Polidict: a vocabulary app for Android, now on Google Play

Polidict for Android is now on Google Play for anyone with Android 8.0 or later. Polidict is a vocabulary app for Android built around the words you collect yourself, from books, TV shows or work emails. It brings each word back just before you’re likely to forget it, and it tests more than the meaning: you also spell the word, recognise it when you hear it and say it aloud.

Get Polidict on Google Play

How to add words

The simplest way is to type a word in and add its meanings, translations, example sentences and a picture. Each meaning needs a definition or a translation. If you save a word without either, it stays out of practice until you add one.

There are quicker ways too:

• From any app. Select a word in your browser or e-reader, tap Share and choose Polidict. The word opens in the Save to Polidict form. Add a meaning yourself or tap Suggest for AI help, then tap the checkmark to save. Saving works offline, but Suggest only works when you’re signed in and online.

• Search in Discover. Polidict searches your own dictionary and the ready-made collections. You can type in your native language too. If nothing turns up, tap Look up with AI for suggested meanings, examples and a translation. You need to be signed in and online for this.

• Ready-made collections. Discover also has word collections by topic. Add a whole collection or pick only the words you want.

Spaced repetition for each skill

Spaced repetition brings a word back at longer and longer intervals, each time just as you’re starting to forget it. Polidict sets those intervals with FSRS, the Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler. Our post on FSRS v6 explains how it works.

There are seven practice modes: Mixed, Quiz, Flashcards, Writing, Speaking, Listening and Matching. The Start mixed practice button on Today combines all of them except Flashcards.

Unlike a plain flashcard app, Polidict tracks each word separately in four skills:

A word counts as Learned once all four skills have reached the review stage. Flashcards have just two buttons, Know and Don’t know, so you never have to rate yourself on a four-point scale.

Pronunciation practice with a score out of 100

In Speaking, you say a word or phrase aloud and Polidict scores your pronunciation out of 100. You need 60 to pass. Play back your recording, then listen to the word again to hear the difference. If the word has no audio of its own, your phone’s text-to-speech voice for that language reads it instead. Our post on pronunciation assessment explains how the score is worked out.

Scores need you to be signed in and online, and they aren’t available yet for Ukrainian, Austrian and Swiss German, or Belgian Dutch. Without a score, Polidict either checks that you said the expected words or lets you record yourself, listen back and tap I said it right if you’re happy with it. Speech recognition works offline on Android 13 and later.

Learn vocabulary offline

Your words and progress are stored on your phone, so you can add words and practise on the underground or on a plane. If you’re signed in, your changes sync with your account once you’re back online.

Some things still need a connection: searching in Discover, browsing ready-made collections, AI suggestions, image search, Anki import and pronunciation scores.

An Anki alternative for Android: bring your decks

If you’ve been learning words in Anki or another app, you don’t have to start from scratch:

• Anki. Export your deck as an .apkg file with scheduling information included, then open it in Polidict. Leave Keep my Anki progress on, and your review dates carry over unchanged. Pictures and sounds aren’t imported. Our Anki import guide takes you through each step.

• A file or a list. Import a CSV, TSV or text file, or paste a list. Each import can have up to 5,000 rows. Our batch import guide shows how to prepare one.

• Memrise. Import a course on the website with our Memrise import guide, then study it on Android. If you’re still deciding, see how Polidict and Memrise compare.

Tablets, reminders and more

• Tablets and foldables. On a wide screen, your word list and the open word appear side by side.

• Reminders. In Profile, choose when your daily practice reminder arrives.

• No account needed. Tap Try without account to start learning straight away. If you later sign in with Google or email, you can move your words and progress to your account.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polidict free?

Yes. The free Basic plan includes up to 100 words, 3 groups, every practice mode and a few AI requests a day. Polidict Plus gives you unlimited words, groups and AI requests. On Android, you buy it in the app through Google Play.

Which languages can I learn?

English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Ukrainian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, including variants such as British English, Mexican Spanish and Canadian French. The app itself is available in 13 languages.

Which version of Android do I need?

Android 8.0 or later. Offline speech recognition needs Android 13 or later.

Can I use Polidict without signing up?

Yes. Without an account, you can build your dictionary, practise and learn offline. You need to sign in for AI features, Anki import, pronunciation scores and sync, and to buy Plus.

Does Polidict work offline on Android?

Yes. Your words and progress are stored on your device and sync when you’re back online, if you’re signed in. The offline section above lists what needs a connection.

Try the vocabulary app for Android

Get Polidict on Google Play. Add your first few words, then start practising on Today. If you have feedback or ideas, write to us at support@polidict.com.