New HSK 2021 Requirements [ 2021 NEW HSK 3.0 STANDARDS ]

New HSK Compliant Structured Courses

New HSK 2021 Requirements Explained

The new 2021 HSK 3.0 Standards will take effect on July 1 2021

This article will explain what the new HSK 2021 requirements are, which include 1) Verbal Communicative Abilities 2) Topics And Tasks 3) Quantitative Criteria. This article will also explain how the new HSK 2021 levels are like, and how ChineseFor.Us are going to update our courses to go in accordance with the new 2021 HSK 3.0 Standards.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. What Is HSK?
2. New HSK 2021 Levels And Dimensions of Requirements
3. New HSK 2021 Requirements - Quantitative Criteria
4. New HSK 2021 Requirements - Topics And Tasks
5. New HSK 2021 Requirements - Verbal Communicative Abilities
6. How To Prepare For The New HSK?
7. ChineseFor.Us Planned Updates

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NEW HSK 2021 REQUIREMENTS [ 2021 NEW HSK 3.0 STANDARDS ]

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1. HSK

HSK is Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì(汉语水平考试), Chinese Proficiency Test. It’s an international standardized test for non-native Chinese speakers. And it tests their abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. It is been used for college enrollment purposes and employment purposes in China.

By 2021, there has been over 5.6 million HSK tests taken, according to 马箭飞(Mǎ Jiànfēi), Head of Center For Language Education And Cooperation, Ministry of Education.

There have been 3 versions of the HSK: HSK 1.0 (~2010); HSK 2.0 (2010-2021); HSK 3.0 (2021~). The new HSK 2021 Requirements are most likely going to be the new HSK standards for at least another 10 years

 

2. 2021 New HSK Levels And Dimensions of Requirements

There are 9 new HSK Levels, which are categorized into 3 stages: Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced.

The new HSK 2021 requirements have been categorized into 3 dimensions: Quantitative Criteria; Topics and Tasks; Verbal Communicative Abilities.

2021 NEW HSK LEVELS

2021 NEW HSK REQUIREMENTS

Elementary Level 1 Verbal Communicative Abilities Topics and Tasks Quantitative Criteria
Level 2 The abilities to communicate in Chinese on different topics in different situations, using the following five language skills:

· Listening
· Speaking
· Reading
· Writing
· Translating (Level 4-9 only)

1. Common topics or subjects to understand and talk about in life, study and work, using Chinese.

2. Typical social tasks to be able to do using Chinese.

The required amount and content of:

· Pinyin Syllables
· Chinese Characters
· Vocabulary
· Grammar

Level 3
Intermediate Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Advanced Level 7
Level 8
Level 9

2021 NEW HSK LEVELS

Elementary Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Intermediate Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Advanced Level 7
Level 8
Level 9

2021 NEW HSK REQUIREMNTS

Verbal Communicative Abilities

The abilities to communicate in Chinese on different topics in different situations, using the following five language skills:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Translating (Level 4-9 only)

Topics and Tasks

1. Common topics or subjects to understand and talk about in life, study and work, using Chinese.

2. Typical social tasks to be able to do using Chinese.

Quantitative Criteria

The required amount and content of:

  • Pinyin Syllables
  • Chinese Characters
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar

3. Quantitative Criteria

Quantitative Criteria(语言量化标准 Yǔyán Liànghuà Biāozhǔn) tells us the required content for each HSK level, in numbers:

  • Pinyin Syllables
  • Chinese Characters
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar

The amount of language knowledge required by 2021 new HSK 3.0 is much more than the old HSK 2.0

HSK 3.0 Quantitative Criteria

PINYIN CHARACTERS VOCABULARY GRAMMAR
ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL
Elementary Level 1 / 269 / 300 / 500 / 48
Level 2 199 468 300 600 772 1272 81 129
Level 3 140 608 300 900 973 2245 81 210
Intermediate Level 4 116 724 300 1200 1000 3245 76 286
Level 5 98 822 300 1500 1071 4316 71 357
Level 6 86 908 300 1800 1140 5456 67 424
Advanced Level 7 202 1110 1200 3000 5636 11092 148 572
Level 8
Level 9

Old HSK 2.0 Requirements

VOCABULARY GRAMMAR
ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL
Level 1 / 150 / 27
Level 2 150 300 13 40
Level 3 300 600 11 51
Level 4 600 1200 / /
Level 5 1300 2500 / /
Level 6 250 5000 / /

HSK 3.0 Quantitative Criteria

PINYIN CHARACTERS VOCABULARY GRAMMAR
ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL
Elementary Level 1 / 269 / 300 / 500 / 48
Level 2 199 468 300 600 772 1272 81 129
Level 3 140 608 300 900 973 2245 81 210
Intermediate Level 4 116 724 300 1200 1000 3245 76 286
Level 5 98 822 300 1500 1071 4316 71 357
Level 6 86 908 300 1800 1140 5456 67 424
Advanced Level 7 202 1110 1200 3000 5636 11092 148 572
Level 8
Level 9

