How to Pass HSK 1 & 2: Complete Study Guide for Mandarin Beginners (2026)
If you're learning Mandarin Chinese, the HSK (汉语水平考试) — the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, or Chinese Proficiency Test — is the most widely recognized benchmark for measuring your progress. For beginners, HSK 1 and HSK 2 are the entry points: achievable, clearly structured, and deeply motivating milestones on the road to Mandarin fluency.
This complete study guide covers everything you need to know to pass HSK 1 and HSK 2 with confidence.
What Is the HSK?
The HSK is a standardized Mandarin proficiency test administered by Hanban (affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education). It is recognized by universities, employers, and institutions worldwide as the official measure of Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers.
The test is divided into levels:
| Level | Vocabulary | Approximate CEFR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 words | A1 |
| HSK 2 | 300 words (cumulative) | A2 |
| HSK 3 | 600 words | B1 |
| HSK 4 | 1,200 words | B2 |
| HSK 5 | 2,500 words | C1 |
| HSK 6 | 5,000+ words | C2 |
For most beginners, passing HSK 1 within 3 months and HSK 2 within 6 months is a realistic goal with consistent daily study.
Note on HSK 3.0: China introduced a revised HSK framework in 2021 with 9 levels. However, the original 6-level HSK remains widely used and accepted internationally. This guide covers the classic 6-level format.
HSK 1 Exam Structure
| Section | Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 20 questions | True/false, matching, multiple choice |
| Reading | 20 questions | Matching characters to images, sentence completion |
| Total | 40 questions | 40 minutes total |
| Passing score | 120/200 | 60% to pass |
HSK 1 Vocabulary: What You Need to Know
HSK 1 requires 150 words covering everyday life. Major themes include:
- Greetings and introductions: 你好, 谢谢, 再见
- Numbers (1–10): 一, 二, 三...
- Time words: 今天, 明天, 年, 月, 日
- Food and drink: 水, 饭, 茶, 苹果
- Basic verbs: 是, 有, 去, 来, 吃, 喝
- Common nouns: 人, 家, 学生, 老师, 朋友
HSK 2 Exam Structure
| Section | Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 35 questions | Dialogues, statements, multiple choice |
| Reading | 25 questions | Fill-in-the-blank, true/false, sentence matching |
| Total | 60 questions | 55 minutes total |
| Passing score | 120/200 | 60% to pass |
HSK 2 Additional Vocabulary
HSK 2 adds 150 more words (300 total) covering:
- Transport: 出租车, 公共汽车, 飞机
- Shopping and money: 块, 多少, 贵, 便宜
- Health and body: 医院, 医生, 头, 身体
- Adjectives: 高, 矮, 快, 慢, 热, 冷
- More verbs: 知道, 觉得, 帮助, 开始, 告诉
12-Week Study Plan: HSK 1 & 2 Combined
Phase 1: Weeks 1–4 (HSK 1 Vocabulary + Listening)
Daily commitment: 45 minutes
- Week 1–2: Learn HSK 1 vocabulary (75 words) using Anki or a dedicated HSK flashcard deck
- Week 3: Practice HSK 1 listening exercises (official sample tests available free from HSK.neea.edu.cn)
- Week 4: Take 2 full HSK 1 practice tests; review any missed vocabulary
Key resources:
- Anki deck: "HSK 1 Official Vocabulary" (free download)
- Integrated Chinese Level 1 textbook (optional but helpful)
- Pleco dictionary app (essential for learners)
Phase 2: Weeks 5–8 (HSK 2 Vocabulary + Reading)
Daily commitment: 60 minutes
- Week 5–6: Learn HSK 2 additional vocabulary (150 words)
- Week 7: Practice HSK 2 reading sections — character recognition and sentence matching
- Week 8: Take 2 full HSK 2 practice tests; identify weak areas
Phase 3: Weeks 9–12 (Full Test Prep + Review)
Daily commitment: 60–90 minutes
- Week 9: Focused review of all 300 HSK 1–2 vocabulary words
- Week 10: Timed practice tests for both HSK 1 and HSK 2
- Week 11: Deep review of missed questions and patterns
- Week 12: Light review only — rest before test day
Listening Tips for HSK Success
The HSK listening section is often where test-takers lose the most points. Here's how to prepare:
- Exposure daily: Listen to Mandarin for at least 20 minutes every day, not just on study days
- Use official HSK audio files: Practice with recordings that match the actual test speed and accent (standard Putonghua)
- Predict before listening: In multiple-choice questions, read the options before the audio plays
- Learn to count on the fly: Numbers appear heavily in HSK 1 and 2 listening — practice them until automatic
- Shadowing: Mimic HSK dialogue recordings to train your ear and pronunciation simultaneously
Reading Tips for HSK Success
- Learn radicals: Chinese radicals (部首) are the building blocks of characters. Knowing the most common 50–100 radicals helps you guess the meaning of unfamiliar characters.
- Practice character recognition over writing — the HSK reading sections require recognition, not production
- Use context clues: Even when you don't know every word, the context often makes the answer clear
- Work through past papers: Official HSK past papers are the best preparation material available
Essential HSK Resources
| Resource | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| HSK Official Website (neea.edu.cn) | Past papers, registration | Free |
| Anki + HSK vocabulary decks | Vocabulary memorization | Free |
| Pleco | Dictionary, character look-up | Free (premium upgrades) |
| HelloChinese app | Beginner listening and grammar | Free (premium available) |
| Leyo | Reading and listening practice with AI feedback | Subscription |
| Standard Course HSK 1 & 2 (textbooks) | Official curriculum textbook | Paid |
| ChinesePod | Podcast-style listening practice | Free/paid |
What to Do on Test Day
- Register at least 4–6 weeks in advance (tests fill up, especially in major cities)
- Bring your passport and registration confirmation
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring headphones if testing online (computer-based HSK is increasingly common)
- Pace yourself — you have more time than you think on HSK 1 and 2
After You Pass: What's Next?
Passing HSK 2 means you have a solid foundation of 300 words and basic conversational ability. Your next goals:
- Begin working toward HSK 3 (600 words, B1 level)
- Start speaking with native speakers via language exchange or tutors
- Begin consuming simple Mandarin media: children's shows, graded readers, beginner podcasts
- Consider enrolling in a structured Mandarin course if you haven't already
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is HSK 1?
HSK 1 is designed for complete beginners and is generally considered one of the easier language proficiency tests globally. Most learners with 3–4 months of consistent study (30–60 min/day) pass it comfortably. The 150-word vocabulary list is achievable with focused flashcard practice.
Can I take HSK online?
Yes. Since 2020, HSK has been offered in both paper-based and internet-based (IBT) formats. Online testing is now available in many countries. Check the official HSK website for testing centers and online registration options in your region.
Do I need to learn to write characters for HSK 1 and 2?
No. HSK 1 and 2 only test recognition of characters (reading and listening), not the ability to write them from memory. You'll need to recognize all 300 characters, but handwriting is not assessed until higher levels.
How much does the HSK exam cost?
Exam fees vary by country and test center. In China, HSK 1 typically costs around ¥300–400 RMB (~$40–60 USD). International fees are higher. Check your nearest Confucius Institute or HSK registration center for exact pricing.
What's the best way to memorize 300 Chinese characters?
Spaced repetition (Anki) combined with meaningful context is the most efficient approach. Don't just memorize characters in isolation — learn them in example sentences. Seeing a character used in 5–6 different sentences is far more effective than seeing it 20 times on a flashcard.
