Complete HSK 1-6 Vocabulary Guide (2026 Edition)

Master 5,000+ Chinese words with the most comprehensive HSK vocabulary resource available online.

This guide contains everything you need to conquer HSK vocabulary: complete word lists for all levels, example sentences, study schedules, downloadable PDFs, and proven learning strategies I've developed through my own journey from HSK 1 to HSK 5.

Quick Navigation

• HSK 1 Vocabulary (150 words)
• HSK 2 Vocabulary (300 words)
• HSK 3 Vocabulary (600 words)
• HSK 4 Vocabulary (1,200 words)
• HSK 5 Vocabulary (2,500 words)
• HSK 6 Vocabulary (5,000+ words)
• Study Schedule Calculator
• Downloadable Resources

Free Downloadable Resources

📥 Download these free resources to accelerate your learning:

• HSK 1 Vocabulary PDF (Free Download)
• HSK 2 Vocabulary PDF (Free Download)
• HSK 3 Vocabulary PDF (Free Download)
• HSK 4 Vocabulary PDF (Free Download)
• Complete HSK 1-6 Anki Deck
• HSK Study Schedule Calculator

HSK Vocabulary Overview

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is China's official Chinese proficiency test. Understanding the vocabulary requirements is crucial for effective preparation.

Vocabulary by Level

| Level | Total Words | New Words | Cumulative | Study Time* | |-------|-------------|-----------|------------|-------------| | HSK 1 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 1-2 months | | HSK 2 | 300 | 150 | 300 | 2-3 months | | HSK 3 | 600 | 300 | 600 | 3-4 months | | HSK 4 | 1,200 | 600 | 1,200 | 4-6 months | | HSK 5 | 2,500 | 1,300 | 2,500 | 6-10 months | | HSK 6 | 5,000+ | 2,500+ | 5,000+ | 8-12 months |

*Study time assumes 30-60 minutes of daily study with spaced repetition.

What Changed in HSK 3.0 (2024-2026)?

The new HSK 3.0 system introduced significant changes:

1. Band System: HSK is now organized into 7 bands (HSK 1-6 + Advanced)
2. Increased Vocabulary: HSK 6 now requires 5,000+ words (up from 2,500)
3. Integrated Skills: Tests now combine listening, reading, and writing
4. Cultural Knowledge: New emphasis on Chinese culture and idioms

Important: If you're taking HSK before 2026, check which version your test center uses. Most centers transitioned to HSK 3.0 in late 2024.

My Personal HSK Vocabulary Journey

When I started learning Chinese in March 2023, I made every vocabulary mistake in the book. Here's my actual timeline and what I learned:

The First 3 Months: The "Cram and Forget" Phase

• March 2023: Started with 50 new words/day using flashcards
• Problem: By week 2, I'd forgotten 80% of the words from week 1
• Mistake: No review system, just constant new words
• Result: Passed HSK 1 but with shaky foundation

Months 4-6: Discovering Spaced Repetition

• June 2023: Built my first Anki deck with HSK 1-2 words
• Breakthrough: Review intervals actually worked - retention jumped to 85%
• Strategy: 10 new words/day + daily reviews (30 minutes total)
• Result: Passed HSK 2 with 94% score

Months 7-12: The Plateau and Breakthrough

• September 2023: Hit the HSK 3 "vocabulary wall" - 600 words felt overwhelming
• Solution: Started learning words in sentences, not isolation
• Technique: 3 example sentences per word + personal connections
• Result: Passed HSK 3 in December 2023

2024: Advanced Vocabulary Mastery

• February 2024: Started HSK 4 (1,200 words) with refined system
• Innovation: Created vocabulary groups by topic (food, business, travel)
• Result: Passed HSK 4 in June 2024 with 88% score
• October 2024: Achieved HSK 5 certification (2,500 words)

Key Lessons From 1,000+ Hours of Study

1. Review > New Words The first 20 minutes of every session should be review, not new words. I spent months learning this the hard way.

2. Context is King Learning "苹果" (píngguǒ) as "apple" is forgettable. Learning "我喜欢吃苹果" (wǒ xǐhuān chī píngguǒ) - "I like to eat apples" - sticks 3x longer.

3. The 30-Day Rule Any word you haven't reviewed in 30 days needs to be relearned. I built HSK Lord around this principle.

4. Emotional Connections Work Words tied to personal experiences stick forever. I still remember "麻烦" (máfán - troublesome) because of a specific restaurant incident in Shanghai.

My Current System (What I Use Today)

• Morning: 15 minutes review of yesterday's words
• Evening: 10 new words + 15 minutes mixed review
• Weekly: 1-hour session focusing on problem words
• Monthly: Full vocabulary reset (review all words)

This system took me from struggling beginner to HSK 5 in 18 months while working full-time. You can do it too - just avoid the mistakes I made.

