HSK Vocabulary List: Complete Word Lists for All 6 Levels
Master Chinese vocabulary efficiently with complete HSK word lists for all 6 levels. Learn study strategies, access vocabulary pages, and discover how spaced repetition can accelerate your learning.
The HSK vocabulary lists are the foundation of Chinese language proficiency testing. These carefully curated word lists represent the most essential vocabulary for each proficiency level, from beginner (HSK 1) to advanced (HSK 6). Understanding and mastering these vocabulary lists is crucial for HSK test success and practical Chinese communication.
Each HSK level builds systematically upon the previous one, introducing new vocabulary while reinforcing words from earlier levels. This progressive structure ensures that learners develop a comprehensive vocabulary base that supports both test performance and real-world language use. Whether you're just starting with HSK 1's 150 basic words or working toward HSK 6's 5,000+ advanced vocabulary, this guide will help you navigate the vocabulary learning journey.
Effective vocabulary learning requires more than just memorization. It involves understanding word usage in context, recognizing characters, mastering pronunciation with proper tones, and being able to use words actively in communication. This comprehensive guide provides strategies, resources, and insights to help you master HSK vocabulary efficiently.
HSK Vocabulary Overview
| HSK Level | Word Count | 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 | 6-8 months |
| HSK 6 | 5,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 | 8-12 months |
Vocabulary by HSK Level
HSK 1 Vocabulary (150 Words)
HSK 1 vocabulary consists of 150 essential words covering basic greetings, numbers, family members, daily activities, and common objects. These words form the foundation of Chinese communication and are essential for beginners.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Greetings and basic expressions (你好, 谢谢, 再见)
- Numbers 1-100
- Family members (爸爸, 妈妈, 哥哥, 姐姐)
- Daily activities (吃, 喝, 去, 来)
- Time expressions (今天, 明天, 昨天)
- Common nouns (人, 水, 书, 学校)
Study Tips
- Focus on pronunciation and tones from the beginning
- Practice writing characters daily to reinforce memory
- Learn words in context through example sentences
- Use spaced repetition to optimize review timing
- Aim for 10-15 new words per day for steady progress
HSK 2 Vocabulary (300 Words Total)
HSK 2 adds 150 new words to the HSK 1 foundation, expanding vocabulary to include more complex daily situations, emotions, descriptions, and basic grammar structures.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Emotions and feelings (高兴, 难过, 喜欢)
- Descriptive adjectives (大, 小, 好, 坏)
- More verbs for daily activities (看, 听, 说, 写)
- Time and frequency (经常, 有时候, 每天)
- Places and locations (商店, 医院, 公园)
- Basic conjunctions (和, 但是, 因为)
Study Tips
- Review HSK 1 words regularly while learning new ones
- Practice using adjectives and verbs in sentences
- Focus on understanding word combinations and phrases
- Build vocabulary through reading simple texts
- Continue daily character writing practice
HSK 3 Vocabulary (600 Words Total)
HSK 3 introduces 300 new words, bringing the total to 600. This level focuses on intermediate communication, including work, study, travel, and social situations.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Work and career (工作, 公司, 会议)
- Education and study (学习, 考试, 作业)
- Travel and transportation (旅行, 飞机, 火车)
- Health and medical (健康, 医院, 医生)
- More complex grammar patterns
- Abstract concepts and opinions
Study Tips
- Group related vocabulary by theme for better retention
- Practice reading longer texts to see words in context
- Focus on understanding word usage patterns
- Use vocabulary in writing exercises
- Maintain consistent daily study habits
HSK 4 Vocabulary (1,200 Words Total)
HSK 4 adds 600 new words, reaching 1,200 total. This upper-intermediate level includes more abstract concepts, formal language, and professional vocabulary.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Business and economics (经济, 市场, 投资)
- Culture and society (文化, 传统, 社会)
- Science and technology (科学, 技术, 研究)
- Formal expressions and idioms
- Complex sentence structures
- Academic and professional terms
Study Tips
- Read news articles and formal texts regularly
- Practice using formal vocabulary in writing
- Focus on understanding nuanced meanings
- Study word families and related terms
- Engage with authentic Chinese media
HSK 5 Vocabulary (2,500 Words Total)
HSK 5 introduces 1,300 new words, bringing the total to 2,500. This advanced level requires sophisticated vocabulary for academic and professional contexts.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Advanced academic vocabulary
- Professional and business terminology
- Literary and cultural expressions
- Complex abstract concepts
- Sophisticated grammar patterns
- Idiomatic expressions and proverbs
Study Tips
- Read academic papers and professional documents
- Practice writing essays and formal texts
- Study vocabulary in specialized contexts
- Focus on precision and nuance in word usage
- Engage with advanced Chinese literature
HSK 6 Vocabulary (5,000+ Words Total)
HSK 6 is the highest level, requiring 5,000+ vocabulary words total. This near-native level demands mastery of sophisticated vocabulary for academic, professional, and literary contexts.
Key Vocabulary Categories
- Highly specialized academic vocabulary
- Literary and poetic expressions
- Advanced professional terminology
- Complex idiomatic expressions
- Sophisticated cultural references
- Near-native level vocabulary
Study Tips
- Read extensively across diverse topics and genres
- Study classical and modern Chinese literature
- Practice writing sophisticated essays and arguments
- Engage with native speakers and advanced materials
- Focus on cultural nuances and subtle meanings
How to Use These Vocabulary Lists
1. Start with Your Current Level: Assess your current Chinese proficiency and begin with the appropriate HSK level. If you're a complete beginner, start with HSK 1. If you already know some Chinese, take a placement test or review lower-level vocabulary to identify your starting point.
