I am trying to make a custom list for the book Basic Chinese by Yip Po-Ching and Don Rimmington. I want a list of characters as far as possible, not words, because the characters are what I need spaced repetition and writing for.

If I create a new list and enter 一, I automatically get 'one, once, a (article), Kangzi radical 1)', whereas for my purposes 'one' would be enough.

Is it possible to create a list in Excel with three columns: character, pinyin, and definition? Of course this must be described somewhere, but I haven't found it in the messages or in the FAQ.

Margaret

You can use custom definitions for characters if you're not happy with the standard ones. I'm not sure if there's a way to do it when defining a list, but once the list is created you can click on the character to get the word popup and then add a custom definition.

James

James, you mean I create a list word by word online and have to take the 'standard' definitions, and then replace them by custom definitions?

Margaret

Margaret, that's the only way to do it as it currently stands. If you want to email me an Excel file with two columns (just character, definition), I can run a quick script to set all your custom definitions based on that.

Thanks, Nick. I will think about it. So is there a way to import a list, or smaller lists, but using your definitions? I might just make my own cards in Anki or on paper and then use one of Skritter's own lists later.

Margaret

It would be two separate steps--paste the characters to make your lists, and send me the files to switch them to your definitions. They could be done in either order.

Thanks again, Nick. I will think about it. I am actually away from home for the next ten days so might not do it yet.

Margaret

I have the same need. I want to learn all JLPT kanji without studying vocab. I have an excel list with all JLPT kanji, their onyomi and kunyomi readings, meanings and which JLPT-grade they belong to. Could you import the list if I send it to you, Nick? I am sure this would be a very useful list for all Japanese studying members so feel free to make it public.

weiland, I think you and Scott are working on this over email, as he's the Japanese guy. He should be able to take care of you!