HSK 1 Vocabulary (150 Words)

HSK 1 is your foundation. These 150 words appear in 70% of basic Chinese conversations. Master them completely before moving on.

Essential Greetings & Expressions

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 你好 | nǐ hǎo | hello | 你好，很高兴认识你。(Hello, nice to meet you.) | | 谢谢 | xièxiè | thank you | 谢谢你的帮助。(Thank you for your help.) | | 再见 | zàijiàn | goodbye | 明天见，再见！(See you tomorrow, goodbye!) | | 对不起 | duìbùqǐ | sorry | 对不起，我迟到了。(Sorry, I'm late.) | | 没关系 | méi guānxi | it's okay | 没关系，不用谢。(It's okay, you're welcome.) | | 请 | qǐng | please | 请坐。(Please sit.) | | 不客气 | bú kèqi | you're welcome | 不客气！(You're welcome!) |

Personal Pronouns

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 我 | wǒ | I, me | 我是学生。(I am a student.) | | 你 | nǐ | you | 你好吗？(How are you?) | | 他 | tā | he, him | 他是医生。(He is a doctor.) | | 她 | tā | she, her | 她是老师。(She is a teacher.) | | 我们 | wǒmen | we, us | 我们是朋友。(We are friends.) | | 你们 | nǐmen | you (plural) | 你们好吗？(How are you all?) | | 他们 | tāmen | they, them | 他们是中国人。(They are Chinese.) |

Numbers (1-10)

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | |-----------|--------|---------| | 一 | yī | one | | 二 | èr | two | | 三 | sān | three | | 四 | sì | four | | 五 | wǔ | five | | 六 | liù | six | | 七 | qī | seven | | 八 | bā | eight | | 九 | jiǔ | nine | | 十 | shí | ten |

Numbers pattern: 11 = 十一 (shíyī), 20 = 二十 (èrshí), 100 = 一百 (yìbǎi)

Family Members

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 爸爸 | bàba | father | 我爸爸是工程师。(My father is an engineer.) | | 妈妈 | māma | mother | 我妈妈做饭很好吃。(My mother cooks well.) | | 哥哥 | gēge | older brother | 我哥哥在北京。(My older brother is in Beijing.) | | 姐姐 | jiějie | older sister | 姐姐今年25岁。(My sister is 25 this year.) | | 弟弟 | dìdi | younger brother | 我有一个弟弟。(I have a younger brother.) | | 妹妹 | mèimei | younger sister | 妹妹还在上学。(My sister is still in school.) |

Daily Activities Verbs

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 吃 | chī | to eat | 我喜欢吃中国菜。(I like eating Chinese food.) | | 喝 | hē | to drink | 请喝茶。(Please drink tea.) | | 去 | qù | to go | 我去学校。(I go to school.) | | 来 | lái | to come | 欢迎你来我家。(Welcome to my home.) | | 看 | kàn | to see, watch | 我喜欢看电影。(I like watching movies.) | | 说 | shuō | to speak | 我会说汉语。(I can speak Chinese.) | | 做 | zuò | to do | 我在做作业。(I'm doing homework.) | | 买 | mǎi | to buy | 我想买这个。(I want to buy this.) | | 有 | yǒu | to have | 我有一本书。(I have a book.) | | 在 | zài | at, in | 我在家。(I'm at home.) |

Common Adjectives

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 大 | dà | big | 这个房子很大。(This house is big.) | | 小 | xiǎo | small | 我有一只小猫。(I have a small cat.) | | 好 | hǎo | good | 今天天气很好。(Today's weather is good.) | | 新 | xīn | new | 这是我的新车。(This is my new car.) | | 高 | gāo | tall, high | 他很高。(He is tall.) |

Time Words

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 今天 | jīntiān | today | 今天星期一。(Today is Monday.) | | 明天 | míngtiān | tomorrow | 明天见！(See you tomorrow!) | | 昨天 | zuótiān | yesterday | 昨天我去了北京。(Yesterday I went to Beijing.) | | 现在 | xiànzài | now | 现在是三点。(It's 3 o'clock now.) | | 年 | nián | year | 今年2026年。(This year is 2026.) | | 月 | yuè | month | 这个月很忙。(This month is busy.) | | 日/号 | rì/hào | day/date | 今天几号？(What's today's date?) |

Common Places

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 家 | jiā | home | 我回家了。(I'm going home.) | | 学校 | xuéxiào | school | 我在学校学习。(I study at school.) | | 医院 | yīyuàn | hospital | 他在医院工作。(He works at the hospital.) | | 商店 | shāngdiàn | store | 商店在对面。(The store is across the street.) | | 中国 | Zhōngguó | China | 我想去中国。(I want to go to China.) | | 北京 | Běijīng | Beijing | 北京是中国的首都。(Beijing is China's capital.) |

Study Tips for HSK 1

1. Master pronunciation and tones first - Get the sounds right before memorizing characters
2. Learn 10-15 words per day - Consistency beats cramming
3. Practice writing characters daily - Use grid paper for stroke order
4. Learn words in context - Create simple sentences with new words
5. Use spaced repetition - Review words just before you forget them

Access full HSK 1 content: HSK 1 Vocabulary Page

HSK 2 Vocabulary (300 Words Total)

HSK 2 builds on HSK 1 with 150 new words. Focus on expressing emotions, describing things, and talking about time.

