HSK Level 4 introduces 441 characters with an average of 9 strokes, moving you into upper-intermediate territory. These characters are essential for reading newspapers, understanding TV shows, and engaging in deeper conversations.

Learning Goals

Master upper-intermediate vocabulary
Read authentic Chinese materials
Express complex thoughts and opinions
Understand formal and informal language

Study Tips

Read Chinese news articles and blogs regularly
Watch Chinese TV shows with subtitles
Practice writing paragraphs using Level 4 vocabulary
Focus on characters with cultural significance
Learn character variants and traditional forms

Learning Path

HSK Level 3HSK Level 4HSK Level 5

Level Statistics & Analysis

441

Characters

489

Words

Avg Strokes

2-20

Stroke Range

Common Radicals

亻 (26)扌 (23)木 (17)口 (17)氵 (16)讠 (14)贝 (12)土 (10)月 (9)厂 (9)

Key Characters

miǎo

秒

second (unit of time)

to exert oneself; to strive

preface, introduction, order, sequence

7 strokes

fèi

费

to spend, to cost; expenses, fees

Related Resources

Learning Tools

Worksheet Generator

Create printable practice sheets for HSK Level 4 characters

Name Generator

Generate Chinese names using HSK Level 4 characters

Radical Index

Explore characters by radical components

Character Comparisons

Learn differences between confusing characters

Helpful Articles

HSK 3.0 Explained: Everything Chinese Learners Need to Know Before July 2026

If you're studying for the HSK exam, July 2026 marks a critical turning point. China's official Chinese proficiency test is undergoing its biggest transformation yet—expanding from 6 levels to 9, adding new skill requirements, and restructuring vocabulary from the ground up. For current HSK 2.0 learners, this raises urgent questions: Is your progress wasted? Should you switch now or later? This comprehensive guide explains exactly what's changing and what you need to do.

Chinese Numbers 1-100: Stroke Order, Writing & Counting Guide

Numbers are often the first thing you learn in any language — and Chinese makes it surprisingly easy. The good news? You only need to master 10 characters to count from 1 to 99, and the combination rules are completely logical (unlike English's "eleven" and "twelve"). This guide teaches you the correct stroke order for each number character, explains the simple math behind Chinese counting, and helps you write numbers with confidence.

The 10 Hardest HSK 1 Characters to Write: Common Stroke Order Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Many beginners think HSK 1 is easy—until they start writing characters by hand. Wrong stroke order doesn't just make your characters look ugly; it makes them nearly impossible to remember. Muscle memory works against you when you practice incorrectly. This article reveals the 10 most "deceptive" characters in HSK Level 1 and teaches you the correct way to write them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many characters do I need to learn for HSK Level 4?

HSK Level 4 includes 441 characters and 489 words. These characters form the foundation for this level and are essential for passing the HSK exam at this level.

What is the average difficulty of HSK Level 4 characters?

Characters in HSK Level 4 have an average of 9 strokes, ranging from 2 to 20 strokes. These characters are more complex and require consistent practice to master.

How long does it take to master HSK Level 4?

The time varies by individual, but most learners spend 3-4 months studying HSK Level 4 characters. Consistent daily practice of 10-15 characters is recommended. Use our stroke order animations and printable worksheets to accelerate your learning.

Should I learn stroke order for HSK Level 4 characters?

Yes! Learning correct stroke order is crucial for HSK Level 4. It helps with muscle memory, makes characters easier to write, and is essential for handwriting recognition. Our interactive stroke order animations show you the exact sequence for each character.

How can I track my progress with HSK Level 4?

Create a free account to Mark characters as practiced as you learn them, and our system will show your completion percentage. You can also filter characters by "To Learn" or "Mastered" status.

What should I do after completing HSK Level 4?

After mastering HSK Level 4, move on to HSK Level 5. Continue practicing regularly to maintain your knowledge, and start reading Chinese texts that use these characters. Use our worksheet generator to create review sheets for ongoing practice.