New HSK 4 Under HSK 3.0: Translation Skills, 2,000 Words & How to Prepare

What is HSK 4 Under HSK 3.0?

HSK 4 is the first level of the Intermediate stage in the new HSK 3.0 system, corresponding to CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate). It follows HSK 3, and represents the gateway to university-level Chinese and professional communication.

At this level you should be able to discuss general topics, express opinions clearly, handle daily professional communication, and understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. This is the new entry point for many undergraduate programs in China.

HSK 4 requires 2,000 cumulative words — a 67% increase from HSK 2.0's 1,200. That means 1,000 new words beyond HSK 3. Critically, HSK 4 also introduces translation (翻译) as a tested skill for the first time in the HSK exam system.

What Changed from HSK 2.0?

HSK 4 sees three major changes: a significantly larger vocabulary, a mandatory speaking component, and an entirely new translation section.

The Translation Component: What to Expect

Translation (翻译) is the most significant new addition at HSK 4. This skill was never tested in any level of the old HSK 2.0 system. Under HSK 3.0, it appears for the first time at Level 4 and continues through the higher levels.

What Translation Looks Like on the Exam

The translation section includes short passages — typically 2-4 sentences — that you must translate between Chinese and your native language. The passages cover everyday topics at the HSK 4 vocabulary level: work situations, social interactions, opinions on common topics, and descriptive passages about familiar subjects.

Unlike pure writing tasks where you compose freely, translation requires you to convey specific meaning accurately. This tests both your comprehension (for Chinese-to-foreign translation) and your production ability (for foreign-to-Chinese translation).

Tips for Preparing for the Translation Section

• Read bilingual materials: Find articles, news summaries, or books that present Chinese and English side by side. Pay attention to how ideas are structured differently in each language.
• Practice summarizing in the other language: Read a paragraph in Chinese and summarize it in your native language, then reverse the process. This builds the mental switching ability that translation requires.
• Learn common translation patterns: Chinese sentence structure differs from English in predictable ways (time before place, topic-comment structure). Learning these patterns makes translation faster and more natural.
• Practice under time pressure: On the exam you have limited time. Practice translating short passages with a timer to build speed and confidence.
• Focus on meaning, not word-for-word: Good translation conveys meaning naturally in the target language. Do not try to translate word by word — instead, understand the meaning and re-express it.

Vocabulary: 1,000 New Words

The jump from 1,000 to 2,000 cumulative words is substantial — you need to learn 1,000 new words beyond HSK 3. This is the same size jump as HSK 2 to HSK 3, but the vocabulary shifts noticeably toward more academic and professional territory.

The new vocabulary covers topics that support university-level study and professional communication:

• Academic and professional vocabulary: 竞争 (competition), 效果 (effect/result), 研究 (research)
• Abstract concepts: 价值 (value), 积累 (accumulate), 原则 (principle)
• Formal expressions: 合适 (suitable), 建议 (suggest), 表达 (express)
• Social and cultural topics: 传统 (tradition), 文化 (culture), 社会 (society)
• Professional situations: 合同 (contract), 项目 (project), 责任 (responsibility)

Sample HSK 4 Vocabulary

Click the cards below to reveal the pinyin and English meaning. These are representative HSK 4 words:

HSK 4 Exam Format Under 3.0

The HSK 4 exam now tests five skills instead of three, with translation being the major addition:

Written Exam

• Listening: Multiple-choice questions based on dialogues, conversations, and longer passages. Topics expand to include professional situations, news-style content, and academic discussions.
• Reading: Multiple-choice and matching questions on longer, more complex texts. No pinyin support. Passages include articles, notices, emails, and opinion pieces.
• Writing: Paragraph writing and short compositions on given topics. No handwriting required — you type using pinyin input.
• Translation: Translate short passages between Chinese and your native language. Tests both comprehension and production. This section is entirely new at this level.

Oral Exam (Speaking)

• Reading aloud with correct pronunciation, tones, and natural rhythm
• Describing pictures and situations with more detail than HSK 3
• Answering questions on a wider range of topics, including abstract ones
• Expressing and defending opinions on given topics (topic discussion)

The speaking test at HSK 4 features more complex prompts than Level 3, requiring you to express opinions and discuss topics in greater depth. You need to pass both the written and oral sections to receive your HSK 4 certificate. The pass mark is 60% for each section.

Study Plan: HSK 3 to HSK 4

Plan for 6-12 months after completing HSK 3. The larger vocabulary, new translation component, and more demanding speaking test mean you should study daily with a mix of SRS, reading, and speaking practice.

Months 1-3: Vocabulary + Reading

• Learn 10-15 new words per day using spaced repetition (SRS)
• Continue reviewing HSK 1-3 words to maintain your foundation
• Start reading graded readers and simple news articles in Chinese
• Begin daily speaking practice (15-20 minutes minimum)
• Start exposure to bilingual materials for translation readiness

Months 4-6: Skills Integration + Translation Practice

• Complete the 1,000 new words and enter full review mode
• Practice listening with news broadcasts and longer dialogues at natural speed
• Begin dedicated translation practice — translate short passages both directions daily
• Practice expressing opinions on various topics in Chinese (speaking and writing)
• Read Chinese articles and summarize them in your native language

Months 7-12: Exam Preparation + Mock Tests

• Take full-length practice exams (all five skill sections)
• Practice the speaking test format: read-aloud, picture description, Q&A, topic discussion
• Do timed translation exercises to build speed and accuracy
• Focus on weak areas identified during practice exams
• Practice typing Chinese using pinyin input under time pressure
• Record yourself speaking and listen back for tone and fluency errors

Frequently Asked Questions

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