The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, 汉语水平考试) is the official international test of Mandarin proficiency, and its six levels form a ready-made learning ladder. These HSK courses turn the official HSK 1–6 vocabulary and sentence lists into short typing lessons.
Pick your level below and start drilling HSK words from memory. New to Chinese? Begin with the beginner courses at the top, then climb HSK 1 → 6 in order.
Numbers are some of the very first HSK 1 vocabulary. Practice counting in Chinese with our free interactive numbers trainer — hear each one and type it from memory.
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is China's official standardized test of Mandarin Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers, recognized by universities and employers worldwide. It is organized into six levels, from HSK 1 (about 150 words) up to HSK 6 (5,000+ words), so each level is both a milestone and a clear study goal.
Because the HSK syllabus publishes an exact vocabulary list for every level, it doubles as the most reliable roadmap for learning Chinese. This section follows that roadmap: one course per stage, each built from the official HSK word and sentence lists.
Why learn HSK vocabulary by typing?
Recognizing a character on a flashcard is not the same as knowing it. Typing each HSK word from memory is active recall — you reproduce the pinyin, see the character appear, and confirm the meaning, all in one rep. That is what moves vocabulary from passive recognition to confident use, and it is exactly the skill the HSK reading and writing sections test.
Typing also builds the input-method muscle memory you use to write Chinese on any phone or computer, so your exam prep and your real-world Chinese grow together.
What you'll learn across HSK 1 to HSK 6
HSK 1 & 2 — your first ~300 words: greetings, numbers, time, family, and simple everyday sentences.
HSK 3 & 4 — the intermediate jump to ~1,200 words: opinions, travel, work, and connected paragraphs.
HSK 5 & 6 — advanced vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and the nuance needed for news, literature, and academic Chinese.
Official HSK sentence patterns and grammar, practiced in context rather than memorized in isolation.
Reading and typing fluency that carries directly into the HSK exam and into real conversations.
The recommended HSK study path
If you are starting from zero, complete a pinyin foundation first so you can read and type every syllable, then begin the three beginner courses at the top of this section. From there, work through HSK 1 → HSK 6 in order — each level reuses and extends the vocabulary of the last, so the ladder is designed to be climbed in sequence.
Aim for short, daily sessions. A few minutes of typing HSK words every day beats occasional cramming, because spaced active recall is what makes vocabulary stick for the exam and beyond.
What is the HSK and how many levels are there?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the official standardized test of Mandarin proficiency for non-native speakers. It has six levels: HSK 1 (~150 words) and HSK 2 (~300) for beginners, HSK 3 and HSK 4 for intermediate learners, and HSK 5 and HSK 6 for advanced learners with 2,500–5,000+ words.
Which HSK level should I start with?
If you are new to Chinese, start with HSK 1 after completing a pinyin foundation. HSK 1 covers the most common ~150 words and basic sentence patterns. If you already know some Mandarin, take a quick HSK vocabulary check and begin at the level where about 80% of the words are new to you.
How many words do I need for each HSK level?
Roughly: HSK 1 ~150 words, HSK 2 ~300, HSK 3 ~600, HSK 4 ~1,200, HSK 5 ~2,500, and HSK 6 ~5,000. The newer HSK 3.0 standard raises these counts, but the level-by-level ladder remains the same — each stage builds on the vocabulary of the one before it.
Do I need to learn pinyin before starting HSK?
Yes. Pinyin is assumed knowledge from HSK 1 onward — you need it to read, pronounce, and type Chinese. We recommend finishing the Pinyin & Typing Foundation courses first, then beginning HSK 1 with the sounds and tones already in place.
How does typing help me prepare for the HSK?
Typing each HSK word from memory is active recall, the most effective way to retain vocabulary. You reproduce the pinyin, see the character, and confirm the meaning in a single rep — practice that maps directly onto the reading and writing skills the HSK exam measures.
How long does it take to pass HSK 1 to HSK 6?
With consistent daily study, many learners reach HSK 1–2 in a few months, HSK 3–4 within a year, and HSK 5–6 over two to three years. Your pace depends on study time and native language, but typing a small batch of HSK words every day is the fastest reliable route.
Keep Learning
Pinyin & Typing Foundation — Build the pinyin and tone basics every HSK level assumes before you start HSK 1.
