Subtitle text
Use the desktop extension when a supported watch page exposes usable Chinese subtitles.
Supported subtitle text, not pixel OCR
How to understand Chinese characters in videos
If a supported video exposes usable Chinese subtitles or a transcript, Rolko can make that text interactive for pinyin, meaning, saving, and review. Chinese characters baked directly into video pixels or images are different: they require OCR, which Rolko does not currently provide. This page helps you choose the truthful workflow.
Start for free
Works in Safari, Firefox, and mobile browsers. No extension required.
Interactive product proof
Use interactive subtitles when real text is available
The demo shows Rolko working with supported subtitle text while the video remains visible.
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HomeTV ShowsMoviesNew & Popular
Kids
学中文说汉语听读
后来我发现，这座城市比想象中更温柔。★
0:00 / 0:12
↑Netflix-style overlay — tap or hover a word to explore
Product workflow
Choose the workflow based on the text source
Transcript text
Import a supported transcript into the web app and read it line by line.
Text inside pixels
Use an OCR tool for characters baked into an image or video frame; Rolko does not currently extract them.
Continue in Rolko
Use a supported transcript when subtitle import is available
A supported transcript can become interactive text in the Rolko web app even when you prefer to study away from the watch page.
Reading workspace
学中文的秘诀
Tap or hover any word for pinyin and meaning, then save it as learned or learning.
Word Coverage
Learned: 50%Learning: 20%New: 30%
主持人
你学中文多久了？
嘉宾
大概三年了，但是每天都要练习。
主持人
有什么好的学习方法吗？
嘉宾
我觉得看中文剧最有用，边看边学。
Related Rolko answers
Continue with the workflow you need
What is Rolko, and when should you use it?
Rolko is a Chinese-learning web app and browser extension for interactive subtitles, webpage text, vocabulary tracking and spaced-repetition review.
A focused Language Reactor alternative for learning Chinese
Looking for a Language Reactor alternative focused on Chinese? Use Rolko to explore Chinese subtitles, save useful words and review them with spaced repetition.
Learn Chinese with Netflix subtitles
Learn Chinese with supported Netflix subtitles on desktop. Explore words for pinyin and meaning, save vocabulary and review it later with Rolko.
Learn Chinese with YouTube subtitles
Learn Chinese with supported YouTube subtitles. Explore words on desktop or import an available Chinese transcript into the Rolko web app.
A Chinese popup dictionary that also remembers your words
Use Rolko to explore normal Chinese webpage text for pinyin and meaning, save useful words and keep them in one vocabulary and review workflow.
Track the Chinese words you meet in real content
Track Chinese words from supported subtitles, webpages and imported text in Rolko, then review saved vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Common questions
What to know before you start
Can Rolko hover Chinese text inside a video image?
No. Rolko can make supported subtitle text interactive, but it does not currently detect text baked into video pixels.
What is the difference between subtitles and OCR?
Subtitles are text supplied by the video platform or track. OCR attempts to recognize characters from image pixels. Rolko currently supports selected subtitle and transcript workflows, not pixel OCR.
Can I use Rolko when a video has Chinese captions?
Yes, on a supported desktop watch page when usable Chinese subtitle text is available.
Can I import the transcript instead?
Yes, when Rolko supports the source and a transcript is available. Imported transcript text can be read and studied in the web app.
Does subtitle support work for every video?
No. Support depends on the platform, page structure, browser, and availability of usable Chinese subtitles or transcript data.