Hanzi Garden › HSK guide
HSK Levels Explained
The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, 汉语水平考试) is the standard test of Mandarin for non-native speakers. Its six levels double roughly in size as they climb — here is what each one means.
| Level | New words | Cumulative | What you can do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 | 150 | Basic greetings, numbers, simple needs |
| HSK 2 | 147 | 297 | Everyday routines, shopping, directions |
| HSK 3 | 298 | 595 | Work, study, travel — connected speech |
| HSK 4 | 598 | 1193 | Opinions, emotions, abstract topics |
| HSK 5 | 1300 | 2493 | Newspapers, films, full-speed conversation |
| HSK 6 | 2500 | 4993 | Idioms, formal writing, near-native range |
How many words are in each HSK level?
HSK 1 has 150 words, HSK 2 has 150, HSK 3 has 300, HSK 4 has 600, HSK 5 has 1,300 and HSK 6 has 2,500 — about 5,000 words in total across all six levels (a handful repeat across levels).
Is this the old HSK or the new HSK 3.0?
These are the classic six HSK levels (HSK 2.0), which most textbooks, apps, and test centers still use. The newer HSK 3.0 standard reorganizes vocabulary into nine levels, but the 2.0 lists remain the most practical study target.
How long does each HSK level take?
A common estimate with daily study: HSK 1–2 take about a month each, HSK 3–4 two to four months each, and HSK 5–6 six months to a year each. Spaced repetition dramatically cuts the time vocabulary takes to stick.
Can I learn all the HSK vocabulary for free?
Yes — Hanzi Garden includes all six HSK word lists with pinyin, meanings, audio, and spaced-repetition reviews, free with no account.
Study all 4,993 HSK words free →