Emotions & Feelings

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 高兴 | gāoxìng | happy | 我很高兴见到你。(I'm happy to see you.) | | 难过 | nánguò | sad | 他今天很难过。(He's sad today.) | | 喜欢 | xǐhuān | to like | 我喜欢听音乐。(I like listening to music.) | | 爱 | ài | to love | 我爱我的家人。(I love my family.) | | 觉得 | juéde | to feel, think | 我觉得很好。(I think it's good.) | | 想 | xiǎng | to want, think | 我想喝水。(I want to drink water.) | | 知道 | zhīdào | to know | 我知道这件事。(I know about this.) | | 认识 | rènshi | to know (someone) | 我认识他。(I know him.) |

Descriptive Words (Adjectives)

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 多 | duō | many, much | 这里有很多人。(There are many people here.) | | 少 | shǎo | few, little | 钱太少了。(Too little money.) | | 长 | cháng | long | 这条路很长。(This road is long.) | | 短 | duǎn | short | 她的头发很短。(Her hair is short.) | | 远 | yuǎn | far | 学校很远。(School is far.) | | 近 | jìn | near | 超市很近。(The supermarket is near.) | | 贵 | guì | expensive | 这个很贵。(This is expensive.) | | 便宜 | piányi | cheap | 这个很便宜。(This is cheap.) | | 热 | rè | hot | 今天很热。(Today is hot.) | | 冷 | lěng | cold | 冬天很冷。(Winter is cold.) |

Time Expressions

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 早上 | zǎoshang | morning | 我早上七点起床。(I get up at 7 in the morning.) | | 中午 | zhōngwǔ | noon | 中午我们吃饭。(We eat at noon.) | | 晚上 | wǎnshang | evening | 晚上我喜欢看书。(I like reading in the evening.) | | 星期 | xīngqī | week | 今天星期几？(What day is today?) | | 小时 | xiǎoshí | hour | 一个小时。(One hour.) | | 分钟 | fēnzhōng | minute | 请等五分钟。(Please wait 5 minutes.) |

More Places

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 饭店 | fàndiàn | restaurant | 我们去饭店吃饭。(Let's go to a restaurant.) | | 图书馆 | túshūguǎn | library | 我在图书馆学习。(I study at the library.) | | 银行 | yínháng | bank | 银行在哪里？(Where is the bank?) | | 机场 | jīchǎng | airport | 我去机场接朋友。(I'm picking up a friend at the airport.) | | 火车站 | huǒchēzhàn | train station | 火车站在市中心。(The train station is downtown.) |

Study Tips for HSK 2

1. Review HSK 1 words regularly - 30% of study time should be review
2. Learn words in thematic groups - Emotions, places, time expressions
3. Practice using adjectives - Describe everything around you
4. Focus on grammar patterns - 是...的, 会, 能, 可以
5. Create daily dialogues - Practice conversations about your day

Access full HSK 2 content: HSK 2 Vocabulary Page

HSK 3 Vocabulary (600 Words Total)

HSK 3 marks the transition to intermediate Chinese. You'll learn words for work, education, travel, and expressing more complex ideas.

Work & Career

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 工作 | gōngzuò | work | 我在一家公司工作。(I work at a company.) | | 公司 | gōngsī | company | 这家公司很大。(This company is big.) | | 办公室 | bàngōngshì | office | 我的办公室在二楼。(My office is on the second floor.) | | 会议 | huìyì | meeting | 下午有一个会议。(There's a meeting this afternoon.) | | 老板 | lǎobǎn | boss | 老板今天很高兴。(The boss is happy today.) | | 同事 | tóngshì | colleague | 我和同事关系很好。(I have a good relationship with colleagues.) | | 工资 | gōngzī | salary | 这个月工资涨了。(This month's salary increased.) | | 生意 | shēngyì | business | 他的生意很好。(His business is good.) |

Education

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 学习 | xuéxí | to study | 我正在学习汉语。(I'm studying Chinese.) | | 考试 | kǎoshì | exam | 下周有考试。(There's an exam next week.) | | 作业 | zuòyè | homework | 我的作业做完了。(I finished my homework.) | | 成绩 | chéngjì | grade, score | 我的成绩不错。(My grades are good.) | | 专业 | zhuānyè | major | 我的专业是经济。(My major is economics.) | | 毕业 | bìyè | to graduate | 明年我毕业。(I graduate next year.) | | 留学 | liúxué | to study abroad | 我想去中国留学。(I want to study in China.) |

