HSK 4 Exam Guide: Structure, Scoring, and Study Tips for Success

For many international students and language learners, the HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is the most recognized Chinese language proficiency exam. Among its six levels, HSK 4 (四级) represents an important milestone. At this stage, learners are expected to handle everyday communication with ease, discuss a wide range of topics, and engage in relatively fluent conversations with native speakers.

According to the International Chinese Proficiency Standard, HSK 4 corresponds to Level 4, and under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it matches B2 level. This means learners are considered independent users of Chinese who can operate effectively in both academic and professional settings.

For overseas students considering study in China or professionals aiming to work in Chinese-speaking environments, HSK 4 can be a game-changer. Parents and teachers guiding younger learners also see it as a concrete achievement on the journey toward fluency. Programs such as WuKong Chinese, which specialize in structured Chinese education for children aged 3–18, are excellent pathways to reach this level.

In this article, WuKong Education’ll break down everything you need to know about HSK 4: who should take it, exam structure, scoring system, why it matters, and how to prepare effectively.

What is HSK 4?

The HSK is an internationally recognized test designed to assess non-native speakers’ proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. It is divided into six levels, from HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced).

HSK 4 is the intermediate-advanced level. Learners at this stage:

• Can understand 1,200+ common Chinese words.
• Can discuss a variety of everyday and abstract topics.
• Can interact naturally with native speakers without much difficulty.
• Can read intermediate texts and write coherent sentences and short paragraphs.

In other words, passing HSK 4 indicates that a learner can function in real-world Chinese-speaking contexts with confidence.

Who Should Take HSK 4?

HSK 4 is typically suited for learners who:

• Have studied Chinese for about two academic years (with 2–4 hours of instruction per week).
• Have a vocabulary of 1,200 commonly used words and phrases.
• Are planning to study at a Chinese university, where HSK 4 is often a requirement for admission.
• Need certification for work purposes in Chinese-speaking companies or international organizations.
• Want to benchmark their progress as intermediate learners and set the stage for advanced study.

For parents supporting bilingual children, HSK 4 provides a clear milestone. It signals not only academic readiness but also the ability to connect more deeply with Chinese culture. Online learning platforms like WuKong Chinese offer personalized programs that match these goals, making preparation accessible and engaging for young learners.

HSK 4 Exam Structure and Timing

The exam lasts about 105 minutes in total, including a short period for filling out personal information. It is divided into three main sections: Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each section is carefully designed to evaluate real-world language application skills.

HSK 3 Sample paper

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Listening Section

The listening portion evaluates the ability to understand conversations, short talks, and everyday communication. It has 45 questions in total.

1. Part 1 (10 questions):
   • Each question is a short statement followed by another speaker’s comment.
   • The test-taker judges whether the statement is true or false.
2. Part 2 (15 questions):
   • Each question involves a two-sentence dialogue between two speakers.
   • A third person asks a question, and test-takers choose the correct answer from four options.
3. Part 3 (20 questions):
   • These are longer dialogues (4–5 sentences) or short passages.
   • Each is followed by one or two comprehension questions.

Reading Section

The reading portion has 40 questions and tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.

1. Part 1 (10 questions):
   • Sentences with missing words.
   • Test-takers select the correct word to complete the sentence.
2. Part 2 (10 questions):
   • A set of three sentences is given.
   • The task is to arrange them in the correct logical order.
3. Part 3 (20 questions):
   • Short reading passages followed by multiple-choice comprehension questions.

Writing Section

The writing portion has 15 questions and assesses the ability to construct sentences and express ideas.

1. Part 1 (10 questions):
   • A set of words is provided.
   • Test-takers create a grammatically correct sentence using the given words.
2. Part 2 (5 questions):
   • Each question includes a picture and a word.
   • Test-takers write a sentence combining both elements.

Scoring and Passing Standards

The HSK 4 test has a maximum score of 300 points, divided equally across Listening, Reading, and Writing.

• Listening: 100 points
• Reading: 100 points
• Writing: 100 points
• Total: 300 points

A score of 180 or above is considered a passing grade.

