[Updated for 2025] 12 free Chinese translation and text reading services
May 28, 2025
![[Updated for 2025] 12 free Chinese translation and text reading services](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/chinese-translate-tts-2025-tmb_930.webp)

A must-see for those who want to listen to the results of Chinese translations!
In this article, we will introduce recommended methods, from translating text into Chinese to converting it into speech , from the perspective of users who actually use Chinese-related services.
By combining a free translation app with a text-to-speech tool , you can learn Chinese efficiently and acquire accurate pronunciation.
In particular, by linking the high-quality text-to-speech service "Ondoku" with various translation tools, you can create high-quality Chinese translation audio.
If you would like to know the recommended method that anyone can use to easily convert Chinese translations into audio without the need for installation, please read to the end.
[Free] Recommended AI speech-to-text service for creating Chinese audio for translation
If you want to have the translated Chinese text read out loud, we recommend the free app "Ondoku" !
"Ondoku" is an AI reading service that uses the latest AI to allow anyone to easily read Chinese.
You can freely change the reading speed , making it perfect for studying Chinese pronunciation !
It supports reading not only Mandarin but also local dialects and Cantonese , so you can add more realistic audio to video content aimed at China.
We are sure that everyone, from those who are just learning Chinese to Chinese language experts, will be satisfied!
Why not try using "Ondoku" to read out your translated Chinese text?
[Free of charge] What are the key points for Chinese translation and text reading?
First, we will briefly introduce the key points of Chinese translation and text reading.
We recommend using a free text-to-speech tool to convert Chinese translations into audio.
The most effective way to convert Chinese translations into audio is to use a dedicated AI text-to-speech tool .
While translation apps often have a voice function, dedicated text-to-speech tools are superior in terms of sound quality and naturalness.
By using a high-quality text-to-speech service like Ondoku , you can get more natural, easier-to-understand Chinese audio.
There are many free text-to-speech tools available , so you can try out converting Chinese translations into audio without worrying about the cost.
The AI reading service uses the latest AI technology called deep learning to learn native pronunciation from large amounts of Chinese audio.
This means that translated Chinese text can be read out loud with native pronunciation.
AI services are recommended for Chinese translation (free services available)
With the recent development of AI technology , the accuracy of Chinese translation has improved dramatically .
In the past, automatic translation often resulted in errors, but now even free translation app services can translate Chinese with a high degree of accuracy.
AI translation services can now understand context and provide more natural and accurate translation results.
These technological advances have created an environment where anyone can easily enjoy high-quality Chinese translation and audio learning.
In what situations are Chinese translation and text reading useful?
The first situation in which Chinese translation is useful is when studying pronunciation.
When learning Chinese, knowing the correct pronunciation is very important.
Because Chinese is a tonal language, the same pronunciation can have a completely different meaning if the tone is different.
By listening to Chinese sentences, you can learn accurate pronunciation and intonation .
This is especially recommended when you write your own sentences.
By having AI read out the sentences you write while studying Chinese, you can learn the rhythm of native pronunciation and how to take pauses.
How to link translation tools with text-to-speech
It's very easy to combine Chinese translation and text to speech .
First, translate Japanese to Chinese using a translation app such as DeepL, Google Translate, Baidu Translate, or Youdao.
Next, copy and paste the translated Chinese text into a text-to-speech service such as Ondoku .
All you have to do is have the text-to-speech service read out the Chinese translation!
It is easy to follow and requires no special skills or knowledge, making it perfect for Chinese beginners .
By combining a free translation app with a text-to-speech tool, you can learn Chinese audio at a low cost and with high quality .
[Free] 5 Recommended Chinese Translation Services
Now, I would like to introduce some recommended Chinese translation services that I have selected as someone who actually studies Chinese.
1. DeepL: Recommended AI translation service for those concerned about security
DeepL is an AI translation service that is highly regarded for its natural translation results.
It also demonstrates practical performance in Chinese translation .
However, while DeepL is capable of near-perfect translations for English and other Western languages, it seems to have difficulty expressing finer nuances in Chinese.