HSK 3.0 Quantitative Criteria

PINYIN CHARACTERS VOCABULARY GRAMMAR
ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL
Elementary Level 1 / 269 / 300 / 500 / 48 Level 1 Elementary
Level 2 199 468 300 600 772 1272 81 129 Level 2
Level 3 140 608 300 900 973 2245 81 210 Level 3
Intermediate Level 4 116 724 300 1200 1000 3245 76 286 Level 4 Intermediate
Level 5 98 822 300 1500 1071 4316 71 357 Level 5
Level 6 86 908 300 1800 1140 5456 67 424 Level 6
Advanced Level 7 202 1110 1200 3000 5636 11092 148 572 Level 7 Advanced
Level 8 Level 8
Level 9 Level 9

Old HSK 2.0 Requirements

VOCABULARY GRAMMAR
ADDED TOTAL ADDED TOTAL
Level 1 / 150 / 27
Level 2 150 300 13 40
Level 3 300 600 11 51
Level 4 600 1200 / /
Level 5 1300 2500 / /
Level 6 250 5000 / /

4. Topics And Tasks

HSK 3.0 Topics and Tasks tells us, at each level, what topics we are expected to be able to understand and talk about, and also what kind of social tasks that they’re expected to accomplish. So we’ll know exactly what we’ll be able to do using Chinese.

It puts our language skills into practical use and it is a test of how adequate our language is in different social occasions.

We’re expected to do more and more stuff as the levels go up. It goes from the very basics, like personal information, daily routine, all the way to academic research, commercial trade and international affairs.

If you’re familiar with our ChineseFor.Us structured courses, you’ll notice that along with the quiz, we have a “Practice Task (see example)” assigned for each lesson, where we describe a certain situation or a task, and the students are expected to either do a speech, or write a dialogue, or a story.

 

This chart below shows us the exact requirements for each HSK level.

HSK 3.0 Topics And Tasks

  TOPICS
(examples)
TASKS
(examples)
Level 1 personal information
daily routine
food and drinks
transportation
hobbies
do basic greetings for different social occasions
recognize and ask about simple information on signs in public places
Level 2 basic social activities
family life
study schedule
shopping and dining
personal feelings
order food in Chinese restaurants and share food preferences
read and fill out personal application forms
Level 3 travel experience
courses and curriculum
recreational activities
holiday customs
education and career
share plans and talk about cultural customs of traditional Chinese holidays such as the Spring Festival
send relatively formal oral and written invitation and respond to others' invitation
Level 4 community life
campus life
health status
office routine
plants and animals
discuss health conditions when visiting a doctor
write short part-time job ad and answer questions about it
Level 5 interpersonal relationships
lifestyles
learning methods
nature and environment
social phenomenon
share opinions about common social news and phenomenon
write and reply mail
introduce learning methods and make suggestions
Level 6 social interactions
business affairs
contradictions
social news
cross-cultural communication
talk about the differences between China and foreign countries in history, culture, etc. on informal occasions
read and understand social news, and be able to make comments
Level 7 social etiquettes
science and technology
literature and art
sports
psychology and emotions
communicate with participants in a more formal meeting
read the learning materials of professional courses and complete assignments
Level 8 language and literature
political economy
legal affairs
philosophy
history
conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as philosophy, religion, current affairs, etc.
express opinions, raise questions, and appeal reasons when encountering disputes
Level 9 academic research
policies and regulations
commercial trade
international affairs
participate in business negotiations on formal occasions, communicate and debate with each other
be able to read documents in formal languages ​​such as policies, regulations, research reports, etc., and make comments fully and appropriately

HSK 3.0 Topics And Tasks

TOPICS
(examples)
TASKS
(examples)
Level 1 personal information
daily routine
food and drinks
transportation
hobbies
do basic greetings for different social occasions
recognize and ask about simple information on signs in public places
Level 2 basic social activities
family life
study schedule
shopping and dining
personal feelings
order food in Chinese restaurants and share food preferences
read and fill out personal application forms
Level 3 travel experience
courses and curriculum
recreational activities
holiday customs
education and career
share plans and talk about cultural customs of traditional Chinese holidays such as the Spring Festival
send relatively formal oral and written invitation and respond to others' invitation
Level 4 community life
campus life
health status
office routine
plants and animals
discuss health conditions when visiting a doctor
write short part-time job ad and answer questions about it
Level 5 interpersonal relationships
lifestyles
learning methods
nature and environment
social phenomenon
share opinions about common social news and phenomenon
write and reply mail
introduce learning methods and make suggestions
Level 6 social interactions
business affairs
contradictions
social news
cross-cultural communication
talk about the differences between China and foreign countries in history, culture, etc. on informal occasions
read and understand social news, and be able to make comments
Level 7 social etiquettes
science and technology
literature and art
sports
psychology and emotions
communicate with participants in a more formal meeting
read the learning materials of professional courses and complete assignments
Level 8 language and literature
political economy
legal affairs
philosophy
history
conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as philosophy, religion, current affairs, etc.
express opinions, raise questions, and appeal reasons when encountering disputes
Level 9 academic research
policies and regulations
commercial trade
international affairs
participate in business negotiations on formal occasions, communicate and debate with each other
be able to read documents in formal languages such as policies, regulations, research reports, etc., and make comments fully and appropriately

