In recent years, learning Chinese has become increasingly popular in Vietnam. Whether it’s for career opportunities, cultural interest, movies, music, or travel—more and more people are drawn to the Chinese language. If you’re exploring Chinese learning, you’ve likely heard of the HSK exam – one of the most recognized assessments of Chinese proficiency today. So, what is HSK 1 in Chinese? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about HSK Level 1 – the very first step in your Chinese learning journey.
What is HSK?
HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì – 汉语水平考试) is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is administered by Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) and its certificates are recognized globally. The HSK exam is similar to TOEIC or IELTS in English and consists of six levels, from HSK 1 to HSK 6, ranging from beginner to advanced.
What is HSK 1 in Chinese?
HSK 1 is the first level in the HSK system, designed for absolute beginners. At this level, learners are expected to:
- Understand and use basic Chinese words and phrases in daily conversations.
- Know how to greet, introduce themselves, ask for directions, order food, etc.
- Understand simple sentence structures and basic grammar patterns.
In short, HSK 1 is equivalent to a beginner level, ideal for those who are just starting to learn Chinese or have only used apps and videos.
How many words are required for HSK 1?
To take the HSK 1 exam, learners need to memorize 150 basic vocabulary words, covering common topics such as:
- Greetings (你好, 再见, 谢谢…)
- Numbers (一, 二, 三…)
- Time and dates (今天, 明天, 现在…)
- Family (爸爸, 妈妈, 哥哥…)
- Food and drinks (米饭, 水, 茶…)
- Simple verbs (去, 来, 看, 吃…)
- Pronouns (我, 你, 他…)
- Common adjectives (大, 小, 热, 冷…)
You’ll also need to understand basic grammar, including: affirmative sentences, negatives, yes/no questions using “吗” and topic-comment structures with “呢”.
HSK 1 Exam Structure
Since 2021, HSK 1 has adopted a new format, but it still mainly includes two parts:
1. Listening
- Total questions: 20
- Duration: Around 15 minutes
- Candidates listen to short dialogues and choose the correct answer. The audio is slow and clear, suitable for beginners.
2. Reading
- Total questions: 20
- Duration: Around 17 minutes
- Includes word-picture matching, fill-in-the-blanks, and selecting correct meanings.
Note: HSK 1 has no writing section, and you are not required to write Chinese characters. You just need to recognize and understand them.
Who Should Learn HSK 1?
HSK 1 is suitable for:
- Complete beginners in Chinese.
- Students planning to apply for scholarships or study abroad in China.
- Professionals who need basic Chinese for their jobs.
- Language enthusiasts who want to communicate while traveling or making friends.
Why You Should Start with HSK 1
Clear learning roadmap
HSK offers a well-structured, internationally standardized path. Starting from HSK 1 gives you clarity and trackable goals.
Evaluate your own ability
Your HSK results show your progress and help identify areas for improvement, making your learning more efficient.
Boost job and study opportunities
Some employers require HSK certificates. Many Chinese universities require HSK 3 or 4 – so beginning with HSK 1 is a smart foundation.
How to Study for HSK 1 Effectively
Here are some helpful tips to make your HSK 1 learning journey smoother:
1. Practice all 4 skills: Listening – Speaking – Reading – Character recognition
Even though writing isn’t required, you should still get used to recognizing Chinese characters and listening regularly.
2. Use learning apps
Apps like Duolingo, HelloChinese, and SuperChinese have dedicated HSK courses with vocabulary drills, listening exercises, and daily practice.
3. Learn by topic
Grouping vocabulary into themes like family, time, and daily objects helps you remember and apply words faster.
4. Take mock exams online
Before taking the official test, try free online practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
How Long Does It Take to Study for HSK 1?
With a regular pace of 1–2 sessions per week, learners can complete HSK 1 in about 1–2 months. If you study daily, it might only take 2–4 weeks.
To be well-prepared, you should:
- Master 150 vocabulary words + 20 basic sentence patterns
- Listen at least 15 minutes a day
- Review consistently for 4 weeks
Conclusion: HSK 1 – A Small Step That Opens Big Doors
Starting a new language is always exciting, and HSK 1 is your gateway to learning Chinese in a structured, accessible, and rewarding way. Whether you’re learning for work, education, or pure interest, mastering HSK 1 lays the groundwork for higher levels.
So, if you’ve been wondering “What is HSK 1 in Chinese?”, the answer is: it’s the first key to a rich world of language, culture, and connection. Start today – one word, one greeting at a time – and you’ll soon taste the sweet results of your learning journey!