Top 8 Chinese Transcription Services & Key Considerations

My English skills aren't even satisfactory, so I don't have time to learn Chinese too...

Even if you feel that way, the changing times won't wait for you.

In recent years, globalization has been a constant buzzword.

And in business, interactions in languages other than English have become increasingly common.

Chinese, in particular, is becoming as important as, if not more important than, English.

In the future, opportunities to engage with Chinese will undoubtedly increase.

In such situations, a powerful tool is a service that transcribes Chinese audio or PDFs into text.

Using a transcription tool allows you to thoroughly review transcribed Chinese text later, translate it, or check if your own Chinese is correct.

Furthermore, by being able to confirm the content of Chinese accurately, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings in communication.

This time, we will carefully select and introduce some of the most recommended Chinese transcription services.

We will also explain important points to note when transcribing Chinese. By reading this article, Chinese will become much more accessible to you, and you'll find yourself hesitating far less in both your professional and private life.

Please read to the end.

[Recommended] 8 Chinese Transcription Apps and Services

Let's dive right into introducing recommended services and apps for Chinese transcription!

From easy-to-use AI transcription services available in Japan to services developed by local Chinese companies, please use this as a reference when choosing a transcription service.

1. Mojiokoshi-san

Mojiokoshi-san is an AI transcription tool that can be easily used from your browser.

In recent years, the accuracy of AI transcription has improved remarkably, allowing for highly precise and accurate transcriptions.

'Mojiokoshi-san' allows you to use two types of transcription AI engines: "PerfectVoice" and "AmiVoice."

Of these two, "PerfectVoice" supports transcription in 100 languages, and of course, Chinese can also be transcribed.

Speech recognition is a particularly practical field within AI, so even if you can't understand Chinese, you can easily grasp the content.

After that, you can use AI translation services like DeepL to translate it into Japanese.

A major feature is that it can transcribe (textify) not only audio but also videos, images, and PDFs.

It's also very easy to use; simply upload your file from your browser.

You can try it for free for up to 1 minute without registration or login, making it easy for first-time users of such transcription tools to get started.

If you're unsure about Chinese transcription, start by trying 'Mojiokoshi-san.'

2. Sogou Input Method (搜狗输入法)

This is the Chinese input system (IME) by Sogou, a major Chinese search engine.

Similar to Japanese IMEs like Gboard (Android smartphone keyboard) or Shimeji (Android keyboard app), it functions as a standalone keyboard app, with both mobile and Windows versions available.

It includes a voice input function, so you can also use it as a speech recognition app.

In addition to being an input screen for other apps, it can also be launched independently as a standalone app, offering translation and image recognition features.

The accuracy of its voice input is higher than Google and other companies' IMEs, so even if you're not confident in your Chinese, you can rest assured.

搜狗输入法

3. iFlyrec

This is a speech recognition app by iFlytek (科大讯飞), China's largest voice AI company.

The most notable feature of iFlyrec is its overwhelmingly high speech recognition accuracy.

*The AI developed by this company not only recognizes speech but also possesses comprehension skills.

It doesn't seem to support Japanese (though translation is possible on the web version), but it does support English voice input, making it suitable for situations where multiple languages are spoken.

It also includes a keyboard app function.

讯飞听见

4. Yating

This is a transcription app provided by Taiwan AI Labs.

As an app developed by a Taiwanese company, a key feature is its ability to transcribe Chinese with unique Taiwanese accents relatively accurately.

The app itself supports Japanese (confirmed on the iPhone version), which is another plus for ease of use.

There are also Chrome extensions that provide real-time subtitles in the browser and speech synthesis apps, so it's recommended to try out various ways to use it.

雅婷逐字稿

5. ObotAI Minutes

This is a convenient tool for multilingual web conferences.

It runs in the browser, so no app installation is required at all.

It offers automatic translation for a very large number of languages, and AI transcribes audio in real-time.

Meeting minutes can be downloaded as files (txt/xls), which is convenient for reviewing and translating them later.

This tool is recommended when you need to transcribe meeting minutes in Chinese.

ObotAI Minutes

6. Amitt

This service is recommended for those who prefer to have professional transcribers manually transcribe rather than using an AI transcription service.

Amitt is an audio transcription service provided by a company specializing in multilingual translation, interpretation, and overseas research.

A key advantage is that you can request Japanese translation simultaneously, and the pricing is very reasonable.

*For transcriptions where accuracy is paramount, human transcription still offers peace of mind.

Companies specializing in translation like this are often better suited for foreign language transcription than general transcription agencies.

Foreign Language Transcription Service | Amitt Co., Ltd.

7. Wenzi Yuyin Zhuanhuan Dashi (文字语音转换大师)

The transcription service offered by Wuhu Jiejia Network Technology Co., Ltd. Jinan Branch in China is Wenzi Yuyin Zhuanhuan Dashi.

It's easy to use; just open the page and upload your file, similar to 'Mojiokoshi-san'.

However, a drawback is that it can be difficult to use from Japan, as user registration is required, often through WeChat (微信), the most widely used chat app in China.

*Mojiokoshi-san allows a 1-minute trial without registration or login.

As a service from the People's Republic of China, it's challenging to use from outside China, but it could be very convenient if you are in China.

文字语音转换大师

8. Artificial Intelligence Voice - Ai Voice (人工智能语音-Ai Voice)

Artificial Intelligence Voice - Ai Voice is also an AI transcription service originating from China.

It's also easy to use, allowing you to upload files directly from the website.

It was developed by Anhui Zhongweike Computer Research Institute Co., Ltd., an AI service created by a computer research institute affiliated with a pharmaceutical manufacturer.

However, please note that as a service based in China, registration often requires an account like WeChat (微信).

If you need to perform transcription within China, this service will likely be a strong ally.

人工智能语音-Ai Voice

Important Considerations for Chinese Transcription

When transcribing Chinese audio or video, it's not as straightforward as Japanese, and the text conversion might not be as good as expected...

For those facing such challenges, we will explain the key points to keep in mind when transcribing Chinese.

• Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese Hokkien, etc., are distinct.
• Characters exist in Simplified and Traditional forms.
• Translation from Chinese to English is often better.

Broadly, these are the three main points. Let's briefly explain each one.

1. Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese Hokkien, etc., are distinct.

Although we refer to it as "Chinese," there are differences:

• China: Mandarin (Putonghua)
• Taiwan: Taiwanese Mandarin / Guoyu (+ Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka)
• Hong Kong: Cantonese

Even among the widely used varieties, these distinctions exist (and many other dialects exist).

*Taiwanese Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien are entirely different languages.

China's standard language is based on Mandarin

Among these, the most widely used "standard language" is based on Mandarin Chinese (Beijing dialect).

In mainland China, it is designated as the official language, known as "Putonghua" (Pǔtōnghuà).

Also, in Taiwan, a language based on Mandarin is used as the standard language.

What is typically taught as Chinese in Japanese schools is also "Putonghua," which is based on Mandarin.

Many multilingual transcription services can accurately transcribe Putonghua (Mandarin and standard Taiwanese Mandarin).

While Cantonese, spoken in Hong Kong and southern China, has a completely different pronunciation, it has a large number of speakers among Chinese dialects, so many AI transcription services support it.

'Mojiokoshi-san' supports both Mandarin and Cantonese transcription.

The AI transcription service 'Mojiokoshi-san' naturally supports both Mandarin (Putonghua and standard Taiwanese Mandarin) and Cantonese.

The transcription method is simple.

When uploading a file, simply select:

• "中文" for Mandarin
• "廣東語" for Cantonese

That's all you need to do.

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com