HSK 3.0 Topics And Tasks

NEW HSK LEVEL 1
TOPICS (examples)
personal information
daily routine
food and drinks
transportation
hobbies
TASKS (examples)
do basic greetings for different social occasions
recognize and ask about simple information on signs in public places
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
basic social activities
family life
study schedule
shopping and dining
personal feelings
do basic greetings for different social occasions
recognize and ask about simple information on signs in public places
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
travel experience
courses and curriculum
recreational activities
holiday customs
education and career
share plans and talk about cultural customs of traditional Chinese holidays such as the Spring Festival
send relatively formal oral and written invitation and respond to others' invitation
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
community life
campus life
health status
office routine
plants and animals
discuss health conditions when visiting a doctor
write short part-time job ad and answer questions about it
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
interpersonal relationships
lifestyles
learning methods
nature and environment
social phenomenon
share opinions about common social news and phenomenon
write and reply mail
introduce learning methods and make suggestions
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
social interactions
business affairs
contradictions
social news
cross-cultural communication
talk about the differences between China and foreign countries in history, culture, etc. on informal occasions
read and understand social news, and be able to make comments
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
social etiquettes
science and technology
literature and art
sports
psychology and emotions
communicate with participants in a more formal meeting
read the learning materials of professional courses and complete assignments
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
language and literature
political economy
legal affairs
philosophy
history
conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as philosophy, religion, current affairs, etc.
express opinions, raise questions, and appeal reasons when encountering disputes
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
academic research
policies and regulations
commercial trade
international affairs
participate in business negotiations on formal occasions, communicate and debate with each other
be able to read documents in formal languages such as policies, regulations, research reports, etc., and make comments fully and appropriately

5. Verbal Communicative Abilities

Verbal Communicative Abilities is our language skills when we use Chinese language to communicate with people. It can be Interpersonal Communication, this is two-way communication, for example when we’re talking someone and also listening to their talking; or we’re chatting with someone through instant messages. It can also be Presentational Communication, where we present spoken or written information to a certain audience. This includes writing notes, articles, and doing public speech. It also can be Interpretive Communication, where we’re expected to comprehend, to understand information in Chinese.

Verbal Communicative Abilities specifies the following five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating.

