HSK 3 Word List: Complete 600 Words with PDF Download (2026)

Why HSK 3 Is the Most Important Milestone

Ask any experienced Chinese teacher which HSK level matters most, and the answer is almost always the same: HSK 3. This is the level where Chinese stops being an academic exercise and becomes a practical tool. At HSK 1 and HSK 2, you can introduce yourself, order food, and handle the most basic interactions. At HSK 3, you can actually live in Chinese.

With 600 words under your belt, you can travel independently through China, navigate airports and train stations, check into hotels, see a doctor, discuss your work, express your opinions, and handle most of the situations that daily life throws at you. This is the level where you stop needing a translator for routine tasks and start functioning as an independent Chinese speaker.

HSK 3 is also the most popular target level for serious Chinese students, and for good reason. It represents the sweet spot of effort versus reward. The jump from zero to HSK 3 typically takes 6-12 months of dedicated study, which is a significant but manageable commitment. The payoff is enormous: you go from knowing nothing to being able to handle most daily situations in one of the world's most widely spoken languages.

For professionals, HSK 3 is often the minimum requirement for jobs that involve basic Chinese communication. For travelers, it's the level that transforms a trip to China from a series of awkward pointing-and-gesturing encounters into a genuinely immersive experience. For language enthusiasts, it's the point where studying Chinese becomes fun because you can actually understand and participate in real conversations.

If you're currently working through HSK 2 and wondering whether to push on to HSK 3, the answer is an emphatic yes. The 300 additional words you'll learn at this level don't just add to your vocabulary — they fundamentally change what you can do with Chinese. You gain the connectors, abstract concepts, and expressive vocabulary that turn simple phrases into real communication.

What's New in HSK 3

HSK 3 adds 300 new words to your vocabulary — the largest single-level jump in the entire HSK system. These aren't just more nouns and verbs like the ones you learned at earlier levels. The HSK 3 vocabulary introduces entire new categories of expression that dramatically expand what you can talk about. Here's a breakdown of the major categories:

Abstract Concepts

This is perhaps the most important category at HSK 3. Words like 经验 (jīng yàn, experience), 关系 (guān xì, relationship), 环境 (huán jìng, environment), 决定 (jué dìng, decision), 文化 (wén huà, culture), 社会 (shè huì, society), 经济 (jīng jì, economy), and 条件 (tiáo jiàn, condition) let you discuss ideas rather than just objects. This is the vocabulary that separates basic survival Chinese from real conversation.

Professional Vocabulary

HSK 3 equips you with essential workplace vocabulary: 办公室 (bàn gōng shì, office), 经理 (jīng lǐ, manager), 同事 (tóng shì, colleague), 客人 (kè rén, guest/customer), 公司 (gōng sī, company), 生意 (shēng yì, business), and 工资 (gōng zī, salary). These words are indispensable if you plan to work in a Chinese-speaking environment or do business with Chinese partners.

Health & Body

Being able to discuss health is crucial when living abroad. HSK 3 covers 健康 (jiàn kāng, healthy), 感冒 (gǎn mào, cold/flu), 发烧 (fā shāo, fever), 锻炼 (duàn liàn, exercise), 习惯 (xí guàn, habit), and 安全 (ān quán, safe/safety). You can now describe symptoms to a doctor, talk about your fitness routine, and understand health-related signs and notices.

Travel & Transport

HSK 3 significantly expands your travel vocabulary with words like 护照 (hù zhào, passport), 签证 (qiān zhèng, visa), 行李 (xíng li, luggage), 机场 (jī chǎng, airport), 出租车 (chū zū chē, taxi), 地铁 (dì tiě, subway), and 高铁 (gāo tiě, high-speed rail). With these words, you can independently navigate China's extensive transportation network — one of the most practical skills you can develop.

Emotions & Opinions

At HSK 2, you could say you were happy or sad. At HSK 3, your emotional vocabulary becomes much richer: 担心 (dān xīn, worried), 满意 (mǎn yì, satisfied), 失望 (shī wàng, disappointed), 后悔 (hòu huǐ, regret), 骄傲 (jiāo ào, proud), and 紧张 (jǐn zhāng, nervous). These words let you express how you really feel and engage in more meaningful conversations with native speakers.

Connectors & Grammar Words

Perhaps the most underrated category at HSK 3 is the set of connectors and grammar words that let you form complex sentences: 虽然 (suī rán, although), 但是 (dàn shì, but), 如果 (rú guǒ, if), 不但...而且 (bú dàn...ér qiě, not only...but also), 无论 (wú lùn, regardless), and 然而 (rán ér, however). These words are what make your Chinese sound natural rather than robotic — they're the glue that holds real communication together.

Complete HSK 3 Word Categories

The full HSK 3 vocabulary list spans a wide range of categories. Understanding how the 600 words are distributed can help you plan your study strategy. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the major word categories in HSK 3:

Notice how HSK 3 shifts the balance compared to earlier levels. HSK 1 and 2 are heavily weighted toward concrete nouns and basic verbs. HSK 3 introduces a much larger proportion of abstract nouns, complex verbs, and connectors — the vocabulary you need to express ideas rather than just point at things. You can explore the full categorized list on our HSK 3 vocabulary page.

Click the cards below to reveal the pinyin and English meaning. These are representative HSK 3 words:

HSK 3 Exam Format

Understanding the HSK 3 exam format is essential for effective preparation. HSK 3 is the first level that includes all three sections: listening, reading, and writing. Here's a detailed breakdown:

You need a total score of 180 out of 300 (60%) to pass. There is no minimum per-section requirement, but aiming for balanced performance across all three sections is the safest strategy. The listening section is often the most challenging for self-study learners, while the writing section — new at this level — catches many test-takers off guard if they haven't practiced it specifically.

