HSK Levels Explained: HSK 1 to 9

What each HSK level means: word counts for the old 6-level and new 9-level test, what you can do at each level, and which to aim for.

The HSK (汉语水平考试) is the standard Mandarin test for non-native speakers. It has 6 levels in the old version and 9 in the newer HSK 3.0.

How many words per level?

• HSK 1: 150 (old) or 300 (new)
• HSK 2: 300 or 500
• HSK 3: 600 or 1,000
• HSK 4: 1,200 or 2,000
• HSK 5: 2,500 or 3,500
• HSK 6: 5,000 or about 5,500
• HSK 7 to 9: about 11,000 in total

Levels are cumulative. Rollout details keep changing, so check the official Chinese Testing International site before booking.

What can you do at each level?

• HSK 1 to 2: introduce yourself, order food, simple exchanges.
• HSK 3 to 4: talk about familiar topics, read short texts.
• HSK 5 to 6: read newspapers, follow lectures, write essays.
• HSK 7 to 9: study, research and work in Chinese.

Which level should you aim for?

• Travel or curiosity: HSK 2 or 3.
• Work or study in China: HSK 4 to 5.
• Teaching or translation: HSK 6 and up.

TeddyChinese stories are sorted by HSK level. Levels are approximate, so pick stories where you understand most words.

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