Correct words remain eligible, so practice stays mixed.

4. Understand completion, history, and streaks

A completed round records the game, result, mistakes, and completion time in Practice History. Finishing a full, non-timeout round records that local calendar day for your streak. Extra rounds on the same day add practice history without adding extra streak days.

5. Keep progress locally or sync it

No account is required. ZiMatch stores settings, word statistics, recent rounds, and streak dates in this browser. Optional email sign-in uses a magic link and Supabase to synchronize the learning record between devices. The browser copy remains available when you sign out. Read Privacy for details.

A simple way to use it

Start with a short untimed set and visible pinyin while learning the controls. Hide pinyin or add a timer when you want a harder recognition pass. Regular short rounds can complement lessons, reading, listening, and speaking practice; ZiMatch does not prescribe a guaranteed schedule or replace those activities.

Frequently asked questions