The writing section at HSK 3 is relatively straightforward. You won't be writing essays — instead, you'll complete sentences using given words, rearrange words into correct sentence order, and write short responses to prompts. The key is knowing the vocabulary well enough to produce it (not just recognize it) and understanding basic grammar patterns like word order, 把-sentences, and complement structures. For more details on passing scores across all levels, check our guide to the best HSK apps in 2026.

How Long Does It Take to Reach HSK 3?

The timeline to reach HSK 3 depends heavily on your starting point and daily study commitment. Here are realistic estimates based on studying 45-60 minutes daily:

The 300-word jump from HSK 2 to HSK 3 is the biggest single-level increase in the entire HSK system. For comparison, HSK 1 requires 150 words, HSK 2 adds 150 more, but HSK 3 adds a full 300. This is why many students find the HSK 2-to-3 transition the most challenging — you need to learn twice as many new words as you did for the previous level.

The good news is that the vocabulary at this level starts to build on itself. Many HSK 3 words are compounds of characters you already know from HSK 1 and 2, making them easier to remember. For example, if you know 高 (gāo, tall/high) from HSK 1 and 铁 (tiě, iron), you can intuit that 高铁 means "high-speed rail." This compounding effect accelerates your learning as you progress.

Using a dedicated spaced repetition system can significantly reduce the time needed. With SRS, you can realistically learn and retain 10-15 new words per day, which means the 300 new HSK 3 words can be covered in 3-4 weeks of vocabulary acquisition — then you spend the remaining time reinforcing retention and developing listening, reading, and writing skills.

HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0: Changes at Level 3

If you've been researching the HSK, you've probably encountered confusion about "HSK 2.0" and "HSK 3.0." Here's what you need to know about how the changes affect HSK 3 specifically:

The most significant change under HSK 3.0 is the addition of a mandatory speaking section. Under the current HSK 2.0 standard, speaking is tested separately through the HSKK (HSK Speaking Test). Under 3.0, it becomes integrated into the main exam. This means you'll need to practice pronunciation, tones, and spoken fluency — not just reading and listening comprehension.

The vocabulary expansion from 600 to approximately 900 words is also substantial. However, many of the additional words are compounds or variations of existing HSK 3 words, so the actual increase in difficulty is less dramatic than the numbers suggest. If you're currently studying for HSK 2.0, your preparation will still be highly relevant under 3.0 — you'll just need to supplement with additional vocabulary and speaking practice.

For the most up-to-date information on test format changes, see our best HSK apps for 2026 guide, which covers tools that support both standards.

Study Strategies for HSK 3

At HSK 3, you need to level up your study approach. The strategies that worked for HSK 1 and 2 — memorizing word lists, drilling basic dialogues — are no longer sufficient. Here are the most effective strategies for conquering the 600-word vocabulary:

1. Learn Words in Context, Not Isolation

At HSK 3, many words have multiple meanings or nuances that only make sense in context. For example, 关系 can mean "relationship," "connection," or "relevance" depending on how it's used. Instead of memorizing isolated word-meaning pairs, learn each word in at least 2-3 example sentences. This builds deeper understanding and helps you use words naturally.

2. Start Reading Graded Readers

HSK 3 is the perfect level to start reading graded Chinese readers — books written specifically for learners at your level. These readers use only vocabulary from HSK 1-3, so you can read complete stories without constantly reaching for a dictionary. Reading reinforces vocabulary in a way that flashcards alone cannot: it shows you how words connect, how grammar patterns work in practice, and how Chinese sentences flow naturally.

3. Immerse Yourself in Chinese Media

At HSK 3, you know enough vocabulary to start benefiting from Chinese media. Watch Chinese TV shows or movies with Chinese subtitles (not English). Listen to Chinese podcasts designed for intermediate learners. Follow Chinese social media accounts. You won't understand everything, and that's fine — the goal is exposure. Each time you encounter a word you studied in a real context, it strengthens that memory dramatically.

4. Practice Conversation

HSK 3 vocabulary is practical vocabulary — it's designed for real-world use. Find a language exchange partner or tutor and practice having conversations on HSK 3 topics: travel, work, health, daily routines, and opinions. Speaking forces you to actively recall vocabulary (much harder than passive recognition) and reveals gaps in your knowledge that you can then target in your study sessions.

5. Focus on Grammar Patterns

HSK 3 introduces complex sentence structures that are essential for expressing yourself clearly. Spend dedicated time on patterns like 虽然...但是 (although...but), 如果...就 (if...then), 不但...而且 (not only...but also), and 把-sentences. Understanding these patterns multiplies the value of every vocabulary word you know, because you can combine words in more sophisticated ways.

6. Use Spaced Repetition for Vocabulary

With 600 words to master, you absolutely need a spaced repetition system (SRS). Trying to memorize 600 words through rote repetition is inefficient and frustrating — you'll spend too much time reviewing words you already know and too little time on the ones you struggle with. An SRS like HSKLord automatically schedules each word at the optimal time for long-term retention, so you spend your study time where it matters most.

The most effective daily routine for HSK 3 preparation combines 20 minutes of SRS vocabulary review, 15-20 minutes of reading or listening practice, and 10-15 minutes of writing or speaking practice. This balanced approach ensures you're building all four skills simultaneously rather than becoming lopsided in one area.

Frequently Asked Questions