Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Still stuck? Our Contact page reaches a real person.
About Clavis Sinica
What is Clavis Sinica?
A digital library that reveals the logic of the Chinese writing system — how characters are built from a small set of meaningful parts, and how to read, find and type them by sight. The short version is on our What it is page; the long story (it goes back to a question Leibniz asked in 1679) is on The history.
Who is it for?
Self-learners, parents teaching children, classroom teachers, and schools or publishers who license content. Beginners and advanced learners both find a level that fits.
Buying & delivery
What do I actually get when I buy?
Digital educational materials — illustrated character references and printable learning workbooks, delivered as files you download. A few premium editions are printed and shipped; each product page makes clear whether an item is a digital download or a physical edition.
How and when is my order delivered?
For digital products, delivery is automatic and usually immediate: right after your payment is confirmed, the file (or a secure download link) is emailed to the address you entered at checkout. No waiting for manual processing.
I paid but didn’t receive anything — what now?
First check your spam or promotions folder, and confirm the email address you used. If it still hasn’t arrived, email support@clavissinica.com with your order number (it’s in your payment confirmation) and we’ll resend it promptly.
What file formats are the downloads?
Mainly PDF — readable on any device and ready to print for workbooks and reference sheets.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. Payments are handled entirely by Stripe. We never see or store your full card details. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle the information we do receive (essentially your name and email, to deliver your order).
Languages & content
Simplified or traditional characters?
Both. Traditional characters preserve the full structural logic that the method relies on, so they matter to us; simplified materials are provided too. English runs throughout, and we are expanding into more learner languages over time.
Use, refunds & support
Can I use a purchase with my whole class or school?
A standard purchase is a personal licence for one learner/teacher. For classroom sets, school-wide use or publishing, we offer institutional licensing — just get in touch and tell us the scale you need.
Can I get a refund?
If a download is faulty, corrupted or not as described, you’re entitled to a fix or a full refund. If you bought the wrong item and haven’t downloaded it, tell us within 14 days. Because digital files can’t be “returned” once downloaded, change-of-mind refunds after delivery are limited — though we’ll always consider a goodwill refund. Full details are on our Refund Policy.
How do I reach a human?
Email support@clavissinica.com or use the Contact page. We’re a small, independent publisher in New Zealand and aim to reply within 2 business days.