Want to start learning Chinese? Or do you need the language for working with Chinese companies, trade, or studies? Then the first step is HSK 1.
This is the beginner level of Chinese, requiring knowledge of 150 basic words. The good news is that these words are used very frequently in daily life. If you learn them well, you'll start understanding simple conversations.
What is HSK 1?
HSK (汉语水平考试) is an international exam that measures your level of Chinese language proficiency.
HSK 1 is the very first level. At this level you:
- Know 150 basic words
- Understand simple sentences
- Can have simple conversations on everyday topics
The exam consists of two parts:
1. Listening (听力) — listening comprehension
2. Reading (阅读) — reading comprehension
Essential Pronouns (Used Every Day)
The most essential words for building sentences in Chinese are pronouns.
- 我 (wǒ) — I / me
- 你 (nǐ) — you
- 他 (tā) — he / him
- 她 (tā) — she / her
- 我们 (wǒmen) — we / us
- 你们 (nǐmen) — you (plural)
- 他们 (tāmen) — they / them
For example:
我是学生。
Wǒ shì xuéshēng.
I am a student.
你好吗？
Nǐ hǎo ma?
How are you?
Most Common Question Words
Knowing how to ask questions is essential for communication.
- 什么 (shénme) — what
- 谁 (shéi) — who
- 哪 (nǎ) — which
- 哪儿 (nǎr) — where
- 几 (jǐ) — how many (small numbers)
- 多少 (duōshao) — how many / how much
- 怎么 (zěnme) — how
- 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) — how (condition)
Example:
你叫什么名字？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
What is your name?
Everyday Verbs
With these verbs you can form many simple sentences.
- 吃 (chī) — to eat
- 喝 (hē) — to drink
- 看 (kàn) — to look / to watch
- 听 (tīng) — to listen
- 说 (shuō) — to speak
- 读 (dú) — to read
- 写 (xiě) — to write
- 买 (mǎi) — to buy
- 去 (qù) — to go
- 来 (lái) — to come
For example:
我喝茶。
I drink tea.
我去学校。
I go to school.
How to Memorize Words Quickly?
Many people think Chinese is difficult. In reality, with the right approach it can be learned quite quickly.
1️⃣ Use flashcards
Word on one side, translation on the other. This method is great for training your memory.
2️⃣ Learn a little every day
For example:
- 10 new words per day
- review old words
This way you can learn the entire HSK 1 vocabulary in 15 days.
3️⃣ Learn with audio
Pronunciation is very important in Chinese. Listening and repeating speeds up memorization.
4️⃣ Write characters by hand
Handwriting strengthens memory.
Where Can You Learn Chinese?
If you want to learn Chinese in a simple and systematic way, the Blim app has HSK 1 words:
- organized by lessons
- with flashcards
- with audio pronunciation
- with exercises
ready for learning.