When read by a native Chinese speaker, it seems obvious that the writer used a translation service .
This is said to be because the book is first translated into English and then retranslated.
Recommended if you want to translate without using translation services in mainland China .
If you care about security , it is also a good idea to subscribe to a paid plan.
DeepL does not have a text-to-speech function, so it is recommended to use it in combination with a text-to-speech tool such as Ondoku .
2. Google Translate: A recommended translation service for casual use (pinyin included)
Google Translate is the most widely used free translation service and boasts a fairly accurate Chinese translation service.
When translating short sentences, it is possible to translate the meaning of the sentence with accuracy and without any errors .
However, when looking up the meaning of a word you don't understand or translating just one word in your native language, it often doesn't translate to the word you intended.
Also, when read by a native Chinese speaker, it seems like the sentences are immediately obvious as having been machine translated from a foreign language .
Another great feature for those studying Chinese is that the translation results into Chinese are displayed in pinyin.
It also has a reading function, but the downside is that you cannot change the speed.
If you are studying Chinese, we recommend using a service such as "Ondoku" that allows you to change the reading speed.
3. Baidu Translation: A translation service run by a major Chinese company (includes pinyin)
Baidu Translation is a translation service provided by Baidu, China's largest search engine , and is known for its particularly high accuracy in Chinese translation.
It is possible to translate accurately capturing the nuances and expressions of Chinese , and it also supports the latest expressions used in China.
For foreigners studying Chinese, it is also convenient to see the pinyin.
This is a free translation app, but its Chinese language capabilities are comparable to paid services.
It has a high level of translation accuracy for Chinese-specific idioms and cultural expressions, and is recommended for those who want to learn more natural Chinese expressions.
However, unlike AI translation services, it does not have the ability to understand the context of the sentence, so it is not good at creating translations that take into account subtle nuances or slang.
On the other hand, it is less likely to result in unintended translations, making it ideal when you want to translate into simple Chinese sentences.
It is also recommended to use the AI translation service to back-translate Chinese text created in your own language and check for any errors .
4. Youdao Translation: The most popular AI translation service in mainland China
Youdao Translation is a translation service provided by NetEase, a major Chinese IT company, and is widely used by native Chinese speakers.
Baidu is more well-known overseas, but in mainland China, Youdao Translation seems to be used more than Baidu Translate .
It features highly accurate translations that reflect the nuances of Chinese and the latest expressions, and is popular among Chinese language learners.
As a free translation app, it offers a wide range of functions from basic translation to offline translation and voice translation.
As a service based in mainland China, one of its strengths is that it can quickly respond to the latest Chinese expressions and slang .
However, there are some inconveniences for foreigners, such as the lack of a pinyin display function.
This is a service aimed at native Chinese speakers, so it is recommended that you use it once you have become somewhat accustomed to Chinese.
5. DeepSeek: The world’s best generative AI service for Chinese translation
DeepSeek is a generative AI service from China that is free to use.
Unlike other services, you need to give instructions to the AI, such as "Please translate."
DeepSeek's AI performance itself is often said to be inferior to competing services such as ChatGPT and Claude, but when it comes to Chinese translation performance, it is far superior to American services .
What is particularly outstanding is the translation's ability to reflect expressions and nuances unique to the Chinese language.
It is also ideal for learning modern Chinese, as it covers Chinese internet slang and the latest buzzwords .
However, you should be careful about how you give translation instructions.
Be careful, as giving instructions such as "chat on WeChat" or "post on social media" can often result in writing style that is more light than necessary .
It is a free service, and can be used for personal use without any issues in terms of security.
If the translation is done well, you can create sentences that foreigners cannot understand, making it useful for a variety of purposes , such as using Chinese social media, producing Chinese videos, and business purposes.
DeepSeek does not have a text-to-speech function, so we recommend using a text-to-speech tool such as "Ondoku."
[Free] 7 Recommended AI Text-to-Speech Services for Chinese
Next, we will introduce a Chinese-compatible AI text-to-speech service that is recommended for use in combination with an AI translation service!
