The Complete Guide to new HSK Levels: from HSK1 to HSK9（2025 update）

If you’re studying Chinese language, you’ve likely come across the term “HSK.” The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is China’s official proficiency test for non-native Chinese speakers. It is recognized internationally and has six levels, from HSK1 for beginners to HSK9 for advanced learners.

Each level is one step in learning Chinese. Knowing the requirements for each HSK level will help you plan your study and set goals. In this guide, WuKong Education explains all HSK levels, their link to the CEFR scale, and their importance. So, you can easily find out how you can accurately assess your Chinese proficiency and attain official certification through the HSK.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What Is HSK?

The HSK, or Hanyu ShuiPing Kaoshi, serves as China’s official Mandarin proficiency exam and is tailored for non-native speakers. Designed in levels, it assesses linguistic capabilities, ranging from basic communication to complex, academic fluency.

Each ascending level demands a broader vocabulary and a deeper grasp of grammar. The test’s format combines listening, reading, and writing skills from Level 3 onwards. Success in HSK often facilitates university admission in China and enhances professional resumes to bridge language barriers for individuals worldwide.

What Are the Nine HSK Levels?

The Hanyu ShuiPing Kaoshi (HSK) categorizes Chinese language proficiency into 9 distinct levels, each reflecting a deeper linguistic understanding. This system assists learners in gauging and enhancing their Mandarin skills systematically.

HSK 1 – The Foundation

At this initial stage, learners grasp basic phrases and sentences for everyday communication. This level requires knowledge of 150 words and basic grammar structures, enabling learners to handle simple, direct exchanges.

HSK 2 – Building Blocks

Hsk Level 2 advances to 300 words and phrases. Here, students can communicate in a straightforward manner on familiar topics related to their immediate environment. This level signifies an ability to handle short conversations in Mandarin.

HSK 3 – Intermediate Communication

Level 3, with a vocabulary requirement of 600 words, introduces more complex language structures. Learners can converse fluently on routine matters and express personal opinions to a certain degree. This level is a gateway to intermediate Chinese language proficiency.

HSK 4 – Enhanced Fluency

Requiring knowledge of 1,200 words, this level empowers students to discuss a wide range of topics and understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. Level 4 is often a benchmark for academic or professional competency.

HSK 5 – Advanced Conversational Skills

At this stage, the vocabulary requirement jumps to 2,500 words. Learners can read Chinese newspapers, and films, and can express themselves spontaneously and fluently without much obvious searching for expressions.

HSK 6 – Mastery

The pinnacle of HSK, Level 6 demands mastery over 5,000 words. It signifies a high degree of fluency, allowing learners to easily comprehend written and spoken information, and effectively express themselves in academic and professional settings.

HSK7-9 – Advanced

The advanced levels should test the ability to understand longer, more complicated and abstract materials: extracts from authentic sources such as textbooks for Chinese university students, Chinese magazine and essays, extracts from modern Chinese literature, interviews and extracts from Chinese media. Moreover, Classical Chinese expressions and grammatical structures used in modern formal Chinese should be included too.

Basic Information on HSK Levels

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), or Chinese Proficiency Test, is an international test for Chinese learners. This examination is crucial for Chinese language learners, as it checks listening, reading, and writing skills. It has 9 levels, from beginner to advanced.

Overview of HSK Exam Levels

The HSK is divided into six distinct levels, each requiring a specific vocabulary and character knowledge:

1. HSK Level 1: 150 words. Daily expressions and basic tasks. It is aimed at learners who can understand and use familiar everyday expressions.
2. HSK Level 2: At this level, students expand their vocabulary to around 300 words, enabling them to engage in simple and routine tasks. This covers basic communication in familiar and routine matters.
3. HSK Level 3: With a vocabulary of about 600 words, HSK Level 3 allows learners to handle more complex situations, including the ability to participate in conversations on a wide range of topics.
4. HSK Level 4: This intermediate level requires knowledge of around 1,200 words. At this stage, learners can discuss a variety of subjects and understand the main ideas of complex texts, including those found in newspapers.
5. HSK Level 5: Requiring about 2,500 words, this level prepares learners to read newspapers in Chinese language, watch movies, and engage in discussions on both academic and professional topics.
6. HSK Level 6: The advanced level, needing a vocabulary of over 5,000 words, equips learners to understand and express themselves fluently in both spoken and written forms. They can engage in direct exchanges about complex ideas and professional lives.