The score report includes both individual section scores and the overall score. While the score itself is valid for two years for university applications, it remains a lifelong indicator of Chinese ability for learners’ personal and professional profiles.

When is HSK 3

Why HSK 4 is Important

The importance of HSK 4 goes beyond exam results. It plays a significant role in academic, professional, and personal development.

1. Academic Advantage
   • Most Chinese universities require at least HSK 4 for admission to undergraduate programs.
   • It ensures that foreign students can participate in lectures, discussions, and coursework conducted in Chinese.
2. Career Opportunities
   • Employers often use HSK scores to evaluate candidates’ Chinese proficiency.
   • HSK 4 demonstrates the ability to work in Chinese-speaking environments without constant translation support.
3. Cultural Connection
   • Passing HSK 4 means being able to read Chinese newspapers, understand films, and engage with local communities more authentically.
4. Personal Milestone
   • For younger learners, reaching HSK 4 is a confidence boost and proof of dedication.
   • Parents often view it as a benchmark that shows their child’s ability to function in real-world Chinese contexts.

How to Prepare Effectively for HSK 4

Preparing for HSK 4 requires strategy, not just memorization. Below are some practical tips:

1. Expand Vocabulary to 1,200+ Words
   • Use flashcards or apps to review systematically.
   • Practice words in sentences rather than isolated memorization.
2. Strengthen Listening Skills
   • Listen to Chinese radio, podcasts, or TV shows.
   • Take timed listening practice tests to build focus.
3. Practice Reading Comprehension
   • Read graded Chinese readers or short articles online.
   • Summarize main ideas to ensure comprehension.
4. Develop Writing Ability
   • Practice sentence-making with word banks.
   • Describe daily life using new vocabulary.
   • Write short diary entries in Chinese.
5. Take Mock Tests
   • Simulate real exam conditions to get used to timing.
   • Analyze mistakes and adjust study focus.
6. Consider Professional Guidance
   • Programs like WuKong Chinese offer targeted preparation with native-speaking teachers.
   • Structured lessons help students improve systematically, whether they are preparing for HSK exams or building long-term fluency.

Conclusion

HSK 4 is more than just an exam; it is a gateway to academic opportunities, career advancement, and cultural immersion. Passing this level demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to operate in diverse Chinese-speaking contexts.

For parents and students, preparation may seem challenging, but with structured study, consistent practice, and expert guidance, success is achievable. Whether through self-study or professional platforms like WuKong Chinese, learners can confidently approach the exam and take their Chinese proficiency to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about HSK 4

1. What level of Chinese is HSK 4?

HSK 4 is an intermediate-advanced level of Chinese proficiency. It corresponds to Level 4 of the International Chinese Proficiency Standard and B2 on the CEFR scale. This means learners can communicate fluently in daily life, discuss abstract topics, and read short passages independently.

2. How many words do I need to know for HSK 4?

You should know about 1,200 common Chinese words. These cover a wide range of daily, academic, and workplace situations. Mastering this vocabulary is essential to succeed on the exam.

3. How long does the HSK 4 exam take?

The test lasts around 105 minutes in total, including the time needed to fill in personal information. The exam includes three parts: Listening, Reading, and Writing.

4. What is the passing score for HSK 4?

The HSK 4 exam is scored out of 300 points. A score of 180 or above is considered passing. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing) contributes up to 100 points.

5. How long is my HSK 4 score valid?

For university admission in China, your HSK 4 score is valid for two years from the test date. However, as a personal measure of language ability, the score remains valuable beyond that period.

For children and teens, structured programs like WuKong Chinese provide expert instruction, practice

Lea | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Lea is a passionate educator and writer,hailing from Beijing Jiaotong University where she graduated with a degree in English.With a deep understanding of education and a knack for making learning engaging,she brings a unique blend of knowledge and creativity to her writing.Whether crafting educational content or sharing tips on making math fun,Lea’s goal is to inspire and empower both parents and children on their learning journey.