- Ondoku
- Airplane sound arrangement
- Dodo speech synthesis
- Baidu large model speech synthesis
- TTS Reader
- ReadSpeaker
- Speechify
1. Ondoku: Recommended free Chinese AI text-to-speech service
"Ondoku" is a high-quality text reading service that utilizes the latest AI technology.
This is a web service that can be used from your browser, so you can easily convert Chinese text into audio without the need for installation .
Even with the free plan, you can have up to 5,000 characters read aloud , so you can use it right now for a wide range of purposes, including studying, business, and content creation.
Since this is a service that originated in Japan , it is also recommended for business use.
What's great for those learning Chinese is that it has a speed adjustment feature .
The reading speed can be slowed down to 0.3 times, so you can check your pronunciation with a slower reading speed.
In addition to Mandarin , it also supports regional dialects and Cantonese.
By selecting the national language (Taiwan), the text can be read out in Taiwanese pronunciation, making it perfect for those who are familiar with the "Taiwanese dialect."
Why not try using Ondoku for free to read out Chinese translations?
2. Translator: A popular AI text-to-speech service in China
iFLYTEK (讯飞诞音) is an AI text-to-speech service provided by the Chinese AI company Iflytek (科大讯飞) , specializing in high-quality Chinese text-to-speech.
This service is widely used in China and is capable of reading out loud with very natural Chinese pronunciation and intonation.
It supports a variety of Chinese audio, including dialects and regional accents, making it ideal for learning Chinese pronunciation.
However, because this is a service available in mainland China, registration from outside China can be complicated, as it requires authentication using a phone number or WeChat account.
3. Yudao speech synthesis: AI-powered Chinese text-to-speech service with native pronunciation
Youdao Speech Synthesis is an AI text-to-speech service provided by NetEase, a major Chinese IT company, and specializes in reading Chinese .
Basic features are available for free, with paid plans available for more advanced features and larger usage.
As the service is developed by native Chinese speakers, the Chinese pronunciation and intonation are very natural.
It supports not only standard Chinese but also some regional dialects, making it useful for learning a wider range of Chinese.
This is also a service in mainland China, so registration can be difficult, as it requires authentication using a phone number or WeChat account .
4. Baidu Model Speech Synthesis: AI text-to-speech service from a major Chinese AI company
Baidu , China's largest search engine, also offers a voice synthesis service called "Model Voice Synthesis" within its AI service, Baidu AI Open Platform.
"Large-scale model speech synthesis" means "large-scale model speech synthesis."
It is basically a paid service, and you can experience its performance on the official website.
It can read out loud in a natural voice that is exactly the same as native Chinese pronunciation.
Since it is primarily intended for use within China, it also has high pronunciation accuracy for the latest Chinese expressions and phrases.
However, you will need to register a Baidu account to use this service.
5. TTS Reader: Chinese-compatible text-to-speech service that can be used in the browser
TTS Reader is a browser-based text-to-speech service that supports multiple languages, including Chinese.
The basic features are available for free, with paid plans available for additional features.
For Chinese text reading, you can use voice engines from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. , and choose your preferred voice.
This is a recommended text-to-speech service for those who want to use it easily without having to install it in their browser.
6. ReadSpeaker: A Chinese-compatible AI text-to-speech service with a wide range of uses
ReadSpeaker is a long-established speech synthesis service used around the world and supports many languages, including Chinese.
It is a web service that can be used from a browser and supports a wide range of uses.
There is a free trial, after which you can choose from a variety of pricing plans depending on your needs.
Chinese text-to-speech allows you to read out standard Chinese (Mandarin) with natural pronunciation .
We have a comprehensive support system for businesses, and can also implement it on large-scale sites and applications.
7. Speechify: An AI text-to-speech service that can be linked to China's Baidu
Speechify is a text-to-speech service that uses AI technology and supports many languages, including Chinese.
It is characterized by its focus on Chinese translation functions, and allows you to use the speech synthesis engine of Baidu's AI text-to-speech service "Zi Zhuan Yin."