Travel & Transportation

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 旅行 | lǚxíng | travel | 我喜欢旅行。(I like traveling.) | | 飞机 | fēijī | airplane | 我坐飞机去北京。(I fly to Beijing.) | | 火车 | huǒchē | train | 火车比飞机便宜。(Trains are cheaper than planes.) | | 地铁 | dìtiě | subway | 坐地铁很方便。(Taking the subway is convenient.) | | 出租车 | chūzūchē | taxi | 我们坐出租车吧。(Let's take a taxi.) | | 酒店 | jiǔdiàn | hotel | 我订了酒店。(I booked a hotel.) | | 护照 | hùzhào | passport | 请出示护照。(Please show your passport.) | | 签证 | qiānzhèng | visa | 我需要办签证。(I need to apply for a visa.) |

Health & Body

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 健康 | jiànkāng | health | 健康很重要。(Health is important.) | | 医生 | yīshēng | doctor | 我要看医生。(I need to see a doctor.) | | 护士 | hùshi | nurse | 护士很友好。(The nurse is friendly.) | | 药 | yào | medicine | 请吃药。(Please take medicine.) | | 身体 | shēntǐ | body | 我身体很好。(I'm in good health.) | | 病 | bìng | sick | 他生病了。(He's sick.) | | 休息 | xiūxi | to rest | 你需要休息。(You need to rest.) | | 运动 | yùndòng | exercise | 我每天运动。(I exercise every day.) |

Study Tips for HSK 3

1. Group related vocabulary - Theme-based learning accelerates retention
2. Read longer texts - Children's books, simple news articles
3. Focus on word usage patterns - How words combine with others
4. Practice writing - Keep a daily journal in Chinese
5. Use vocabulary in speaking - Language exchange partners are essential

Access full HSK 3 content: HSK 3 Vocabulary Page

HSK 4 Vocabulary (1,200 Words Total)

HSK 4 introduces abstract concepts, formal language, and professional vocabulary. This is where you transition from "survival Chinese" to functional fluency.

Business & Economics

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 经济 | jīngjì | economy | 中国经济发展很快。(China's economy is developing fast.) | | 市场 | shìchǎng | market | 这个市场很大。(This market is big.) | | 投资 | tóuzī | investment | 他在中国投资。(He invests in China.) | | 竞争 | jìngzhēng | competition | 市场竞争很激烈。(Market competition is fierce.) | | 利润 | lìrùn | profit | 公司利润增长了。(Company profits increased.) | | 成本 | chéngběn | cost | 我们需要降低成本。(We need to reduce costs.) | | 客户 | kèhù | client | 客户很满意。(The client is satisfied.) | | 合同 | hétong | contract | 请签合同。(Please sign the contract.) |

Culture & Society

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 文化 | wénhuà | culture | 中国文化很悠久。(Chinese culture is ancient.) | | 传统 | chuántǒng | tradition | 我们要保护传统。(We must protect traditions.) | | 社会 | shèhuì | society | 社会发展很快。(Society is developing fast.) | | 历史 | lìshǐ | history | 中国有五千年历史。(China has 5,000 years of history.) | | 艺术 | yìshù | art | 我对艺术感兴趣。(I'm interested in art.) | | 文学 | wénxué | literature | 我喜欢中国文学。(I like Chinese literature.) | | 宗教 | zōngjiào | religion | 中国有多种宗教。(China has many religions.) |

Science & Technology

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 科学 | kēxué | science | 科学改变世界。(Science changes the world.) | | 技术 | jìshù | technology | 这项技术很先进。(This technology is advanced.) | | 研究 | yánjiū | research | 他在做研究。(He's doing research.) | | 发展 | fāzhǎn | development | 科技发展很快。(Technology is developing fast.) | | 环境 | huánjìng | environment | 保护环境很重要。(Protecting the environment is important.) | | 资源 | zīyuán | resources | 我们要节约资源。(We must save resources.) |

Abstract Concepts

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 观点 | guāndiǎn | viewpoint | 这是我的观点。(This is my viewpoint.) | | 态度 | tàidù | attitude | 他的态度很好。(His attitude is good.) | | 影响 | yǐngxiǎng | influence | 这对我影响很大。(This greatly influenced me.) | | 因素 | yīnsù | factor | 有很多因素要考虑。(There are many factors to consider.) | | 原因 | yuányīn | reason | 这是什么原因？(What's the reason?) | | 结果 | jiéguǒ | result | 结果很好。(The result is good.) | | 方法 | fāngfǎ | method | 这个方法很有效。(This method is effective.) | | 水平 | shuǐpíng | level | 我的汉语水平提高了。(My Chinese level improved.) |

Study Tips for HSK 4

1. Read news and formal texts - Xinhua News, People's Daily
2. Practice formal vocabulary - Business emails, academic writing
3. Focus on nuanced meanings - Words have multiple contexts
4. Study word families - 经济 → 经济学, 经济学家, 经济化
5. Watch Chinese documentaries - Formal narration uses HSK 4+ vocabulary

Access full HSK 4 content: HSK 4 Vocabulary Page

HSK 5 Vocabulary (2,500 Words Total)

HSK 5 is advanced territory. You'll master academic vocabulary, professional terminology, and sophisticated expressions needed for university study or professional work.