2. Use Spaced Repetition: The most effective way to learn vocabulary is through spaced repetition systems. These systems schedule reviews at optimal intervals, ensuring you review words just before you're likely to forget them. This maximizes retention while minimizing study time.
3. Learn in Context: Don't just memorize isolated words. Learn vocabulary through example sentences, reading passages, and real-world usage. Understanding how words are used in context helps you remember them better and use them correctly.
4. Practice Writing Characters: Writing Chinese characters by hand reinforces memory and improves recognition. Even 10-15 minutes of daily character writing practice significantly enhances vocabulary retention.
5. Review Regularly: Consistent daily review is more effective than occasional intensive study. Set aside 15-30 minutes each day for vocabulary study. Regular practice builds long-term memory.
6. Track Your Progress: Monitor which words you've mastered and which need more practice. Use vocabulary tracking tools to identify weak areas and focus your study efforts where they're needed most.
Spaced Repetition for Vocabulary Learning
Spaced repetition is a scientifically proven learning technique that dramatically improves vocabulary retention. Instead of cramming words repeatedly in a short time, spaced repetition schedules reviews at increasing intervals—just before you're likely to forget.
Research shows that spaced repetition can improve long-term retention by up to 200% compared to traditional study methods. The technique is based on the psychological spacing effect, which demonstrates that we learn better when study sessions are distributed over time rather than massed together.
Modern spaced repetition systems use algorithms to determine optimal review timing based on your performance. When you correctly recall a word, the interval increases. When you struggle, the system schedules more frequent reviews until the word is mastered.
For HSK vocabulary learning, spaced repetition is particularly effective because:
- It adapts to your individual learning pace and memory patterns
- It focuses review time on words you're likely to forget
- It maximizes long-term retention while minimizing study time
- It tracks your progress and identifies areas needing attention
- It makes vocabulary learning more efficient and less overwhelming
To learn more about spaced repetition and how to use it effectively for HSK vocabulary, check out our comprehensive guide to spaced repetition for Chinese learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words are in each HSK level?
HSK 1 has 150 words, HSK 2 has 300 words total (150 new), HSK 3 has 600 words total (300 new), HSK 4 has 1,200 words total (600 new), HSK 5 has 2,500 words total (1,300 new), and HSK 6 has 5,000+ words total (2,500+ new).
What is the best way to learn HSK vocabulary?
The most effective way to learn HSK vocabulary is through spaced repetition. This method schedules reviews at optimal intervals, ensuring words are reviewed just before you're likely to forget them. Combined with flashcards showing characters, pinyin, meanings, and example sentences, spaced repetition maximizes retention while minimizing study time.
How long does it take to master each HSK level vocabulary?
Study time varies by individual, but generally: HSK 1 takes 1-2 months, HSK 2 takes 2-3 months, HSK 3 takes 3-4 months, HSK 4 takes 4-6 months, HSK 5 takes 6-8 months, and HSK 6 takes 8-12 months. These estimates assume consistent daily study of 15-30 minutes.
Should I learn vocabulary in order by HSK level?
Yes, it's recommended to learn vocabulary in order by HSK level. Each level builds upon the previous one, with grammar patterns and sentence structures becoming more complex. Starting with HSK 1 ensures you have a solid foundation before moving to more advanced levels.
Do I need to memorize all vocabulary words to pass the HSK test?
While you don't need to memorize every single word perfectly, having a strong grasp of the vocabulary for your target level significantly improves your chances of passing. The HSK test includes vocabulary from the official word lists, so familiarity with these words is essential for success.
What makes HSK vocabulary different from other Chinese word lists?
HSK vocabulary is the official standardized word list used for the HSK proficiency test. These words are carefully selected to represent the most commonly used vocabulary at each proficiency level. Learning HSK vocabulary ensures you're studying words that are actually used in real-world Chinese communication.
Can I skip HSK levels and jump to a higher level?
While technically possible, it's not recommended. Each HSK level builds upon vocabulary and grammar from previous levels. Skipping levels means you'll miss foundational words and structures, making it harder to understand more complex content. It's better to progress sequentially.
How should I organize my vocabulary study?
Organize your vocabulary study by HSK level, then by themes or categories (family, food, travel, etc.). Use spaced repetition to schedule reviews automatically. Focus on learning words in context through example sentences rather than memorizing isolated words. Practice writing characters regularly to reinforce memory.
What resources are available for learning HSK vocabulary?
There are many resources available: official HSK textbooks, vocabulary apps with spaced repetition (like HSK Lord), flashcards, online courses, and practice tests. The most effective approach combines multiple methods: spaced repetition for memorization, reading for context, and writing for character recognition.
How do I know if I've mastered a vocabulary word?
You've mastered a vocabulary word when you can: recognize the character(s) instantly, understand its meaning in context, pronounce it correctly with proper tones, write it from memory, and use it in a sentence. Spaced repetition systems track your mastery level and schedule reviews accordingly.
Should I focus on characters, pinyin, or meanings first?
For beginners, start with pinyin and meanings to build vocabulary quickly. Once you have a foundation, focus on character recognition and writing. Advanced learners should emphasize character writing and usage in context. A balanced approach that includes all three aspects is most effective.
How many new words should I learn per day?
The optimal number varies by level and study time. For HSK 1-2, aim for 10-15 new words per day. For HSK 3-4, 8-12 new words per day is reasonable. For HSK 5-6, 5-10 new words per day allows time for deeper study. Consistency is more important than quantity—daily practice beats cramming.