It can read out loud in an easy-to-listen way with natural native intonation and pronunciation.
This is a recommended service to use as an alternative if you have difficulty registering Baidu's "Text Transliteration," which is also introduced in this article.
[Free] Detailed explanation of Chinese translation and how to read aloud with "Ondoku"
1. Translate the text into Chinese
First, the original text, such as Japanese or English, is translated into Chinese.
- DeepL
- Baidu translation
For professional translation services, all you have to do is paste the text and have it translated.
When using AI such as DeepSeek, you give the AI instructions, such as "Please translate this sentence into Chinese," and have it translate.
Once the sentence is translated, it is back-translated into the original language to check that the meaning is correct.
2. Preparing to read aloud in "Ondoku"
Open the "Ondoku" homepage.
Paste the Chinese text into the text box.
Under "Language", select Chinese.
In "Ondoku,"
- Standard Chinese (China University): Chinese language in mainland China
- Mandarin (Taiwan): Taiwanese Chinese
- Hong Kong: Cantonese
You can choose:
Next, choose the type of voice: female, male, child, etc.
In "Mandarin (Mainland China)", you can also choose dialects such as Sichuan dialect or Shandong dialect.
*You can listen to the Chinese audio sample in this article.

For checking pronunciation and listening while learning Chinese! Native pronunciation, listen to 41 speakers (test listening) Female, male, girl voices | Text-to-speech software OndokuHere
, you can listen to (test listening) Ondoku's Chinese voices. You can choose from the Chinese voices of each region: Mandarin (Mainland China), Cantonese (Hong Kong), and Mandarin (Taiwan). Voices include female, male, girl, and boy voices.
Adjust the speed and pitch of your voice.
You're all set!
Press "Read aloud" to generate audio.
3. Free reading completed with "Ondoku"
The reading process for "Ondoku" is completed quickly.
The screen will change and the audio will start playing automatically.
The audio file can be saved in MP3 format from "Download" .
If you want to change the settings, just adjust the speed or height and press "Read aloud" again.
This completes the process of having Ondoku read out Chinese translated text.
As you can see, it's very easy to have Chinese translation text read out loud, so why not try out ``Ondoku'' for free first?
How to Choose a Free Chinese Translation Service
Recommended checkpoints when choosing a Chinese translation service
When choosing a Chinese translation service, it is important to first consider the accuracy of the translation .
Chinese can have very different grammatical structures from other languages, so it's important to choose a translation service that can handle these differences appropriately.
With the Chinese translation services introduced in this article, you can create Chinese sentences without worrying about mistranslations.
Since Chinese has both simplified and traditional characters , it is important to choose a translation app that supports both depending on your purpose.
In addition, the pinyin (phonetic symbols) display function is useful for checking the pronunciation before converting the Chinese translation into audio.
There are many free translation apps that have sufficient functions, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Check for smartphone and tablet app compatibility
When choosing a Chinese translation service, we also recommend a mobile-compatible app that is easy to use on smartphones and tablets.
If you're out and about and want to quickly translate Chinese signs or menus and check them by voice, a mobile app with camera translation functionality is convenient.
However, in the case of mainland China services such as Baidu Translate, Youdao Translate, and DeepSeek , you often cannot use them unless you verify your phone number and register an account .
Also, when using it on an Android smartphone, some apps may not be able to be installed from Google Play, and you may need to download the app from the service's official website and install it manually.
We recommend that you compare the convenience of the app with the hassle of installation and security before deciding whether to install it.
How to Choose a Free Chinese Text-to-Speech Service
The importance of natural pronunciation and voice quality
When choosing a Chinese text-to-speech service, the most important thing is natural pronunciation and voice quality .
Mechanical and unnatural pronunciation will not be helpful in actual Chinese conversations and there is a risk of learning incorrect pronunciation.
Our text reading service utilizes the latest AI technology to read Chinese text with natural pronunciation from a native speaker .
Particularly in Chinese, where tones are important, choosing a high-quality audio service that can accurately reproduce the pitch of sounds will improve your learning results.