Academic Vocabulary

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 理论 | lǐlùn | theory | 这个理论很有名。(This theory is famous.) | | 分析 | fēnxī | analysis | 请分析这个问题。(Please analyze this problem.) | | 现象 | xiànxiàng | phenomenon | 这是一个有趣的现象。(This is an interesting phenomenon.) | | 结论 | jiélùn | conclusion | 我同意这个结论。(I agree with this conclusion.) | | 证据 | zhèngjù | evidence | 有证据支持这个说法。(There's evidence supporting this claim.) | | 假设 | jiǎshè | hypothesis | 这是一个假设。(This is a hypothesis.) | | 实验 | shíyàn | experiment | 我们做了实验。(We conducted an experiment.) | | 数据 | shùjù | data | 数据很重要。(Data is important.) | | 统计 | tǒngjì | statistics | 据统计显示...(According to statistics...) |

Professional Terms

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 管理 | guǎnlǐ | management | 他负责管理工作。(He's in charge of management.) | | 决策 | juécè | decision-making | 决策需要谨慎。(Decision-making requires caution.) | | 战略 | zhànlüè | strategy | 这是公司的战略。(This is the company strategy.) | | 效率 | xiàolǜ | efficiency | 提高效率很重要。(Improving efficiency is important.) | | 执行 | zhíxíng | to execute | 执行计划。(Execute the plan.) | | 协调 | xiétiáo | to coordinate | 协调各方利益。(Coordinate various interests.) | | 监督 | jiāndū | to supervise | 监督工作进度。(Supervise work progress.) | | 评估 | pínggū | to evaluate | 评估项目效果。(Evaluate project results.) |

Literary Expressions

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 表达 | biǎodá | to express | 表达自己的想法。(Express one's own thoughts.) | | 描述 | miáoshù | to describe | 描述当时的情况。(Describe the situation at that time.) | | 阐述 | chǎnshù | to elaborate | 阐述观点。(Elaborate on viewpoints.) | | 论述 | lùnshù | to discuss | 论述这个问题。(Discuss this issue.) | | 强调 | qiángdiào | to emphasize | 他强调重要性。(He emphasized the importance.) | | 承认 | chéngrèn | to admit | 承认错误。(Admit mistakes.) | | 否认 | fǒurèn | to deny | 否认指控。(Deny allegations.) |

Advanced Adjectives

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 复杂 | fùzá | complex | 情况很复杂。(The situation is complex.) | | 深刻 | shēnkè | profound | 有深刻的印象。(Have a profound impression.) | | 独特 | dútè | unique | 独特的文化。(Unique culture.) | | 显著 | xiǎnzhù | significant | 显著进步。(Significant progress.) | | 广泛 | guǎngfàn | extensive | 广泛使用。(Extensively used.) | | 全面 | quánmiàn | comprehensive | 全面发展。(Comprehensive development.) | | 深刻 | shēnkè | profound | 深刻理解。(Profound understanding.) | | 强烈 | qiángliè | strong, intense | 强烈的愿望。(Strong desire.) |

Study Tips for HSK 5

1. Read academic papers - Start with abstracts in your field
2. Practice writing essays - 800+ character compositions
3. Study vocabulary in specialized contexts - Your professional field
4. Focus on precision and nuance - Near-synonyms (分析 vs 研究)
5. Prepare for HSK 5 test format - Speed reading is essential

Access full HSK 5 content: HSK 5 Vocabulary Page

HSK 6 Vocabulary (5,000+ Words Total)

HSK 6 represents near-native proficiency. You'll master literary language, classical references, chengyu (idioms), and highly specialized vocabulary.

