What is HSK 1?
A prepared learner can recognize short, highly predictable exchanges and understand simple sentences built from the core HSK 1 vocabulary.
Quick check: do you know these HSK 1 words?
Answer 5 questions right here — no page jump needed.
HSK 1 requirements at a glance
| Vocabulary | 150 cumulative unique headwords |
|---|---|
| New at this level | 150 headwords |
| Sections | Listening, Reading |
| Questions | 40 |
| Total time | About 40 minutes, including candidate-information time |
| Score | 200 total; 120 or above |
What to study
Pinyin and tones
Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.
150-word cumulative list
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Basic word order
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Short listening exchanges
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Common HSK 1 difficulties
- Recognizing tones at normal speed
- Keeping question words in place
- Separating similar-looking characters
Study plan
Learn pinyin, tones and the first 40 words.
Build short sentences with 是, 有, 在 and 的.
Finish the vocabulary list and start timed listening.
Review mistakes, take quizzes and complete an official sample.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary database includes the verified HSK 1–6 level assignment, simplified Chinese, pinyin, English dictionary glosses and cross-version membership.
20 HSK 1 example sentences
These original examples connect level vocabulary with the sentence patterns used in the grammar, reading and practice sections.
我是学生。
I am a student.
她是我的老师。
She is my teacher.
我家有三个人。
There are three people in my family.
书在桌子上。
The book is on the table.
你喜欢喝茶吗？
Do you like drinking tea?
今天天气很好。
The weather is good today.
我上午八点去学校。
I go to school at eight in the morning.
妈妈在商店买东西。
Mum buys things at the shop.
他会说汉语。
He can speak Chinese.
请给我一杯水。
Please give me a glass of water.
这个苹果多少钱？
How much is this apple?
我和朋友看电影。
I watch a movie with a friend.
爸爸坐飞机去北京。
Dad goes to Beijing by plane.
我的猫在椅子下面。
My cat is under the chair.
她的衣服很漂亮。
Her clothes are beautiful.
我们中午吃米饭。
We eat rice at noon.
老师，请再说一次。
Teacher, please say it one more time.
明天是星期六。
Tomorrow is Saturday.
我不喝咖啡。
I do not drink coffee.
你叫什么名字？
What is your name?
Frequently asked questions
How many words are in HSK 1?
The six-level HSK dataset used by HSK Atlas contains 150 unique headwords cumulative through Level 1, including 150 first assigned at this level.
What sections are in the HSK 1 test?
The official test page lists listening, reading. It contains 40 questions and takes about 40 minutes including candidate-information time.
Where should I start studying for HSK 1?
Audit the corrected cumulative vocabulary list, follow the study plan on this page, then use the grammar guide, graded reading, vocabulary quiz and mock test to find specific gaps.
Does HSK Atlas provide an HSK 1 mock test?
Yes. The HSK Atlas mock follows the official HSK 1 section and question-count structure while using original questions and explanations.
Is the HSK 1 test paper-based or online?
Both formats exist. Test centers offer paper-based and internet-based versions of HSK 1. The question structure, timing and scoring are the same regardless of format. Check available formats when booking.
Is HSK 1 free to study online?
Yes. HSK Atlas provides free vocabulary lists, quizzes, grammar guides, graded reading and a mock test for HSK 1. No account or payment is required to use any study material on this site.