HSK Levels Explained: From Beginner to Master
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) consists of 6 main levels (under the current widely used system). Each level corresponds to specific language skills and vocabulary size. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each level means for you.
HSK Level 1: The First Step
• Vocabulary: 150 words • Goal: Understand and use very simple Chinese words and phrases. • Capability: You can say hello, introduce yourself, and express basic needs. It's the entry point for beginners.
HSK Level 2: Basic Communication
• Vocabulary: 300 words • Goal: Communicate in simple and routine tasks. • Capability: You can handle direct exchanges of information on familiar and routine matters. Great for basic travel survival.
HSK Level 3: Daily Life
• Vocabulary: 600 words • Goal: Communicate in basic daily life, academic, and professional situations. • Capability: You can travel in China comfortably for most daily tasks. This corresponds roughly to CEFR B1.
HSK Level 4: Fluency Begins
• Vocabulary: 1200 words • Goal: Discuss a relatively wide range of topics. • Capability: You can communicate with native speakers fluently. This is often the minimum requirement for admission to Chinese universities for science/engineering degrees.
HSK Level 5: Professional Proficiency
• Vocabulary: 2500 words • Goal: Read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films. • Capability: You can give a full-length speech in Chinese. This level is often required for business jobs and liberal arts degrees.
HSK Level 6: Near-Native Mastery
• Vocabulary: 5000+ words • Goal: Easily comprehend written and spoken information. • Capability: You can express yourself effectively in both spoken and written Chinese. This is the highest level in the standard 6-level system.
HSK Levels 7-9: The Advanced Stage (New Standard)
• Vocabulary: 11,000+ words (cumulative) • Goal: Academic research and professional-level communication. • Capability: Introduced in HSK 3.0, these levels are for masters. It's a single test where your score determines whether you are level 7, 8, or 9. Ideal for Sinologists, translators, and high-level professionals.