What is HSK 3?
A prepared learner can understand connected everyday language, arrange words into sentences and write common characters and short responses.
Quick check: do you know these HSK 3 words?
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HSK 3 requirements at a glance
| Vocabulary | 600 cumulative unique headwords |
|---|---|
| New at this level | 300 headwords |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing |
| Questions | 80 |
| Total time | About 90 minutes, including candidate-information time |
| Score | 300 total; 180 or above |
What to study
600-word cumulative list
Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.
Sentence ordering
Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.
Character writing
Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.
Connected listening
Include this in your weekly review and test it through active recall, listening or written production.
Common HSK 3 difficulties
- Moving from recognition to writing
- Using complements correctly
- Following longer dialogues
Study plan
Review the lower levels and identify vocabulary gaps.
Study core sentence patterns and write characters daily.
Practice full listening, reading and writing sections.
Complete timed samples and repair repeated mistakes.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary database includes the verified HSK 1–6 level assignment, simplified Chinese, pinyin, English dictionary glosses and cross-version membership.
20 HSK 3 example sentences
These original examples connect level vocabulary with the sentence patterns used in the grammar, reading and practice sections.
请把窗户打开。
Please open the window.
我的自行车被别人骑走了。
My bicycle was ridden away by someone else.
天气变得越来越暖和了。
The weather is getting warmer and warmer.
虽然任务很难，但是大家没有放弃。
Although the task was difficult, nobody gave up.
除了准备考试以外，他还参加了比赛。
Besides preparing for the exam, he also joined a competition.
我先检查时间，再决定坐哪趟车。
I check the time first, then decide which bus to take.
只要认真练习，你就会进步。
As long as you practise carefully, you will improve.
他一到家就开始做饭。
He starts cooking as soon as he gets home.
我把重要的事情写在本子上。
I write important things in my notebook.
会议结束以后，请把材料带回来。
After the meeting, please bring the materials back.
她不但会唱歌，而且会弹钢琴。
She can not only sing but also play the piano.
这本小说我已经看完了。
I have already finished this novel.
为了提高听力，他每天听新闻。
To improve listening, he listens to the news every day.
经理让我们按时完成工作。
The manager asked us to finish the work on time.
无论多忙，他都给父母打电话。
No matter how busy he is, he calls his parents.
我对这座城市越来越熟悉。
I am becoming more and more familiar with this city.
由于路上堵车，我们迟到了。
We arrived late because of traffic.
这个办法听起来很简单。
This method sounds simple.
你应该根据自己的情况安排时间。
You should arrange time according to your situation.
他终于找到了解决问题的方法。
He finally found a way to solve the problem.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are in HSK 3?
The six-level HSK dataset used by HSK Atlas contains 600 unique headwords cumulative through Level 3, including 300 first assigned at this level.
What sections are in the HSK 3 test?
The official test page lists listening, reading, writing. It contains 80 questions and takes about 90 minutes including candidate-information time.
Where should I start studying for HSK 3?
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 3 mock test?
Yes. The HSK Atlas mock follows the official HSK 3 section and question-count structure while using original questions and explanations.
Is the HSK 3 test paper-based or online?
Both formats exist. Test centers offer paper-based and internet-based versions of HSK 3. The question structure, timing and scoring are the same regardless of format. Check available formats when booking.
Is HSK 3 free to study online?
Yes. HSK Atlas provides free vocabulary lists, quizzes, grammar guides, graded reading and a mock test for HSK 3. No account or payment is required to use any study material on this site.