HSK 1: The Complete Guide

What is HSK 1?

HSK 1 is the first level of the official Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. It certifies that you can understand and use very simple Chinese words and phrases for basic, concrete communication — introducing yourself, ordering food, telling the time.

Vocabulary: 150 words

HSK 1 covers the 150 most basic words of modern Chinese: numbers, pronouns, common verbs like 是 (to be), 有 (to have) and 去 (to go), and everyday nouns like 学校 (school), 老师 (teacher) and 苹果 (apple). All questions stay strictly inside this list — see our complete vocabulary guide.

Exam structure

• Listening — 20 questions, ~15 minutes. Each recording plays twice.
• Reading — 20 questions, ~17 minutes. No characters beyond the 150-word list.
• Total 40 questions, 200 points. You pass with 120 points (60%).
• Duration about 40 minutes, including 3 minutes to fill in answers.

How to prepare

Most learners need 2–6 weeks. Learn the 150 words first, then drill question types — listening discrimination is where most points are lost, because options differ by a single word. Finish with full timed mock exams to build pacing. Read our 2026 study guide for a week-by-week plan.