New HSK 3 Under HSK 3.0: What Changed & How to Prepare

What is HSK 3 Under HSK 3.0?

HSK 3 is the highest level in the Elementary stage of the new HSK 3.0 system, corresponding to CEFR B1 (intermediate). It follows HSK 1 and HSK 2, and represents a major step up in both vocabulary and skills tested.

At this level you should be able to hold simple conversations on familiar topics, understand the main points of clear standard speech, and deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in China. This is the transition from "survival Chinese" to "simple conversation ability."

HSK 3 requires 1,000 cumulative words — 500 new beyond HSK 2. This is the largest single-level vocabulary jump in the Elementary stage.

What Changed from HSK 2.0?

HSK 3 sees two major changes: a significantly larger vocabulary and a completely new mandatory speaking component.

The Mandatory Speaking Test: What to Expect

This is the single biggest change at HSK 3. Under the old system, the spoken exam (HSKK) was a separate, optional test. Under HSK 3.0, it is built directly into the HSK 3 exam. You register for both written and spoken components together, and you must pass both to receive your certificate.

Speaking Test Format

The HSK 3 speaking test includes four types of tasks:

1. Reading aloud: You are given sentences to read aloud. The examiner assesses your pronunciation and tone accuracy. This tests whether you can produce the sounds correctly, not just recognize them.
2. Picture description: You are shown images and asked to describe what you see in Chinese. This tests your ability to construct sentences spontaneously and use appropriate vocabulary.
3. Question responses: You hear questions about familiar topics (daily life, hobbies, travel, work) and answer them. The questions are straightforward and relate to the HSK 3 vocabulary and topic areas.
4. Simple opinion expression: You are given a topic and asked to express your opinion briefly. For example: "Do you prefer eating at home or eating at a restaurant?" You need to state your preference and give a simple reason.

Speaking Test Tips

• Shadow native speakers: Listen to Chinese audio and repeat immediately after the speaker. This builds natural rhythm and tone accuracy.
• Practice with language partners: Regular conversation practice is irreplaceable. Even 15 minutes per day of speaking with a partner makes a significant difference.
• Use speech-to-text for feedback: Speak Chinese into your phone using a Chinese keyboard's voice input. If the phone correctly transcribes what you said, your pronunciation is clear enough.
• Practice picture descriptions: Look at random photos and describe what you see in Chinese. Start simple (人, 东西, 地方) and gradually add details.
• Prepare opinion templates: Learn a few frameworks for expressing opinions: 我觉得...因为... (I think... because...), 我喜欢...不喜欢... (I like... don't like...).

Vocabulary: 500 New Words

The jump from 500 to 1,000 cumulative words is the largest single-level increase in the Elementary stage. You need to learn 500 new words beyond HSK 2 — compared to 300 new words under the old system.

The new vocabulary covers a wider range of topics that support real conversation:

• Work and career: 经验 (experience), 工资 (salary), 面试 (interview)
• Environment and nature: 环境 (environment), 空气 (air), 污染 (pollution)
• Abstract concepts: 同意 (agree), 大概 (probably), 提高 (improve)
• Social situations: 邀请 (invite), 拒绝 (refuse), 道歉 (apologize)
• Health and lifestyle: 减肥 (lose weight), 锻炼 (exercise), 习惯 (habit)

Sample HSK 3 Vocabulary

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

HSK 3 Exam Format Under 3.0

The HSK 3 exam now tests four skills instead of three:

Written Exam

• Listening: Multiple-choice questions based on dialogues and short passages. Topics include daily life, work, travel, and social situations.
• Reading: Multiple-choice and matching questions. Passages are longer than HSK 2 and pinyin support is reduced.
• Writing: Sentence construction and short paragraph writing. No handwriting — you type using pinyin input.

Oral Exam (Speaking)

• Reading aloud with correct pronunciation and tones
• Describing pictures in Chinese
• Answering questions about familiar topics
• Expressing simple opinions with reasons

You need to pass both the written and oral sections to receive your HSK 3 certificate. The pass mark is 60% for each section.

Study Plan: HSK 2 to HSK 3

Plan for 4-6 months after completing HSK 2. The larger vocabulary and new speaking requirement mean you should study 30-45 minutes per day, with dedicated speaking practice.

Months 1-2: Vocabulary Foundation

• Learn 10-15 new words per day using spaced repetition
• Continue reviewing HSK 1 and HSK 2 words
• Start reducing reliance on pinyin when reading
• Begin daily speaking practice (even 5-10 minutes)

Months 3-4: Skills Integration

• Complete the 500 new words and enter full review mode
• Practice listening with longer passages and natural-speed audio
• Shadow native speakers daily to improve pronunciation and fluency
• Practice picture descriptions — describe photos, scenes, situations
• Write short paragraphs on familiar topics

Months 5-6: Exam Preparation

• Take full-length practice exams (both written and oral)
• Practice the speaking test format specifically: read-aloud, picture description, Q&A, opinion expression
• Record yourself speaking and listen back for tone errors
• Focus on weak areas identified during practice exams
• Practice typing Chinese using pinyin input under time pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

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