2021 New HSK Listening Skills Requirements

LEVELS MATERIALS PRONUNCIATION LENGTH SPEED ABILITY
Level 1 simple sentences
short dialogues
standard and clear
slow speed
< 80
characters
> 100
characters/min
to comprehend basic information assisted with pictures and physical items
Level 2 simple sentences
basic complex sentences
short dialogues
general speeches
standard and clear
relatively slow speed
< 150
characters
> 140
characters/min
to comprehend basic information assisted with body language and facial expressions
Level 3 long simple sentences
complex sentences
general dialogues
general speeches
near-standard; clear
close to normal speed
<300
characters
> 180
characters/min
to comprehend and get key information with change of pronunciation, intonation and speaking speed
Level 4 informal conversations and speeches natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
<400
characters
180-200
characters/min
to get key information even with unnecessary repeat or pauses
to hear out the meaning and understand hints
to be aware of the cultural factors involved
Level 5 informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
<500
characters
200-220
characters/min
ability to get key information and details even with noises, and unnecessary repeat or pauses
ability to understand cultural factors involved
Level 6 informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches
materials with subtle regional accents
natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
slightly faster speed
< 600
characters
220-240
characters/min
ability to understand the speaker's true intention even with grammatically mistakes or with explanations and corrections
ability to understand cultural factors involved
Level 7 general lectures
general social news
normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to avoid interference from environmental factors
to grasp the main facts, opinions, and logical structures accurately
to generally understand the social and cultural connotations involved
Level 8 professional lectures
feature news
normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to avoid interference from environmental factors; overcome obstacles
to summarize the main points, grasp details and  logical structures
to better understand the social and cultural connotations involved
Level 9 all sorts of materials normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to analyze and infer the required information
to accurately understand the social and cultural connotations involved
LEVELS MATERIALS PRONUNCIATION LENGTH SPEED ABILITY
Level 1 simple sentences
short dialogues
standard and clear
slow speed
< 80
characters
> 100
characters/min
to comprehend basic information assisted with pictures and physical items
Level 2 simple sentences
basic complex sentences
short dialogues
general speeches
standard and clear
relatively slow speed
< 150
characters
> 140
characters/min
to comprehend basic information assisted with body language and facial expressions
Level 3 long simple sentences
complex sentences
general dialogues
general speeches
near-standard; clear
close to normal speed
<300
characters
> 180
characters/min
to comprehend and get key information with change of pronunciation, intonation and speaking speed
Level 4 informal conversations and speeches natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
<400
characters
180-200
characters/min
to get key information even with unnecessary repeat or pauses
to hear out the meaning and understand hints
to be aware of the cultural factors involved
Level 5 informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
<500
characters
200-220
characters/min
ability to get key information and details even with noises, and unnecessary repeat or pauses
ability to understand cultural factors involved
Level 6 informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches
materials with subtle regional accents
natural; with subtle regional accents
normal speed
slightly faster speed
< 600
characters
220-240
characters/min
ability to understand the speaker's true intention even with grammatically mistakes or with explanations and corrections
ability to understand cultural factors involved
Level 7 general lectures
general social news
normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to avoid interference from environmental factors
to grasp the main facts, opinions, and logical structures accurately
to generally understand the social and cultural connotations involved
Level 8 professional lectures
feature news
normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to avoid interference from environmental factors; overcome obstacles
to summarize the main points, grasp details and  logical structures
to better understand the social and cultural connotations involved
Level 9 all sorts of materials normal speed
fast speed
≈ 800 n/a to analyze and infer the required information
to accurately understand the social and cultural connotations involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 1
MATERIALS
simple sentences
short dialogues
PRONUNCIATION
standard and clear
slow speed
LENGTH
< 80 characters
SPEED
> 100 characters/min
ABILITY
to comprehend basic information assisted with pictures and physical items
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
MATERIALS
simple sentences
basic complex sentences
short dialogues
general speeches
PRONUNCIATION
standard and clear
relatively slow speed
LENGTH
< 150 characters
SPEED
> 140 characters/min
ABILITY
to comprehend basic information assisted with body language and facial expressions
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
MATERIALS
long simple sentences
complex sentences
general dialogues
general speeches
PRONUNCIATION
near-standard; clear
close to normal speed
LENGTH
< 300 characters
SPEED
> 180 characters/min
ABILITY
to comprehend and get key information with change of pronunciation, intonation and speaking speed
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
MATERIALS
informal conversations and speeches
PRONUNCIATION
natural
with subtle regional accents
normal speed
LENGTH
< 400 characters
SPEED
180-200 characters/min
ABILITY
to get key information even with unnecessary repeat or pauses
to hear out the meaning and understand hints
to be aware of the cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
MATERIALS
informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches
PRONUNCIATION
natural
with subtle regional accents
normal speed
LENGTH
< 500 characters
SPEED
200-220 characters/min
ABILITY
ability to get key information and details even with noises, and unnecessary repeat or pauses
ability to understand cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
MATERIALS
informal and relatively formal conversations and speeches
materials with subtle regional accents
PRONUNCIATION
natural
with subtle regional accents
normal speed
slightly faster speed
LENGTH
< 600 characters
SPEED
220-240 characters/min
ABILITY
ability to understand the speaker's true intention even with grammatically mistakes or with explanations and corrections
ability to understand cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
MATERIALS
general lectures
general social news
PRONUNCIATION
normal speed
fast speed
LENGTH
≈ 800 characters
SPEED
n/a
ABILITY
to avoid interference from environmental factors
to grasp the main facts, opinions, and logical structures accurately
to generally understand the social and cultural connotations involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
MATERIALS
professional lectures
feature news
PRONUNCIATION
normal speed
fast speed
LENGTH
≈ 800 characters
SPEED
n/a
ABILITY
to avoid interference from environmental factors; overcome obstacles
to summarize the main points, grasp details and  logical structures
to better understand the social and cultural connotations involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
MATERIALS
all sorts of materials
PRONUNCIATION
normal speed
fast speed
LENGTH
≈ 800 characters
SPEED
n/a
ABILITY
to analyze and infer the required information
to accurately understand the social and cultural connotations involved

