HSK · HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) · Florida, USA
HSK 1 — Vocabulary (150 Words) for the HSK Exam — Florida 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 Floridian candidates.
Most exam coaching covers the curriculum at the same depth across all topics. That misses the asymmetry of high-stakes testing: a few topics carry disproportionate weight on the score. 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 Florida candidates preparing for HSK, the calibration of study to local context matters: Florida is a top-5 NCLEX-RN state and a leading destination for internationally-educated nurses. The Florida Board of Nursing has a separate endorsement track for foreign-trained candidates.
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.
- 4For NCLEX-RN: Florida is a Compact state — a Florida licence allows practice in 40+ NLC member states without re-applying. Plan for the multistate licensure premium when budgeting.
- 5For internationally-educated nurses: CGFNS CES report (not VisaScreen alone) is required by the Florida Board. Allow 8–12 weeks for CES processing.
- 6For CDL: FL DHSMV waives the skills test for active-duty military with equivalent vehicle experience; bring DD-214 and CDL skills-test waiver form.
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
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
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
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HSK 1 through 6 — vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading.
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