HSK levels explained: which word list to learn
HSK is China’s standard test of Chinese for non-native speakers. Its word lists exist in several versions, which confuses almost every beginner. Here is what each one contains.
Updated:
Three lists
- HSK 2.0 — six levels. The HSK Standard Course textbooks follow this list.
- HSK 3.0 — the 2021 standard with nine levels; levels 7–9 form one advanced band.
- HSK (2025) — the newest revision of the list.
New words at each level
The number of new words each level adds, in the lists z.tou.gg uses:
| Level | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 | HSK (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 150 | 506 | 294 |
| 2 | 147 | 750 | 197 |
| 3 | 298 | 953 | 487 |
| 4 | 598 | 972 | 972 |
| 5 | 1,298 | 1,059 | 1,547 |
| 6 | 2,500 | 1,123 | 1,684 |
| 7–9 | — | 5,606 | 4,876 |
The lists overlap heavily: 97% of the HSK 2.0 level 1 words are also in HSK 3.0 levels 1–2, and 89% of HSK (2025) level 1 is in HSK 3.0 level 1. Whichever list you start with, your work carries over.
Which one should you learn?
- Preparing for an exam? Ask your test centre which list it follows.
- Studying with the HSK Standard Course books? Follow HSK 2.0.
- Just starting? Take HSK (2025) level 1: its 294 words are the everyday core.
HSK also has a separate speaking test, HSKK; the lists above are for HSK itself.
Browse and study the lists
Every list is open to browse with pinyin and meanings: HSK word lists. In the app, choose a level in Course: new words come every day, and learned ones come back for review right on time. See also a plan for your first 30 days.