2021 New HSK Speaking Skill Requirements

LEVELS PRONUNCIATION ABILITY
Level 1 correct pronunciation of Level 1 Syllables to use basic words and phrases and basic simple sentences
to conduct simple questions and answers
Level 2 correct pronunciation of Level 2 Syllables to use simple sentences to conduct short questions and answers
to conduct social conversations
to make short presentations
Level 3 correct pronunciation of Level 3 Syllables to use some complicated sentence patterns to conduct common communication or discussions
Level 4 correct pronunciation of Level 4 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to use more complicated sentence patterns
to start to express in paragraphs
to express more fluently, and use more accurate words
to describe the development of events
describe more complex scenarios
briefly state opinions and express feelings
conduct general conversations
Level 5 correct pronunciation of Level 5 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to use more complex sentences
to have the basic ability to express in paragraphs
to use appropriate words, and have a certain logic
to describe events with more details
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
Level 6 correct pronunciation of Level 6 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to have general ability to express in paragraphs
be able to accurately use complex sentences
to use extensive and appropriate vocabulary and have strong logic
to describe events and scenes in detail
to conduct fluent discussions and simple consultations
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
Level 7 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess preliminary discourse expression skills
to flexibly use complex sentence patterns and be coherent
to have more substantial content, and strong logic
to express personal opinions, conduct discussions or debates
to be able to adjust the way of expression according to the communication scene
to be able to use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect some strong cross-cultural communication skills
Level 8 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to be able to make presentation, impromptu speeches or defense
to express opinions and thoughts adequately and appropriately
to be able to appropriately use various rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect cross-cultural communication skills
Level 9 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to have substantial content and rigorous logic
to be able to flexibly use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect strong cross-cultural communication skills
LEVELS PRONUNCIATION ABILITY
Level 1 correct pronunciation of Level 1 Syllables to use basic words and phrases and basic simple sentences
to conduct simple questions and answers
Level 2 correct pronunciation of Level 2 Syllables to use simple sentences to conduct short questions and answers
to conduct social conversations
to make short presentations
Level 3 correct pronunciation of Level 3 Syllables to use some complicated sentence patterns to conduct common communication or discussions
Level 4 correct pronunciation of Level 4 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to use more complicated sentence patterns
to start to express in paragraphs
to express more fluently, and use more accurate words
to describe the development of events
describe more complex scenarios
briefly state opinions and express feelings
conduct general conversations
Level 5 correct pronunciation of Level 5 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to use more complex sentences
to have the basic ability to express in paragraphs
to use appropriate words, and have a certain logic
to describe events with more details
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
Level 6 correct pronunciation of Level 6 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
to have general ability to express in paragraphs
be able to accurately use complex sentences
to use extensive and appropriate vocabulary and have strong logic
to describe events and scenes in detail
to conduct fluent discussions and simple consultations
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
Level 7 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess preliminary discourse expression skills
to flexibly use complex sentence patterns and be coherent
to have more substantial content, and strong logic
to express personal opinions, conduct discussions or debates
to be able to adjust the way of expression according to the communication scene
to be able to use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect some strong cross-cultural communication skills
Level 8 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to be able to make presentation, impromptu speeches or defense
to express opinions and thoughts adequately and appropriately
to be able to appropriately use various rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect cross-cultural communication skills
Level 9 accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to have substantial content and rigorous logic
to be able to flexibly use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect strong cross-cultural communication skills

2021 New HSK Speaking Skills

NEW HSK LEVEL 1
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 1 Syllables
ABILITY
to use basic words and phrases and basic simple sentences
CONTNET
to conduct simple questions and answers
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 2 Syllables
ABILITY
to use simple sentences
CONTNET
to conduct short questions and answers
to conduct social conversations
to make short presentations
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 3 Syllables
ABILITY
to use some complicated sentence patterns
CONTNET
to conduct common communication or discussions
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 4 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
ABILITY
to use more complicated sentence patterns
to start to express in paragraphs
to express more fluently, and use more accurate words
CONTNET
to describe the development of events
describe more complex scenarios
briefly state opinions and express feelings
conduct general conversations
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 5 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
ABILITY
to use more complex sentences
to have the basic ability to express in paragraphs
to use appropriate words, and have a certain logic
CONTNET
to describe events with more details
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
PRONUNCIATION
correct pronunciation of Level 6 Syllables
relatively natural intonation
ABILITY
to have general ability to express in paragraphs
be able to accurately use complex sentences
to use extensive and appropriate vocabulary and have strong logic
CONTNET
to describe events and scenes in detail
to conduct fluent discussions and simple consultations
to fully express personal opinions and thoughts and feelings
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
PRONUNCIATION
accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
ABILITY
to possess preliminary discourse expression skills
to flexibly use complex sentence patterns and be coherent
to have more substantial content, and strong logic
CONTNET
to express personal opinions, conduct discussions or debates
to be able to adjust the way of expression according to the communication scene
to be able to use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect some strong cross-cultural communication skills
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
PRONUNCIATION
accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
ABILITY
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to be able to make presentation, impromptu speeches or defenses
CONTNET
to express opinions and thoughts adequately and appropriately
to be able to appropriately use various rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect cross-cultural communication skills
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
PRONUNCIATION
accurate pronunciation of Advanced Levels Syllables
natural intonation
ABILITY
to possess good discourse expression skills and the ability to use language flexibly
to have substantial content and rigorous logic
CONTNET
to be able to flexibly use rhetoric to enhance the effect
to reflect strong cross-cultural communication skills

