HSK Levels 1–6 — the complete proficiency scale

The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, 汉语水平考试) is China's official Mandarin proficiency test. It has 6 levels from absolute beginner to advanced. Here's what each level means, how many words you need, and what you can do at each stage.

6
Levels
5000
Total words
5000
Native audio
Start studying HSK 1 → About the HSK test

The 6 HSK levels at a glance

LevelWordsAudioStageWhat you can do
HSK 1 150 150 Beginner Simple greetings, numbers, basic phrases
HSK 2 150 150 Beginner Daily life, basic travel needs
HSK 3 300 300 Intermediate Routine social & work conversations
HSK 4 600 600 Intermediate Discuss a range of topics fluently
HSK 5 1300 1300 Advanced Read Chinese newspapers, watch films
HSK 6 2500 2500 Advanced Express complex ideas, near-native

What each HSK level really means

HSK 1 — Absolute beginner

150 words. You can exchange basic greetings, count, introduce yourself, and use very simple phrases like "I am American" or "I love you". Roughly 2–4 weeks of study from zero.

HSK 2 — Beginner

150 cumulative words. You can handle daily-life situations: order food, ask directions, make simple purchases, talk about family. Most HSK 2 learners can survive a short trip in China.

HSK 3 — Pre-intermediate

300 cumulative words. You can hold simple conversations on familiar topics — work, hobbies, weather, weekend plans. This is the minimum level many Chinese universities require for English-taught programs.

HSK 4 — Intermediate

600 cumulative words. You can discuss a range of topics fluently with native speakers and read simple Chinese articles. HSK 4 is often required to study a degree program in Chinese.

HSK 5 — Upper-intermediate

1300 cumulative words. You can read Chinese newspapers, watch TV shows with subtitles, and write essays. HSK 5 is a common requirement for graduate programs taught in Chinese.

HSK 6 — Advanced

2500 cumulative words. You can understand most spoken and written Chinese, express complex ideas fluently, and follow native-paced media. HSK 6 is the highest standard level and qualifies you for most China-based professional roles.

Frequently asked questions

How many HSK levels are there?
There are 6 levels in the standard HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) system, from HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced). An optional HSK 7–9 was introduced in 2021 for advanced/professional users but is not part of the standard test most learners take.
How many words do I need to know for each HSK level?
Under the HSK 3.0 (2021) vocabulary list: HSK 1 = 150 words, HSK 2 = 150, HSK 3 = 300, HSK 4 = 600, HSK 5 = 1300, HSK 6 = 2500. The total across all 6 levels is about 5000 words.
Which HSK level should I start with?
If you've never studied Mandarin, start with HSK 1. If you can already introduce yourself, count, and use basic sentences, you may be ready for HSK 2 or 3. Take a placement quiz on our site — start with HSK 1 flashcards and skip ahead if they feel easy.
How long does it take to pass each HSK level?
Rough estimates from zero: HSK 1 = 2–4 weeks, HSK 2 = 1–2 months, HSK 3 = 3–4 months, HSK 4 = 6–9 months, HSK 5 = 1–2 years, HSK 6 = 2–3 years of consistent study. Using spaced repetition can cut these times significantly.
What is HSK 3.0 vs the older HSK 2.0?
HSK 2.0 (2010) had 5,000 words across 6 levels. HSK 3.0 (2021, the current standard) expanded to about 5,456 words and added levels 7–9 for advanced learners. Our vocabulary lists follow HSK 3.0.
Is HSK 6 fluent?
HSK 6 means you can read Chinese newspapers, understand TV news, and express yourself in writing on complex topics — roughly equivalent to CEFR C1 (advanced) but not quite native. It's enough for most professional roles requiring Chinese.

Start studying any HSK level

Every level above links to a complete word list with native audio. Pick your level and start with flashcards: