HSK Vocabulary Lists — All Levels with Stroke Order

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the standardized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities across multiple levels, from beginner to advanced. HSK certificates are recognized worldwide for academic admissions, job applications, and visa requirements.

HSK 2.0 (current standard) has 6 levels, from HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced). HSK 3.0 (new standard launching July 2026) expands to 9 levels organized in 3 stages: Elementary (1-3), Intermediate (4-6), and Advanced (7-9).

HSK 2.0 has 6 levels with 5,000 total words, while HSK 3.0 has 9 levels with 11,000 words. HSK 3.0 introduces three character dimensions: vocabulary characters (词汇字), recognition characters (认读字) you should be able to read, and writing characters (书写字) you must master writing. HSK 3.0 Level 1 requires 300 words (vs 150 in 2.0) and adds advanced levels 7-9 for professional and academic Chinese. HSK 2.0 remains valid until June 2026.

Take HSK 2.0 if your exam is before July 2026. Take HSK 3.0 if you registered for the January 2026 trial exam, need Level 7-9 certification, or are an advanced learner. Most regular exams use HSK 2.0 until the transition period ends in mid-2026.

HSK 2.0: Level 1 (150 words), Level 2 (300), Level 3 (600), Level 4 (1,200), Level 5 (2,500), Level 6 (5,000). HSK 3.0: Level 1 (300 words), Level 2 (500), Level 3 (1,000), Level 4 (2,000), Level 5 (3,600), Level 6 (5,400), Level 7-9 (11,000 total).

HSK 3.0 becomes the standard from July 2026. Trial exams for HSK 3.0 started in January 2026 for advanced learners and those seeking Level 7-9 certification. Regular HSK 2.0 exams continue until June 2026, after which all exams transition to HSK 3.0.