2021 New HSK Reading Skills Requirements

LEVELS MATERIALS LENGTH SPEED TECHNIQUES ABILITY
Level 1 the most common signs in daily life
short notes
tables and forms
maps
< 100
characters
> 80
characters/min
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc. to get basic information
Level 2 introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
notifications
electronic messages
< 200
characters
> 100
characters/min
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc.
use of student dictionaries
to get specific target information
Level 3 basic complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
<300
characters
> 120
characters/min
use of dictionaries
skimming and skipping skills
to understand the main idea and details of the materials
Level 4 common complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
simple persuasive materials
<500
characters
> 140
characters/min
fast reading skill
guessing and association
to understand the main content
to grasp the key information
to make appropriate inferences to
to have a basic understanding of the cultural factors involved
Level 5 complicated complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
<700
characters
> 160
characters/min
better fast reading skill
better skipping skill
better scanning skill
to understand and summarize the central meaning or argument of the materials
to make logical inferences
to better understand the cultural factors involved
Level 6 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
< 900
characters
> 180
characters/min
strong skipping skill
strong scanning skill
to be able to summarize key points.
to be able to guess the meaning of words from the context
to be able to clarify the structures of language materials
to accurately understand the content, extract the main arguments and information
to infer hidden information through the context
to understand the cultural factors involved
Level 7 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 200
characters/min
master a variety of reading skills
to be able to independently retrieve and find the required information
to have a understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to be able to accurately grasp the structural relationship of the text
to be able to analyze, judge and logically reason about the content of the text
to be able to understand the cultural factors involved
Level 8 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 220
characters/min
proficiency in various reading skills to have a better understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to accurately understand the thoughts and social cultural connotation of the materials
be able to find language problems and logical defects
Level 9 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 240
characters/min
comprehensive use of various reading skills to have a mastery of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to have a deep understanding of the thought and social cultural connotation of the materials
LEVELS MATERIALS LENGTH SPEED TECHNIQUES ABILITY
Level 1 the most common signs in daily life
short notes
tables and forms
maps
< 100
characters
> 80
characters/min
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc. to get basic information
Level 2 introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
notifications
electronic messages
< 200
characters
> 100
characters/min
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc.
use of student dictionaries
to get specific target information
Level 3 basic complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
<300
characters
> 120
characters/min
use of dictionaries
skimming and skipping skills
to understand the main idea and details of the materials
Level 4 common complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
simple persuasive materials
<500
characters
> 140
characters/min
fast reading skill
guessing and association
to understand the main content
to grasp the key information
to make appropriate inferences to
to have a basic understanding of the cultural factors involved
Level 5 complicated complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
<700
characters
> 160
characters/min
better fast reading skill
better skipping skill
better scanning skill
to understand and summarize the central meaning or argument of the materials
to make logical inferences
to better understand the cultural factors involved
Level 6 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
< 900
characters
> 180
characters/min
strong skipping skill
strong scanning skill
to be able to summarize key points.
to be able to guess the meaning of words from the context
to be able to clarify the structures of language materials
to accurately understand the content, extract the main arguments and information
to infer hidden information through the context
to understand the cultural factors involved
Level 7 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 200
characters/min
master a variety of reading skills
to be able to independently retrieve and find the required information
to have a understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to be able to accurately grasp the structural relationship of the text
to be able to analyze, judge and logically reason about the content of the text
to be able to understand the cultural factors involved
Level 8 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 220
characters/min
proficiency in various reading skills to have a better understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to accurately understand the thoughts and social cultural connotation of the materials
be able to find language problems and logical defects
Level 9 expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
n/a > 240
characters/min
comprehensive use of various reading skills to have a mastery of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to have a deep understanding of the thought and social cultural connotation of the materials
NEW HSK LEVEL 1
MATERIALS
the most common signs in daily life
short notes
tables and forms
maps
LENGTH
< 100 characters
SPEED
> 80 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc.
ABILITY
to get basic information
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
MATERIALS
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
notifications
electronic messages
LENGTH
< 200 characters
SPEED
> 100 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
to read with the help of pictures, Pinyin, etc.
use of student dictionaries
ABILITY
to get specific target information
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
MATERIALS
basic complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
LENGTH
< 300 characters
SPEED
> 120 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
use of dictionaries
skimming and skipping skills
ABILITY
to understand the main idea and details of the materials
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
MATERIALS
common complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
simple persuasive materials
LENGTH
< 500 characters
SPEED
> 140 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
fast reading skill
guessing and association
ABILITY
to understand the main content
to grasp the key information
to make appropriate inferences to
to have a basic understanding of the cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
MATERIALS
complicated complex sentences
introduction; expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
LENGTH
< 700 characters
SPEED
> 160 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
better fast reading skill
better skipping skill
better scanning skill
ABILITY
to understand and summarize the central meaning or argument of the materials
to make logical inferences
to better understand the cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
MATERIALS
expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
LENGTH
< 900 characters
SPEED
> 190 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
strong skipping skill
strong scanning skill
to be able to summarize key points.
to be able to guess the meaning of words from the context
ABILITY
to be able to clarify the structures of language materials
to accurately understand the content, extract the main arguments and information
to infer hidden information through the context
to understand the cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
MATERIALS
expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
LENGTH
n/a
SPEED
> 200 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
master a variety of reading skills
to be able to independently retrieve and find the required information
ABILITY
to have a understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to be able to accurately grasp the structural relationship of the text
to be able to analyze, judge and logically reason about the content of the text
to be able to understand the cultural factors involved
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
MATERIALS
expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
LENGTH
n/a
SPEED
> 220 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
proficiency in various reading skills
ABILITY
to have a better understanding of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to accurately understand the thoughts and social cultural connotation of the materials
be able to find language problems and logical defects
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
MATERIALS
expository materials
narrative materials
persuasive materials
descriptive materials
LENGTH
n/a
SPEED
> 240 characters/min
TECHNIQUES
comprehensive use of various reading skills
ABILITY
to have a mastery of native Chinese reasoning process and expressions habits
to have a deep understanding of the thought and social cultural connotation of the materials

