If you are starting to learn Chinese, you have probably heard about HSK 1.
It is the first level of the official Chinese proficiency test used worldwide.
In this guide you will learn:
- What HSK 1 is
- The exam structure
- Question types
- Vocabulary requirements
- How to prepare
What is HSK?
HSK (汉语水平考试 / Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the official Chinese language proficiency test for non-native speakers.
HSK 1 is the beginner level. It checks if you can:
- Understand basic Chinese words
- Recognize simple characters
- Understand short everyday sentences
HSK 1 Exam Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Beginner |
| Vocabulary | ~150 words |
| Sections | Listening, Reading |
| Total Questions | 40 |
| Total Score | 200 |
| Passing Score | 120 |
| Duration | ~35–40 minutes |
HSK 1 Exam Structure
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 20 | ~15 minutes |
| Reading | 20 | ~17 minutes |
| Total | 40 | ~35 minutes |
There is no writing section in HSK 1.
Listening Section
In the listening section you hear short sentences or dialogues and choose the correct answer.
| Part | Task | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | True / False with pictures | 5 |
| Part 2 | Choose correct picture | 5 |
| Part 3 | Short dialogues | 5 |
| Part 4 | Multiple choice | 5 |
Example listening sentence:
他喝水
He drinks water.
Reading Section
The reading section tests your ability to recognize simple characters and sentences.
| Part | Task | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Match picture with word | 5 |
| Part 2 | Match question and answer | 5 |
| Part 3 | Sentence matching | 5 |
| Part 4 | Fill in the blank | 5 |