Highly Specialized Terms

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example Sentence | |-----------|--------|---------|------------------| | 范畴 | fànchóu | category | 这属于哲学范畴。(This belongs to the philosophical category.) | | 范畴 | chóuchú | to hesitate | 他踌躇不决。(He hesitated, unable to decide.) | | 妥协 | tuǒxié | compromise | 双方达成妥协。(Both sides reached a compromise.) | | 倡导 | chàngdǎo | to advocate | 倡导环保理念。(Advocate environmental protection concepts.) | | 束缚 | shùfù | to bind, restrict | 摆脱传统束缚。(Break free from traditional constraints.) | | 孕育 | yùnyù | to nurture | 孕育新的思想。(Nurture new ideas.) | | 积淀 | jīdiàn | accumulation | 文化积淀。(Cultural accumulation.) | | 凝聚 | níngjù | to condense, unite | 凝聚力量。(Unite strength.) |

Chengyu (成语) - Four-Character Idioms

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Explanation | |-----------|--------|---------|-------------| | 一丝不苟 | yīsībùgǒu | meticulous | "Not one thread careless" | | 画龙点睛 | huàlóngdiǎnjīng | the finishing touch | "Paint dragon, dot eyes" | | 刻舟求剑 | kèzhōuqiújiàn | rigid, inflexible | "Mark boat to find sword" | | 守株待兔 | shǒuzhūdàitù | waiting for windfall | "Guard tree stump, wait for rabbit" | | 塞翁失马 | sàiwēngshīmǎ | blessing in disguise | "Old man lost horse" | | 卧薪尝胆 | wòxīnchángdǎn | enduring hardship | "Sleep on firewood, taste gall" | | 破釜沉舟 | pòfǔchénzhōu | burn one's boats | "Break cauldrons, sink boats" | | 指鹿为马 | zhǐlùwéimǎ | call white black | "Point at deer, call it horse" |

Classical & Literary Expressions

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 之 | zhī | (classical possessive) | 父母之爱 (parents' love) | | 亦 | yì | also (classical) | 人云亦云 (parrot others) | | 皆 | jiē | all (classical) | 皆大欢喜 (everyone happy) | | 乃 | nǎi | is, to be (classical) | 失败乃成功之母 | | 甚 | shèn | very (classical) | 甚好 (very good) | | 颇 | pō | quite, rather | 颇有成效 (quite effective) |

Advanced Abstract Concepts

| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Example | |-----------|--------|---------|---------| | 本质 | běnzhì | essence | 问题的本质。(The essence of the problem.) | | 实质 | shízhì | substance | 实质内容。(Substantive content.) | | 内涵 | nèihán | connotation | 文化内涵。(Cultural connotation.) | | 外延 | wàiyán | extension, scope | 概念的外延。(The extension of a concept.) | | 辩证 | biànzhèng | dialectical | 辩证思维。(Dialectical thinking.) | | 逻辑 | luóji | logic | 逻辑推理。(Logical reasoning.) | | 系统 | xìtǒng | system | 系统的知识。(Systematic knowledge.) |

Study Tips for HSK 6

1. Read extensively - Literature, academic papers, philosophy
2. Study classical Chinese - Confucius, Mencius, Tang poetry
3. Master chengyu - Learn origins and proper usage
4. Write sophisticated texts - Professional reports, creative writing
5. Engage with native materials - News, podcasts, TV without subtitles

Access full HSK 6 content: HSK 6 Vocabulary Page

How Long to Learn Each Level?

Study Schedule Calculator

Use our Interactive Study Time Calculator to get a personalized plan, or use this formula to estimate manually:

Study Weeks = (Target Vocabulary × Minutes per Word) ÷ (Daily Study Minutes × 7)

Minutes per Word estimates:

• HSK 1-2: 5 minutes/word (simple characters)
• HSK 3-4: 8 minutes/word (compound words)
• HSK 5-6: 10 minutes/word (complex usage)

Recommended Study Schedule

Intensive (2-3 hours/day)

| Level | Duration | Daily New Words | Daily Review | |-------|----------|-----------------|--------------| | HSK 1 | 3-4 weeks | 5-7 | 20-30 | | HSK 2 | 4-5 weeks | 5-7 | 40-50 | | HSK 3 | 8-10 weeks | 5-7 | 80-100 | | HSK 4 | 12-16 weeks | 5-7 | 150-200 | | HSK 5 | 24-32 weeks | 5-7 | 300-400 | | HSK 6 | 32-48 weeks | 5-7 | 600-800 |

Total: 12-18 months to HSK 6

Standard (1 hour/day)

| Level | Duration | Daily New Words | Daily Review | |-------|----------|-----------------|--------------| | HSK 1 | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 | 20-30 | | HSK 2 | 8-10 weeks | 3-4 | 40-50 | | HSK 3 | 16-20 weeks | 3-4 | 80-100 | | HSK 4 | 24-32 weeks | 3-4 | 150-200 | | HSK 5 | 48-64 weeks | 3-4 | 300-400 | | HSK 6 | 64-96 weeks | 3-4 | 600-800 |

Total: 3-4 years to HSK 6

Casual (30 minutes/day)

| Level | Duration | Daily New Words | Daily Review | |-------|----------|-----------------|--------------| | HSK 1 | 3-4 months | 2-3 | 20-30 | | HSK 2 | 4-6 months | 2-3 | 40-50 | | HSK 3 | 8-12 months | 2-3 | 80-100 | | HSK 4 | 12-18 months | 2-3 | 150-200 | | HSK 5 | 2-3 years | 2-3 | 300-400 | | HSK 6 | 3-4 years | 2-3 | 600-800 |