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Characters

LEVELS HANDWRITE HANDWRITING
SPEED
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Level 1 100
characters
> 10
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
basic punctuation
Level 2 200
characters
> 15
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
common punctuation
Level 3 300
characters
> 20
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
punctuation
Level 4 500
characters
n/a to understand Chinese Character construction rules
Level 5 700
characters
n/a to analyze the construction of commonly-used Chinese Characters
Level 6 900
characters
n/a to analyze the construction of Chinese Characters
Level 7/8/9 500
characters
n/a n/a

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Articles

LEVELS REQUIREMENTS LENGTH
Level 1 simple phrases
short sentences
personal application forms
notes
n/a
Level 2 short sentences simple writings about personal life
simple writings about daily routine
> 100
characters
Level 3 coherent sentences
clear expressions
mail
public notices
short narration
> 200
characters
Level 4 sentence groups with sentences of simple structures
various sentence patterns
simple narrative writing
simple expository writing
common practical writing with correct format
> 300
characters
Level 5 sentence groups with sentences of complicated structures general narrative writing
general expository writing
general descriptive writing writing
simple argumentative writing
> 450
characters
Level 6 sentence groups with long sentences of complicated structures common narrative writing
common expository writing
common descriptive writing
common argumentative writing
common figures of speech
> 600
characters
Level 7 clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
various figures of speech
n/a
Level 8 clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
Chinese Idioms; idiomatic expressions
various figures of speech
n/a
Level 9 various complex sentence patterns
clear point of view
coherent discourse
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
various types of writing
academic dissertation
artistic literature
n/a

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Characters

LEVELS HANDWRITE HANDWRITING
SPEED
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Level 1 100
characters
> 10
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
basic punctuation
Level 2 200
characters
> 15
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
common punctuation
Level 3 300
characters
> 20
characters/min
Chinese strokes
stroke order
punctuation
Level 4 500
characters
n/a to understand Chinese Character construction rules
Level 5 700
characters
n/a  to analyze the construction of commonly-used Chinese Characters
Level 6 900
characters
n/a  to analyze the construction of Chinese Characters
Level 7/8/9 500
characters
n/a n/a

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Articles

LEVELS REQUIREMENTS LENGTH
Level 1 simple phrases
short sentences
personal application forms
notes
n/a
Level 2 short sentences simple writings about personal life
simple writings about daily routine
> 100
characters
Level 3 coherent sentences
clear expressions
mail
public notices
short narration
> 200
characters
Level 4 sentence groups with sentences of simple structures
various sentence patterns
simple narrative writing
simple expository writing
common practical writing with correct format
> 300
characters
Level 5 sentence groups with sentences of complicated structures general narrative writing
general expository writing
general descriptive writing writing
simple argumentative writing
> 450
characters
Level 6 sentence groups with long sentences of complicated structures common narrative writing
common expository writing
common descriptive writing
common argumentative writing
common figures of speech
> 600
characters
Level 7 clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
various figures of speech
n/a
Level 8 clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
Chinese Idioms; idiomatic expressions
various figures of speech
n/a
Level 9 various complex sentence patterns
clear point of view
coherent discourse
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
various types of writing
academic dissertation
artistic literature
n/a

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Characters

NEW HSK LEVEL 1
HANDWRITE
100 characters
SPEED
> 10 characters/min
CONTENT
Chinese strokes
stroke order
basic punctuation
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
HANDWRITE
200 characters
SPEED
> 15 characters/min
CONTENT
Chinese strokes
stroke order
common punctuation
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
HANDWRITE
300 characters
SPEED
> 20 characters/min
CONTENT
Chinese strokes
stroke order
punctuation
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
HANDWRITE
500 characters
SPEED
n/a
CONTENT
to understand Chinese Character construction rules
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
HANDWRITE
700 characters
SPEED
n/a
CONTENT
to analyze the construction of commonly-used Chinese Characters
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
HANDWRITE
900 characters
SPEED
n/a
CONTENT
to analyze the construction of Chinese Characters
NEW HSK LEVEL 7/8/9
HANDWRITE
1400 characters
SPEED
n/a
CONTENT
n/a

New HSK 2021 Writing Skills - Writing Articles

NEW HSK LEVEL 1
ABILITY
simple phrases
short sentences
CONTENT
to use basic words and phrases and basic simple sentences
LENGTH
n/a
NEW HSK LEVEL 2
ABILITY
short sentences
CONTENT
simple writings about personal life
simple writings about daily routine
LENGTH
> 100 character
NEW HSK LEVEL 3
ABILITY
coherent sentences
clear expressions
CONTENT
mail
public notices
short narration
LENGTH
> 200 character
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
ABILITY
sentence groups with sentences of simple structures
various sentence patterns
CONTENT
simple narrative writing
simple expository writing
common practical writing with correct format
LENGTH
> 300 character
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
ABILITY
sentence groups with sentences of complicated structures
CONTENT
general narrative writing
general expository writing
general descriptive writing writing
simple argumentative writing
LENGTH
> 450 character
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
ABILITY
sentence groups with long sentences of complicated structures
CONTENT
common narrative writing
common expository writing
common descriptive writing
common argumentative writing
common figures of speech
LENGTH
> 600 character
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
ABILITY
clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
CONTENT
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
various figures of speech
LENGTH
n/a
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
ABILITY
clear point of view
clear structure
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
CONTENT
long narrative writing
long descriptive writing
long expository writing
long argumentative writing
long professional paper
Chinese Idioms; idiomatic expressions
various figures of speech
LENGTH
n/a
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
ABILITY
various complex sentence patterns
clear point of view
coherent discourse
correct format
proper expression and strong logic
CONTENT
various types of writing
academic dissertation
artistic literature
LENGTH
n/a

