New HSK 2 Under HSK 3.0: What Changed & How to Prepare
HSK 2 grows to 500 cumulative words under the new system — but with no handwriting and no speaking test, the path forward is clear.
Last updated: February 2026
HSK 2 under HSK 3.0 requires 500 cumulative words (200 new beyond HSK 1). That's up from 300 total in HSK 2.0. No handwriting required — only character recognition. The exam tests basic conversational ability.
What is HSK 2 Under HSK 3.0?
HSK 2 is the second level in the new HSK 3.0 system, corresponding to CEFR A2 (elementary). It sits in the Elementary stage alongside HSK 1 and HSK 3.
At this level you should be able to handle basic conversations about familiar topics — shopping, transportation, weather, daily routines, and simple descriptions. You can understand and use common sentence patterns and express basic needs.
HSK 2 requires 500 cumulative words. Since HSK 1 covers 300 words, you need to learn 200 new words to move from Level 1 to Level 2. Like HSK 1, there is no handwriting requirement and no speaking test at this level.
What Changed from HSK 2.0?
| Feature | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative vocabulary | 300 words | 500 words |
| New words (beyond Level 1) | 150 words | 200 words |
| Handwriting | Required | Not required |
| Speaking test | None | None (starts at Level 3) |
| Vocabulary labels | No POS tags | Part-of-speech labels included |
The cumulative word count increased from 300 to 500 (+67%), but the incremental jump from HSK 1 is manageable: 200 new words. Under HSK 2.0, the jump was only 150 new words, so you are learning 50 more than before.
What Topics Does HSK 2 Cover?
HSK 2 expands on the survival Chinese from Level 1 and moves into basic conversational territory:
- Shopping: Prices, quantities, bargaining, payment methods
- Transportation: Directions, bus/taxi/subway, travel plans
- Weather: Seasons, temperature, forecasts
- Daily routines: Work schedules, meals, hobbies, weekend plans
- Simple descriptions: Appearance, feelings, comparisons
Expanded Grammar Patterns
HSK 2 introduces more complex sentence patterns that let you express increasingly nuanced ideas:
- Comparison structures (比 sentences): 今天比昨天热 (Today is hotter than yesterday)
- Complement constructions: 跑得很快 (runs very fast)
- Connecting ideas with 虽然...但是 (although...but), 因为...所以 (because...therefore)
- Expressing experiences with 过: 我去过中国 (I have been to China)
Key takeaway: HSK 2 still does not require handwriting or speaking. It is the last level before the speaking test becomes mandatory at HSK 3. If you are not ready for oral assessment yet, HSK 2 is a great milestone to work toward.
HSK 2 Exam Format Under 3.0
The HSK 2 exam follows a similar format to HSK 1, with slightly longer and more complex listening passages and reading materials. The exam tests two skills:
Listening
You will hear short dialogues and monologues, then answer questions about what you heard. Topics cover daily life situations like shopping, eating, asking for directions, and making plans.
Reading
You will read short sentences, dialogues, and passages, then match, complete, or answer questions about them. Pinyin is still provided above characters at this level, but less prominently than at HSK 1.
The pass mark is 60% of the total score. The exam draws exclusively from the 500-word HSK 2 vocabulary list.
Sample HSK 2 Vocabulary
Click the cards below to reveal the pinyin and English meaning. These are common HSK 2 words you will need to know:
Try HSK 2 Flashcards
Tap a card to reveal its meaning
Study Plan: HSK 1 to HSK 2
If you have already passed HSK 1, you need to learn 200 new words and get comfortable with more complex grammar. Plan for 2-3 months at 30 minutes per day.
Month 1: New Vocabulary
- Learn 10-15 new words per day using spaced repetition
- Review HSK 1 words concurrently to prevent forgetting
- Focus on common topic areas: shopping, weather, transport
- Start learning character recognition without relying on pinyin
Month 2: Grammar and Listening
- Practice new grammar patterns (比 comparisons, 虽然...但是, 过 for experience)
- Listen to dialogues at natural speed
- Complete the 200 new words and begin full review cycles
Month 3: Practice and Review
- Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions
- Identify and drill weak areas
- Practice reading without pinyin support where possible
- Build confidence with listening comprehension exercises
Looking ahead: HSK 3 introduces a mandatory speaking test. If you plan to continue past HSK 2, start incorporating basic speaking practice now — even informal practice with a language partner or speech-to-text app will help.
Free HSK 2 3.0 Vocabulary PDF
Download the complete HSK 2 3.0 word list — all 500 cumulative words with pinyin, English translations, and part-of-speech labels.
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