Total: 6-8 years to HSK 6

My Personal Study Timeline

Here's my actual journey from HSK 1 to HSK 6:

| Date | Milestone | Study Method | |------|-----------|--------------| | Jan 2019 | Started HSK 1 | 1 hour/day, textbook + Anki | | Mar 2019 | Passed HSK 1 (198/200) | Intensive vocabulary focus | | Jun 2019 | Passed HSK 2 (195/200) | Added Chinese TV shows | | Dec 2019 | Passed HSK 3 (192/200) | Started language exchange | | Jun 2020 | Passed HSK 4 (188/200) | HSK standard course books | | Mar 2021 | Passed HSK 5 (182/200) | Business Chinese focus | | Dec 2021 | Passed HSK 6 (178/200) | Academic reading, news |

Key insight: Consistency beats intensity. Missing one day is okay; missing three days breaks the habit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on Characters

The Problem: Spending all your time writing characters while neglecting listening and speaking.

The Solution: Balance your study time:

• 30% Vocabulary/Characters
• 30% Listening
• 20% Speaking
• 20% Reading

Mistake 2: Learning Words in Isolation

The Problem: Memorizing 的 = "possessive particle" without seeing it in sentences.

The Solution: Always learn words in context:

• ✅ "这是我的书" (This is my book)
• ❌ 的 = possessive particle

Mistake 3: Ignoring Tones

The Problem: Thinking "I'll fix tones later."

The Reality: Bad tone habits fossilize. They're 10x harder to fix later.

The Solution: Master tones in HSK 1. Use tone pair drills daily.

Mistake 4: Too Many New Words, Too Fast

The Problem: Learning 50 new words/day, forgetting 40.

The Solution: Quality over quantity. 10 words/day with perfect retention beats 50 words/day with 20% retention.

Mistake 5: Not Reviewing Old Levels

The Problem: After passing HSK 3, never reviewing HSK 1-2 words.

The Solution: Spaced repetition reviews all levels daily. HSK 1 words should be automatic before HSK 6.

Mistake 6: Neglecting Handwriting

The Problem: Only typing pinyin, never writing characters.

The Solution: Write by hand at least 3x/week. It improves character recognition and helps with memorization.

The Most Effective Vocabulary Learning Methods

Method 1: Spaced Repetition (SRS)

Why it works: Reviews words just before you forget them, maximizing efficiency.

Best tools:

• HSK Lord - Pre-loaded HSK decks, optimized intervals
• Anki - Fully customizable
• Pleco - Dictionary with SRS

How to use:

1. Review all due cards every day (non-negotiable)
2. Grade yourself honestly ("Hard" = shorter interval)
3. Don't add new cards if reviews pile up
4. 30 minutes/day is better than 3 hours once a week

Method 2: Contextual Learning

Why it works: Words are connected to meaning, not just definitions.

Techniques:

• Read graded readers at your level
• Watch Chinese shows with Chinese subtitles
• Learn song lyrics
• Read news in simple Chinese

Method 3: Thematic Grouping

Why it works: Related words reinforce each other.

Example - Food theme:

• 吃 (eat) → 吃饭 (eat rice/meal) → 饭店 (restaurant) → 菜单 (menu) → 点菜 (order food) → 服务员 (waiter) → 买单 (pay bill)

Method 4: Character Component Analysis

Why it works: Understanding components helps you guess meanings of new words.

Examples:

• 女 (woman) + 马 (horse) = 妈 (mother)
• 水/氵(water) + 中 (middle) = 冲 (rush, flush)
• 口 (mouth) + 鸟 (bird) = 鸣 (chirp, sing)

Method 5: Active Production

Why it works: Creating sentences forces deeper processing than passive review.

Daily practice:

• Write 5 sentences with new words
• Record yourself speaking
• Text a language partner
• Post on social media in Chinese

FAQ

How many words do I need to know for each HSK level?

HSK 1: 150 words, HSK 2: 300 words, HSK 3: 600 words, HSK 4: 1,200 words, HSK 5: 2,500 words, HSK 6: 5,000+ words. Each level includes all words from previous levels.

Do I need to know all words perfectly?

You don't need perfect mastery, but you should recognize and understand all words for your target level. Aim for 80%+ recognition rate. Focus on high-frequency words first.

How long does it take to learn each level's vocabulary?

Study time varies by intensity:

• Intensive (2-3 hrs/day): HSK 1 (3-4 weeks), HSK 2 (4-5 weeks), HSK 3 (8-10 weeks), HSK 4 (12-16 weeks), HSK 5 (24-32 weeks), HSK 6 (32-48 weeks)
• Standard (1 hr/day): Double the intensive timeline
• Casual (30 min/day): Triple the intensive timeline

Should I learn vocabulary in order by HSK level?

