Beginner · six-level HSK

HSK 2 complete guide

HSK 2 extends the beginner level into routine activities, directions, shopping, health, travel and simple descriptions. It tests listening and reading.

300 cumulative words60 test questions55 minutes
Quick answer

What is HSK 2?

A prepared learner can follow short everyday conversations and read direct messages built from familiar grammar and a 300-word cumulative vocabulary.

Quick check: do you know these HSK 2 words?

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HSK 2 requirements at a glance

Vocabulary300 cumulative unique headwords
New at this level150 headwords
SectionsListening, Reading
Questions60
Total timeAbout 55 minutes, including candidate-information time
Score200 total; 120 or above

What to study

300-word cumulative list

Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.

Time and sequence

Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.

Comparisons

Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.

Longer listening exchanges

Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.

Common HSK 2 difficulties

  • Tracking aspect particles
  • Choosing measure words
  • Reading without pinyin support

Study plan

Weeks 1–2

Audit HSK 1 and add the Level 2 vocabulary.

Weeks 3–4

Practice comparison, aspect and direction patterns.

Week 5

Complete timed listening and reading sets.

Week 6

Review weak topics and take 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.

Open all 300 words

20 HSK 2 example sentences

These original examples connect level vocabulary with the sentence patterns used in the grammar, reading and practice sections.

Sentence 1

我已经吃过早饭了。

wǒ yǐ jīng chī guo zǎo fàn le。

I have already eaten breakfast.

Focus: 已经, 吃, 早饭 · Grammar: 过 and 了

Sentence 2

今天比昨天冷。

jīn tiān bǐ zuó tiān lěng。

Today is colder than yesterday.

Focus: 今天, 昨天, 冷 · Grammar: 比 comparison

Sentence 3

妹妹正在房间里学习。

mèi mei zhèng zài fáng jiān lǐ xué xí。

My younger sister is studying in the room.

Focus: 妹妹, 房间, 学习 · Grammar: 正在

Sentence 4

因为下雨,所以我们没去公园。

yīn wèi xià yǔ, suǒ yǐ wǒ men 没 qù gōng yuán。

Because it rained, we did not go to the park.

Focus: 下雨, 公园 · Grammar: 因为…所以…

Sentence 5

他跑得很快。

tā páo děi hěn kuài。

He runs very quickly.

Focus: 跑, 快 · Grammar: 得 complement

Sentence 6

从我家到公司要二十分钟。

cóng wǒ jiā dào gōng sī yào èr shí fēn zhōng。

It takes twenty minutes from my home to the company.

Focus: 公司, 分钟 · Grammar: 从…到…

Sentence 7

你可以帮我找一下手机吗?

nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ zhǎo yī xià shǒu jī ma?

Can you help me look for my phone?

Focus: 帮助, 找, 手机 · Grammar: 一下

Sentence 9

虽然他很忙,但是他每天运动。

suī rán tā hěn máng, dàn shì tā měi tiān yùn dòng。

Although he is busy, he exercises every day.

Focus: 忙, 运动 · Grammar: 虽然…但是…

Sentence 10

这件衣服有一点儿贵。

zhè jiàn yī fu yǒu yī diǎn r guì。

This item of clothing is a little expensive.

Focus: 衣服, 贵 · Grammar: 有一点儿

Sentence 11

弟弟一边听音乐,一边做作业。

dì di yì biān tīng yīn yuè, yì biān zuò zuò yè。

My younger brother listens to music while doing homework.

Focus: 音乐, 作业 · Grammar: 一边…一边…

Sentence 12

我们先吃饭,然后去看电影。

wǒ men xiān chī fàn, rán hòu qù kàn diàn yǐng。

We will eat first and then see a movie.

Focus: 吃饭, 电影 · Grammar: 先…然后…

Sentence 13

她对中国历史很感兴趣。

tā duì Zhōng guó lì shǐ hěn gǎn xìng qù。

She is very interested in Chinese history.

Focus: 中国, 历史, 兴趣 · Grammar: 对…感兴趣

Sentence 14

你为什么来得这么晚?

nǐ wèi shén me lái děi zhè me wǎn?

Why did you arrive so late?

Focus: 为什么, 晚 · Grammar: 为什么

Sentence 15

桌子上放着一杯茶。

zhuō zi shàng fàng zhe yī 杯 chá。

A cup of tea is sitting on the table.

Focus: 桌子, 茶 · Grammar: 着

Sentence 16

我去年去过上海两次。

wǒ qù nián qù guo shàng hǎi liǎng cì。

I went to Shanghai twice last year.

Focus: 去年, 上海, 次 · Grammar: 过 experience

Sentence 17

这条路离地铁站很近。

zhè tiáo lù lí dì tiě zhàn hěn jìn。

This road is close to the subway station.

Focus: 路, 地铁站, 近 · Grammar: 离

Sentence 18

他让我明天给他打电话。

tā ràng wǒ míng tiān gěi tā dǎ diàn huà。

He asked me to call him tomorrow.

Focus: 明天, 打电话 · Grammar: 让 + person + verb

Sentence 19

除了汉语,她还会说英语。

chú le Hàn yǔ, tā huán huì shuì 英 语。

Besides Chinese, she can also speak English.

Focus: 汉语, 英语 · Grammar: 除了…还…

Sentence 20

如果你累了,就休息一会儿。

rú guǒ nǐ lèi le, jiù xiū xi yí huì r。

If you are tired, rest for a while.

Focus: 累, 休息 · Grammar: 如果…就…

Frequently asked questions

How many words are in HSK 2?

The six-level HSK dataset used by HSK Atlas contains 300 unique headwords cumulative through Level 2, including 150 first assigned at this level.

What sections are in the HSK 2 test?

The official test page lists listening, reading. It contains 60 questions and takes about 55 minutes including candidate-information time.

Where should I start studying for HSK 2?

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 2 mock test?

Yes. The HSK Atlas mock follows the official HSK 2 section and question-count structure while using original questions and explanations.

Is the HSK 2 test paper-based or online?

Both formats exist. Test centers offer paper-based and internet-based versions of HSK 2. The question structure, timing and scoring are the same regardless of format. Check available formats when booking.

Is HSK 2 free to study online?

Yes. HSK Atlas provides free vocabulary lists, quizzes, grammar guides, graded reading and a mock test for HSK 2. No account or payment is required to use any study material on this site.