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HSK · HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) · China

HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) for the HSK Exam — Chinese candidates

10% of the HSK test plan. Mastering the 150 vocabulary words required for HSK 1, covering greetings, numbers, dates, and basic objects. Calibrated for Chinese candidates.

If you have already studied this content from a textbook, you know the material. The question this page answers is whether you can apply it under exam conditions. HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) sits at roughly 10% of the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Proficiency Test) content distribution — HSK 1 requires only 150 vocabulary words and tests listening and reading. These words cover the most fundamental categories: greetings (你好/nǐ hǎo), numbers, dates, family members, basic objects, and simple verbs. A complete mastery of these 150 words enables 100% exam readiness for HSK 1. Pass rates for the HSK are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For Chinese candidates preparing for HSK, the calibration of study to local context matters: Gaokao is China's domestic entrance exam. IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT dominate study-abroad tracks. HSK is the proficiency standard for non-native Mandarin speakers.

Pass rates for HSK (China) are published periodically by the awarding body.

Common failure modes

These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.

  • !Confusing similar-looking characters (大/太, 人/入, 日/目)
  • !Recognising characters but not knowing tones — wrong tone = wrong word in Chinese
  • !Forgetting measure words (量词/liàngcí): 一个 not 一

Study tips

  • 1Download the official HSK 1 vocabulary list from the Hanban website and study all 150 words with tones.
  • 2Use spaced repetition (Anki with HSK 1 deck) — 15 minutes daily covers all 150 words in 2 weeks.
  • 3Practice writing characters alongside learning pronunciation — visual memory reinforces tonal recall.
  • 4中国考生备考 HSK 时，建议优先攻克英语听力与写作两个最易失分的板块 — 每日固定时段做真题模拟。

Sample HSK HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real HSK questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

  1. 1

    What does "我叫李明" (Wǒ jiào Lǐ Míng) mean?

    • AI am going to Li Ming's house
    • BMy name is Li MingCorrect
    • CLi Ming is my friend
    • DI call Li Ming
    Why this answer?

    "我" (wǒ) = I/me; "叫" (jiào) = to be called/named; "李明" (Lǐ Míng) = a personal name. "我叫李明" is the standard way to introduce yourself in Chinese: "My name is Li Ming."

  2. 2

    How do you say "How much does this cost?" in Mandarin?

    • A这是什么？(Zhè shì shénme?)
    • B你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?)
    • C多少钱？(Duōshao qián?)Correct
    • D几点了？(Jǐ diǎn le?)
    Why this answer?

    "多少钱？" (Duōshao qián?) literally means "how much money?" and is the standard phrase for asking a price. "什么" = what; "你好吗" = how are you; "几点" = what time.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to prepare for HSK 1?
With no prior Chinese knowledge, HSK 1 typically requires 4–6 weeks of study (30 minutes/day). The test is designed for complete beginners and tests only 150 vocabulary words across 40 listening and reading questions. Most structured beginners' courses prepare adequately for HSK 1 within one month.
What is the HSK pass rate for Chinese candidates?
Pass rates for HSK candidates in China are published periodically by the awarding body. Practice questions, full-length simulations, and weak-area drills are the highest-impact way to improve your odds.
How long should Chinese candidates study HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) for the HSK?
For most candidates, focused mastery of HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) requires 20–40 hours of deliberate practice — drilling sample questions, reviewing failure modes, and timing yourself against exam conditions. Gaokao is China's domestic entrance exam. IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT dominate study-abroad tracks. HSK is the proficiency standard for non-native Mandarin speakers. Combine HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) study with full-length mock exams in the final two weeks before your test date.

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