Importance of HSK Levels

The HSK includes listening, reading, and writing. Each level has harder questions.

• At HSK 1, you listen to short and simple sentences.
• At HSK 9, you read idioms, long essays, and complex grammar.

The HSK is important for students who want to study at a Chinese university. It is also useful for professionals who need Chinese in their jobs. Employers and schools around the world accept the HSK certificate.

The HSK does not test speaking. For speaking ability, you need to take the HSKK (spoken test). HSKK checks pronunciation, fluency, and tones.

HSK Levels Explained

The HSK measures Chinese ability for non-native speakers. Each level shows how much a learner can understand, read, write, and use Chinese.

• HSK1–2: Beginner. Basic words and phrases for daily life.
• HSK3–4: Intermediate. Can talk about familiar topics and read simple texts.
• HSK5–6: Advanced. Can discuss complex topics and read newspapers or books.
• HSK7–9: Very advanced. Can read long texts, academic materials, and use formal or Classical Chinese.

Each level builds on the previous one. Vocabulary, grammar, and character knowledge increase at every step. The HSK also links to the CEFR scale, helping learners compare Chinese skills to other languages.

How To Get Prepared For The HSK Exam

Here are four effective tips to guide you through the process:

1. Embrace Structured Learning

Start with HSK textbooks and online courses. They include grammar, vocabulary, and practice tests. Study step by step before moving to the next level.

2. Leverage Multimedia Resources

Diversify your study methods. Incorporate multimedia resources like Chinese films, podcasts, and music. This exposure enhances listening skills and familiarizes you with various dialects and accents. Watch Chinese movies.Listen to music and podcasts. Use apps to practice real-life conversations.

3. Practice with Mock Exams

Regular practice with mock exams is indispensable. These simulate the actual test environment, helping you adapt to its timing and structure. Analyze your performance in these exams to identify areas needing improvement. Do past papers and practice tests. Learn the timing and question types. Review mistakes and improve weak areas.

4. Engage in Conversational Practice

Conversational practice bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Engage with native speakers or join language exchange groups. In addition, Talk to native speakers, join online language exchange groups. This improves confidence and helps with daily conversation.

Benefits Of Achieving Higher Levels

High HSK levels give many advantages.

Personal: It shows strong commitment and skill in language learning.

Academic: Chinese universities often require HSK for admission.

Professional: Employers value HSK in international jobs.

Cultural: Learners understand Chinese books, films, and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many levels are in the HSK test?

There are six official levels (HSK1–HSK6), but now HSK7–9 exist for advanced learners.

2. Why should you take the HSK sample tests?

Different Chinese tests are designed to serve different needs and users. Taking HSK sample tests provides several benefits for Chinese learners. Besides, they help you become familiar with the test format and timing while assessing your current proficiency. Practicing with these tests improves your test-taking skills and boosts your confidence.

Additionally, they highlight areas for targeted study and expose you to relevant vocabulary and topics. Overall, sample tests are a valuable tool for effective HSK exam preparation.

3. Does HSK Level 9 have advanced requirements?

Yes. It needs 5,000+ words. You must understand long texts and complex ideas. You should also read academic and professional materials.

4, Are HSK certificates recognized globally?

Absolutely. Universities and companies around the world accept HSK. They often use it as proof of Chinese language ability.

5. What benefits does a high HSK level provide?

High HSK levels open doors for study, work, and culture. They allow you to join universities in China. They help with jobs in trade, diplomacy, and global business.

Achieving high HSK levels yields significant academic, professional, and cultural benefits.

Conclusion

The HSK is the main way to test Chinese proficiency. From HSK1 to HSK9, each step builds skills in listening, reading, and writing. Higher levels open academic, professional, and cultural opportunities.

Taking the HSK shows your dedication to learning Chinese. It connects you with Chinese culture and improves global communication.

Bella | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree from Yangzhou University. Possessing 10 years of experience in K-12 Chinese language teaching and research, with over 10 published papers in teh field of language and literature. Currently responsible for teh research and production of “WuKong Chinese” major courses, particularly focusing on teh course’s interest, expansiveness, and its impact on students’ thinking development. She also dedicated to helping children acquire a stronger foundation in Chinese language learning, including Chinese characters, phonetics (pinyin), vocabulary, idioms, classic stories, and Chinese culture. Our Chinese language courses for academic advancement aim to provide children with a wealth of noledge and a deeper understanding of Chinese language skills.