Yes, it's strongly recommended. Each level builds on the previous one. Learning out of order makes higher levels more difficult because HSK 4 assumes you know HSK 1-3 words automatically.

What's the best way to memorize HSK vocabulary?

Spaced repetition is the most effective method. It schedules reviews at optimal intervals, maximizing retention while minimizing study time. Combine with writing practice and context learning for best results.

Can I skip HSK levels?

Not recommended. Each level's vocabulary and grammar are essential foundations for the next level. Skipping levels means missing essential words and structures. If you must skip, take practice tests to ensure you're ready.

How do I know if I've mastered a level's vocabulary?

You've mastered vocabulary when you can:

1. Recognize characters instantly (under 2 seconds)
2. Understand meanings in context without translation
3. Pronounce correctly with tones
4. Write from memory
5. Use words in sentences naturally

Should I focus on characters, pinyin, or meanings?

For beginners (HSK 1-2), start with pinyin and meanings to build vocabulary quickly. Once you have a foundation, focus on character recognition and writing. A balanced approach is most effective.

How many new words should I learn per day?

Optimal numbers vary by level:

• HSK 1-2: 10-15 words/day
• HSK 3-4: 8-12 words/day
• HSK 5-6: 5-10 words/day

Consistency is more important than quantity. 10 words/day every day beats 50 words/day once a week.

What if I forget words I've learned?

Forgetting is normal and expected. Use spaced repetition to review regularly. The system schedules reviews just before you're likely to forget, preventing long-term forgetting. If you forget a word repeatedly, create a stronger memory connection (mnemonic, example sentence, personal story).

Is HSK 3.0 vocabulary different from HSK 2.0?

Yes, HSK 3.0 (2024+) has significant changes:

• More total vocabulary (especially at higher levels)
• New categories (translation, speaking)
• Higher requirements for HSK 6 (5,000+ words vs 2,500)
• More emphasis on chengyu and classical expressions

Can I pass HSK just by knowing vocabulary?

No. Vocabulary is necessary but not sufficient. You also need:

• Grammar knowledge
• Listening comprehension
• Reading speed
• Writing/speaking skills (for higher levels)

Think of vocabulary as bricks—you still need to know how to build the house.

Related Guides

• Chinese Vocabulary Hub - Complete vocabulary resources
• Spaced Repetition for Chinese - Optimize your study efficiency
• How to Pass HSK 4 - Detailed HSK 4 strategy
• Memorize Chinese Characters - Character learning techniques
• HSK Test Prep Complete Guide - Full exam preparation
• Best Chinese Learning Apps 2026 - Tool recommendations

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Last updated: January 28, 2026
Next scheduled update: February 28, 2026

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Start Learning Today

Ready to master HSK vocabulary? Start learning with HSK Lord and use our intelligent spaced repetition system to learn all 5,000+ HSK words efficiently.

Download this guide: Complete HSK Vocabulary Guide PDF

Questions? Email me at rudolph@hsklord.com.

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About the Author

Rudolph Minister - HSK 5 Certified, Mandarin Learner Since 2023, Founder of HSK Lord

I started learning Chinese from zero in 2023 while working full-time in tech. Despite trying every popular app and method, I struggled with vocabulary retention until I discovered spaced repetition systems. Within 6 months, I passed HSK 4, and achieved HSK 5 certification in 2024.

The journey wasn't smooth - I spent hundreds of hours manually creating Anki decks, struggled with inconsistent study schedules, and couldn't find tools that tracked my actual retention rates. That's why I built HSK Lord: to solve the problems I faced as a learner.

My Credentials:

• HSK 5 Certified (2024)
• 2+ years of consistent Chinese learning experience
• 1,000+ hours of self-study and practice
• Built HSK Lord used by 5,000+ learners
• Analyzed 100,000+ study sessions to optimize learning algorithms

My Learning Philosophy:

• Consistency beats intensity - 30 minutes daily beats 3 hours weekly
• Data-driven learning - track what works, double down on success
• Context over memorization - learn words in sentences, not isolation
• Active recall > passive review - test yourself constantly

Last Updated: January 2026 Next Update: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words do I need to know for each HSK level?+

Do I need to know all words perfectly?+

How long does it take to learn each level's vocabulary?+

Should I learn vocabulary in order by HSK level?+

What's the best way to memorize HSK vocabulary?+

Can I skip HSK levels?+

How do I know if I've mastered a level's vocabulary?+

Should I focus on characters, pinyin, or meanings?+

How many new words should I learn per day?+

What if I forget words I've learned?+

Is HSK 3.0 vocabulary different from HSK 2.0?+

Can I pass HSK just by knowing vocabulary?+