Services like "Ondoku" that use the latest AI speech synthesis technology can create natural Chinese speech for free .
Adjustable speech speed and voice
When reading Chinese text aloud, the ability to adjust the speed to suit your learning level is important .
Beginners can learn effectively by practicing at a slower speed to ensure they hear the pronunciation, while advanced students can practice at a natural conversation speed.
If there is a function to adjust the pitch of the voice, you can match it to the pitch of your own voice and more accurately learn the unique tones of Chinese.
When using a text-to-speech service to study Chinese, it is recommended to choose a service like Ondoku that allows you to adjust the speed and pitch .
Flexible text input and supported formats
When choosing a Chinese text-to-speech service, flexibility in text input methods is also an important consideration.
It would be useful if it could load text from images , rather than just inputting it directly.
"Ondoku" can also read from images.
Choose a text-to-speech tool that has an interface that makes it easy to copy and paste from Chinese translation services.
It is also important to be able to handle long texts.
A service that can read out long Chinese texts can process sentences all at once, making it more efficient.
Benefits of browser-based text-to-speech services
Text-to-speech services that can be used from a browser have the advantage of being able to instantly convert Chinese translations into audio without the need for installation .
You can access it from any device , such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet, so you can study Chinese anywhere.
Browser-based text-to-speech services like Ondoku always have the latest version available, so you don't have to worry about updates to features or data.
Since processing is done in the cloud, high-quality Chinese speech can be generated regardless of the specifications of your smartphone.
[Free] What are the use cases for Chinese translation and text reading services?
Efficient study methods for Chinese language beginners
An effective method for beginners who have just started learning Chinese is to combine a translation app with a text-to-speech service .
First, convert the basic phrases and greetings you want to learn into Chinese using a translation app, then check the pronunciation using a voice service such as "Ondoku."
Next, you will practice your pronunciation by listening to the audio, to acquire accurate tone and intonation.
By focusing on learning phrases that are frequently used in daily conversation, you can efficiently acquire practical Chinese language skills.
We also recommend that you regularly record yourself and compare your pronunciation to see how your pronunciation is improving.
Shadowing is a great way to learn a language.
Please take a look at this article which explains how to do this.
Chinese translation and text reading for business use
Translation and text-to-speech are also useful during presentations and meetings in Chinese .
First, the presentation manuscript is translated into Chinese using an AI translation service .
The translated manuscript is checked using a text-to-speech tool such as "Ondoku" to learn pronunciation and intonation.
It is especially important to listen to the audio repeatedly to master important content and technical terms, in order to master the correct pronunciation.
If you download the audio file, you can listen to it repeatedly to practice during your commute or in your free time.
By taking advantage of these free services, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare a presentation.
Chinese phrases to prepare before traveling
If you are planning a trip to China , you can prepare useful phrases for your trip in advance by using translation apps and text-to-speech services.
We've listed phrases you'll need for different situations, such as checking in at a hotel, ordering at a restaurant, and explaining your destination in a taxi.
Translate these phrases into Chinese and check the pronunciation with a voice service like Ondoku .
It's a good idea to download particularly important phrases as audio files so you can check them offline .
Combining a free translation app with a voice service can help you prepare efficiently before traveling.
Even while traveling , you can upload photos of signs and menus to Ondoku and listen to the pronunciation.
Summary: We recommend free AI services for Chinese translation and reading!
The combination of Chinese translation and text-to-speech tools is a powerful ally for learning Chinese!
You can efficiently learn accurate translation and natural pronunciation, so you can steadily improve your Chinese skills even if you are studying on your own.
Of course, AI translation services and AI reading services are also useful for business and Chinese content production.
Why not try mastering Chinese by using Ondoku , a free Chinese translation and text-to-speech service that uses the latest AI technology?
■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"
"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.
- Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
- Available from both PC and smartphone
- Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
- No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
- Supports reading from images
To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
"Ondoku" is a Text-to-Speech service that anyone can use for free without installation. If you register for free, you can get up to 5000 characters for free each month. Register now for free