Chinese Language

Chinese Language - HSK 

HSK is the short form for Hanyu (Chinese) Shuiping (Level) Kaoshi (test). The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) meaning “Mandarin Level Test” or “Chinese Level Test.” It is an international standardized test to assess the Chinese-language proficiency of non-native speakers and Chinese people living overseas, and Chinese national minorities.

It is organized by Hanban the part of the Chinese education ministry also in charge of the Confucius Institute. The test measures your proficiency through listening, writing, and reading in the language.

HSK Levels & Requirements

HSK1 is the easiest and HSK6 is the most difficult. You don’t have to undergo the HSK tests in level order, instead, you can choose any level at will. And you can take the same test as many times as may be necessary for obtaining the desired certificate. 

Which HSK level test should you take? Here’s the explanation of what you achieve in each level:

• HSK 1

The first level of the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is a necessary foundation for further studies. Being the basic level, you will be able to understand simple Chinese phrases, greetings, beginner vocabulary, grammar, and straightforward sentence formation and communicate as a novice learner. This level builds a solid foundation when advancing to further level

• HSK 2

HSK 2 is the second level of the Chinese language exam is where you’ll be able to write and read on subjects that pertain to your everyday life. You can even hold a general conversation, though it may be a bit difficult at first. This is your gateway to the lower intermediate level.

• HSK 3

HSK 3 is the halfway point in your Chinese journey. Since you go beyond the basics, you can make intermediate-level sentences and communicate for personal and professional purposes. This level comes handy in communication when you are in a Chinese-speaking region.

• HSK 4

If you wish to study or work in China, then HSK 4 is the level one can aim for. You’ll be able to write long essays and talk about a wider range of topics as you improve your ability to use upper-intermediate words, tricky tones, and grammar.

• HSK 5

HSK 5 is an advanced level where one can speak, listen and read on a wide range of topics. You can also watch Chinese TV series, movies and listen to music in the Chinese language with relative ease. Whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, document, or web content, this level will allow you to do so comfortably.

• HSK 6

HSK 6 is the highest level, and thus the most challenging one. Though you fluency level may or may not be to that of a native speaker,  you can comfortably use many idiomatic expressions, complicated tones, and make complex sentences

• THE NEW HSK / HSK 3.0

The HSK is about to get a complete revamp. The current 6-level structure will be replaced by the even harder 9-level structure. The changes go into effect in March 2022.

Why is HSK Changing?

The HSK is changing because it needs to line up with the new Chinese Proficiency Standards, but the fundamental reason is that the current levels don’t correspond to any of the international standards. It has been shown that these scales do not accurately reflect the levels of fluency they were purported to correspond with.