BEGINNER
HSK 1
291 word entries
Greetings and introductions
Start with greetings, numbers, family, and the words you need to introduce yourself.
CHINESE PROFICIENCY TEST
HSK 3.0
Levels & vocabulary
Understand the three stages and nine HSK levels. Browse vocabulary lists by level, learn what each stage covers, and find answers to common exam questions.
Our HSK resources follow the new standard.
THREE PROFICIENCY STAGES学
01
Beginner
HSK 1 · 2 · 302
Intermediate
HSK 4 · 5 · 603
Advanced
HSK 7–9Beginner: levels 1–3. Intermediate: levels 4–6. Advanced: levels 7–9.
- Proficiency stages
- 3
- Proficiency levels
- 9
- Level collections
- 7
- Language skill dimensions
- 5
HSK 3.0 OVERVIEW
What is HSK 3.0?
HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, the Chinese Proficiency Test. The new framework describes a progression through beginner, intermediate, and advanced Chinese, with nine levels across those three stages.
Each stage covers vocabulary, characters, grammar, and communication skills. Higher levels involve longer texts, more complex topics, and more precise expression.
Planning an exam? CTI has announced the worldwide HSK 3.0 launch for December 13, 2026. Confirm your chosen exam’s arrangements through the official announcement.
VOCABULARY BY LEVEL
HSK levels and word lists
Focus on one level, or revisit earlier level lists to review what you have learned.
BEGINNER
HSK 2
571 word entries
Everyday vocabulary
Build simple exchanges around shopping, food, routines, and getting from place to place.
BEGINNER
HSK 3
796 word entries
Everyday communication
Connect ideas, describe experiences, and become more comfortable with familiar situations.
INTERMEDIATE
HSK 4
820 word entries
Broader topics and longer texts
Explore broader topics, follow longer passages, and explain your thoughts in more detail.
INTERMEDIATE
HSK 5
888 word entries
Discussion and opinions
Develop the language for discussion, more substantial reading, and nuanced personal expression.
INTERMEDIATE
HSK 6
936 word entries
Complex ideas and arguments
Work with complex ideas, organize arguments, and use Chinese across study and professional life.
ADVANCED
HSK 7–9
5,124 word entries
Advanced and specialist language
Expand into sophisticated texts, specialist topics, and precise communication. Levels 7–9 share a combined advanced exam.
Counts reflect word entries in our HSK learning dataset, exclude standalone characters, and are not cumulative exam vocabulary requirements. Each level list includes both characters and words; HSK 7–9 is one combined collection.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The five language skills
The framework reaches across five language skills. The skills assessed and the tasks you encounter depend on your examination level.
Listening
Hear words in context. Move from short exchanges to longer conversations and talks.
Speaking
Turn recognition into expression. Explain, describe, and respond in your own words.
Reading
Read for meaning, then detail. Build confidence with increasingly complex Chinese texts.
Writing
Make your ideas clear. Practice characters, sentences, and connected passages.
Translation
At higher levels, practice carrying meaning accurately between languages.
- 1
Find a comfortable starting point
Choose a list where you recognize some words but still have room to grow. Strengthen your pinyin and tones before rushing ahead.
- 2
Study words inside sentences
Connect the character, pronunciation, and meaning. Read an example, say it aloud, then create a sentence about your own life.
- 3
Return to what you have learned
Use a cumulative list to revisit earlier levels. Mix recognition with recall: explain a word, write it, or use it in a short conversation.
- 4
Prepare for your actual examination
Consult the current official syllabus and sample questions. Practice the required skills and work within the timing of your exam format.
HSK FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about HSK levels, vocabulary lists, and exam preparation.
What is HSK 3.0?
HSK is the Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). HSK 3.0 is the updated testing system associated with a three-stage, nine-level approach to Chinese proficiency. It describes proficiency from basic communication to advanced language use.
Does this website use the new HSK standard?
Yes. Our HSK learning resources and vocabulary organization use the new standard. Choose an individual level to focus your study, and revisit earlier level lists to review the vocabulary leading up to your goal.
Has HSK 3.0 replaced every HSK 2.0 exam?
The transition has a specific timeline. Chinese Testing International announced a worldwide HSK 3.0 launch on December 13, 2026, following trial examinations. Check the official registration information for the version, format, and requirements of your chosen test date. Our learning resources already follow the new standard.
Why are HSK 7, 8, and 9 grouped together?
The advanced stage uses a combined HSK 7–9 examination to assess proficiency across those three levels. We keep these levels together in one advanced vocabulary collection, rather than presenting three separate exam tracks.
Are the word counts on this page official exam requirements?
No. The counts describe the word entries in our HSK learning dataset, grouped by their assigned level. They exclude standalone character entries and are not cumulative. A learning vocabulary collection and an official examination syllabus serve different purposes; use the current official syllabus for test requirements.
How can I review vocabulary from earlier levels?
Each level has one list of characters and words tagged with that level. To review through HSK 3, study the HSK 1, 2, and 3 lists. For a complete review, work through all seven lists, including the combined HSK 7–9 collection.
Which level should I start with?
If you are new to Chinese, start with HSK 1 and learn pinyin alongside basic vocabulary. If you have studied before, browse a level list and try using familiar words in sentences. Review earlier levels when recognition is stronger than your ability to speak or write.
Is learning the vocabulary enough to pass?
Vocabulary is a foundation, but test preparation also needs grammar, listening, reading, and the productive skills required at your level. Use words in context, work through the official sample questions, and practice the timing and format of your selected examination.
Where can I find official registration and sample questions?
Use the Chinese Test Service Website for registration, test-center information, the current examination syllabus, and official sample questions. The official resources linked below are the place to confirm exam arrangements.
ALL HSK LEVELS
Browse all HSK word lists
Review vocabulary from HSK 1 through the combined HSK 7–9 collection.