The HSK 3.0 level system
The 9 levels of HSK 3.0
From HSK 1 to HSK 9, here is exactly how the new standard is structured — word counts at every level, the three proficiency tiers, and where each level sits on the international CEFR scale.
HSK 3.0 splits Chinese proficiency into three tiers — Elementary (levels 1–3), Intermediate (4–6), and Advanced (7–9) — for a total of nine levels. The word counts below come from the official 2025 syllabus.
| Level | Tier | Words | Cumulative | ≈ CEFR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elementary | 300 | 300 | A2 | View list → |
| 2 | Elementary | 203 | 503 | B1 | View list → |
| 3 | Elementary | 507 | 1,010 | B1 | View list → |
| 4 | Intermediate | 1,017 | 2,027 | B2 | List coming soon |
| 5 | Intermediate | 1,635 | 3,662 | B2 | List coming soon |
| 6 | Intermediate | 1,813 | 5,475 | C1 | List coming soon |
| 7-9 | Advanced | 5,616 | 11,091 | C2 | List coming soon |
Word counts are cumulative. The figures shown are the counts in our word lists, which follow the official 2025 syllabus.
How HSK 3.0 maps to CEFR
The official standard groups the three tiers against the CEFR scale: Elementary (levels 1–3) corresponds roughly to A1–A2, Intermediate (4–6) to B1–B2, and Advanced (7–9) to C1–C2. The per-level values in the table are a closer approximation within each band.
A1–A2 (Basic)
You can handle everyday situations with simple, familiar language — greetings, numbers, basic shopping, and short personal descriptions.
B1–B2 (Independent)
You can discuss familiar topics, express opinions, and follow the main points of news and stories without much strain.
C1–C2 (Proficient)
You can understand and produce nuanced language on abstract or specialized subjects, close to a native-like range.
The CEFR mapping is approximate. No official one-to-one conversion exists between HSK levels and CEFR; treat these as orientation, not a certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0 levels?
HSK 2.0 had six levels and about 5,000 words at the top. HSK 3.0 has nine levels and over 11,000 words, grouped into three named tiers — Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced.
How long does it take to reach each HSK 3.0 level?
Study time varies widely by intensity and background, but most learners find the lower levels quicker to reach than the advanced ones, where vocabulary and topic breadth grow steeply.
Is HSK 3.0 level 1 the same as HSK 2.0 level 1?
Broadly, yes, for beginners. HSK 3.0 level 1 covers about 300 words and lines up closely with the old HSK 1. The lower levels were kept similar on purpose; the big differences appear at the top.
Keep exploring the HSK 3.0 standard
Source: official HSK 3.0 (2025) syllabus. Updated 2026-09-08. A dash in the last column means the word had no level in the old HSK 2.0 system — it is either new in 2025 or simply wasn't on the old lists.
Reach your level with words you can actually say
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