HSK Levels 1–6 Explained
Everything you need to know about all HSK exam levels — how many words each requires, CEFR equivalents, exam format, study time estimates, and sample words per level. Click any level card to expand full details.
The HSK Roadmap — All 6 Chinese HSK Levels at a Glance
Greetings, introductions, numbers, simple daily interactions
Short conversations, directions, shopping, describing routines
Work/study abroad, discussing interests, giving opinions
University study in China, business communication, discussing complex topics
Reading newspapers/literature, conducting business negotiations, academic writing
Reading classical/literary texts, academic research, simultaneous interpretation
HSK 1–6 Comparison Table — Vocabulary, CEFR & Study Time
How Many HSK Levels Are There? (And How Many Words in Each?)
The current internationally used HSK has 6 levels, from HSK 1 (absolute beginner, 150 vocabulary words) to HSK 6 (advanced, 5,000+ words). In 2021, China announced a new HSK 3.0 framework expanding to 9 levels, but as of 2025 the 6-level exam remains the primary internationally administered test. Always check the official Hanban / Chinese Testing International (CTI) website for the latest exam schedule in your country.
How many words in each HSK level? Here is the breakdown:
- HSK 1 — 150 words (CEFR A1, Beginner)
- HSK 2 — 150 new words (300 cumulative, CEFR A2)
- HSK 3 — 300 new words (600 cumulative, CEFR B1)
- HSK 4 — 600 new words (1,200 cumulative, CEFR B2)
- HSK 5 — 1,300 new words (2,500 cumulative, CEFR C1)
- HSK 6 — 2,500 new words (5,000+ cumulative, CEFR C2)
HSK Levels Explained — What Each Level Means
Each HSK level targets a distinct proficiency milestone. HSK 1–2 cover everyday survival Chinese (greetings, numbers, basic shopping). HSK 3 enables simple conversations on familiar topics. HSK 4 is the minimum for most university admission requirements in China and corresponds to B2 (upper intermediate) on the CEFR scale. HSK 5 allows engagement with native media and professional environments. HSK 6 — the highest level — demonstrates near-native reading and listening ability.
Click any level card in the interactive tool above to see the full breakdown: vocabulary count, character count, grammar points, exam format, and estimated study time.
TOCFL vs HSK Levels — What's the Difference?
The HSK is the mainland China standard (simplified characters, Hanban/CTI). TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) is Taiwan's equivalent (traditional characters, Taiwan MOFA/NTNU). Both test Mandarin, but differ in script, vocabulary emphasis, and level structure. Here is how they compare:
Key differences: HSK uses simplified characters; TOCFL uses traditional. HSK is accepted globally for Chinese university admission; TOCFL is more common for Taiwan-based programmes. Both are officially recognised and internationally administered.
HSK Level Test Online Free
Not sure which HSK level matches your current Chinese? Take our free diagnostic test — 30 vocabulary questions, no registration, instant result. The test covers all six HSK levels and pinpoints your approximate band in about 5 minutes.
Take the Free HSK Level Test →Chinese HSK Levels and CEFR
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for language proficiency. Here is how HSK maps to CEFR, along with practical fluency benchmarks:
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ How many HSK levels are there?
The current internationally administered HSK has 6 levels. China announced a future HSK 3.0 with 9 levels in 2021, but as of 2025 the 6-level format remains the standard for international testing. Check the official Chinese Testing International (CTI) website for the latest schedule in your country.
▸ Which HSK level is conversational fluency?
HSK 4 (B2/upper-intermediate) is generally considered the threshold for conversational fluency in everyday and professional contexts. At HSK 4 you can discuss a wide range of topics, understand most native speech in familiar contexts, and study at Chinese universities. True naturalness and ease in native conversations typically comes at HSK 5 (C1).
▸ How long does it take to reach each HSK level?
Rough estimates for English speakers starting from zero, studying 4–8 hours per week: HSK 1 in 3–4 months; HSK 2 in 6–8 months; HSK 3 in 12–18 months; HSK 4 in 2–3 years; HSK 5 in 3–4 years; HSK 6 in 4–6 years. Intensive immersion programs can compress these timelines significantly.
▸ Is HSK 6 the highest level?
In the current 6-level framework, yes — HSK 6 is the highest. It requires knowledge of over 5,000 words and tests complex reading and listening comprehension at near-native level. The proposed HSK 3.0 framework would add levels 7–9 for highly specialised and academic use, but these are not yet internationally available.
▸ What is the difference between HSK and TOCFL?
HSK (汉语水平考试) is administered by Hanban/CTI in mainland China and uses simplified Chinese characters. TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) is Taiwan's equivalent, using traditional characters and slightly different vocabulary. Both test Mandarin proficiency and have 6 proficiency bands that roughly correspond. The right exam depends on whether you need mainland China or Taiwan recognition.
▸ Can I take an HSK level test online for free?
Official HSK exams are proctored and require registration through an approved test centre. However, our free HSK Level Test at / gives you a diagnostic result in about 5 minutes — 30 questions covering all six HSK levels with an instant score. It is designed to help you identify your current band before committing to the official exam.
Find Your HSK Level — Free in 5 Minutes
Take the 30-question diagnostic test to pinpoint your current level, then start studying the right vocabulary with HSK Tutor's spaced repetition system.