New HSK 2021 Translating and Interpreting Skills Requirements

LEVELS TRANSLATING INTERPRETATING
Level 1/2/3 n/a n/a
Level 4 simple narrative text
simple expository text
informal accompanying interpretation
Level 5 common narrative text
common expository text
simple argumentative materials
simple informal consecutive (back-and-forth) interpretation
Level 6 common narrative text
common expository text
common argumentative materials
all types of informal interpretation
Level 7 longer narrative text
longer expository text
longer argumentative text
formal accompanying interpretation
formal consecutive interpretation
Level 8 lengthy narrative text
lengthy expository text
lengthy argumentative text
formal industry-related interpretation
formal political consecutive interpretation
Level 9 texts of various writing styles formal industry-related interpretation
formal political simultaneous interpretation
LEVELS TRANSLATING INTERPRETATING
Level 1/2/3 n/a n/a
Level 4 simple narrative text
simple expository text
informal accompanying interpretation
Level 5 common narrative text
common expository text
simple argumentative materials
simple informal consecutive (back-and-forth) interpretation
Level 6 common narrative text
common expository text
common argumentative materials
all types of informal interpretation
Level 7 longer narrative text
longer expository text
longer argumentative text
formal accompanying interpretation
formal consecutive interpretation
Level 8 lengthy narrative text
lengthy expository text
lengthy argumentative text
formal industry-related interpretation
formal political consecutive interpretation
Level 9 texts of various writing styles formal industry-related interpretation
formal political simultaneous interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 1/2/2
TRANSLATING
n/a
INTERPRETATING
n/a
NEW HSK LEVEL 4
TRANSLATING
simple narrative text
simple expository text
informal accompanying interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 5
TRANSLATING
common narrative text
common expository text
simple argumentative materials
simple informal consecutive (back-and-forth) interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 6
TRANSLATING
common narrative text
common expository text
common argumentative materials
all types of informal interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 7
TRANSLATING
longer narrative text
longer expository text
longer argumentative text
formal accompanying interpretation
formal consecutive interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 8
TRANSLATING
lengthy narrative text
lengthy expository text
lengthy argumentative text
formal industry-related interpretation
formal political consecutive interpretation
NEW HSK LEVEL 9
TRANSLATING
texts of various writing styles
formal industry-related interpretation
formal political simultaneous interpretation

6. How To Prepare For The New HSK?

The testing standards might change, all the time. Different countries even have their own testing Standards as well. However, the actual language knowledge doesn’t really change, our path to progress is going to stay the same, Chinese language itself isn’t going to get any more difficult, or easier. And what defines a student as a beginner, an intermediate learner, or an advanced learner is not going to change.

And later when it’s time when we decide to take the new HSK 3.0 test, before taking the test we can download the vocabulary list and grammar book for our level for review, so that we can target the vocabulary and grammar that we still have trouble with, and get well prepared for the test.

But also, very importantly, apart from HSK requirements, it’s always great to learn expressions and structures outside of HSK. Because HSK is just one standard, but life is limitless, and everyone’s situation is different. For someone who works in the medical field, they might want to know how to say certain medical terms at a very early stage of learning Chinese whereas most people don’t; and if someone is very into computer stuff, it’s very likely that vocabulary related to computers is going to be one of their biggest interests. People always want to learn words of topics they want to talk about.

And even in the actual HSK test, it is not uncommon that we see or hear a small amount of new words outside of the level, or just outside of HSK standards in general.

So, always learn intensively and also broadly.

7. ChineseFor.Us Planned Updates:

1. ChineseFor.Us structured courses will have the following adjustments and updates to be in accordance with the new HSK 3.0 Standards:

  • Day-1 Beginner Course will stay the same
  • Level 1 Course will be changed to Level 1 Part 1
  • Level 2 Course will be changed to Level 1 Part 2
    • about 10 extra lessons will be added to Level 1 Part 2 to cover all requirements (If you have finished your current level, please feel free to start the next level right away instead of waiting on the 10 extra lessons. The 10 extra lessons are only there to serve the purpose of fully covering the new HSK 3.0 test requirements, and the new test hasn't come out yet. Also the extra lessons do not follow the same format as Level 1, 2 or 3; they do not serve as a continuation of Level 2, or a prerequisite for Level 3.)
  • Level 3 Course will be changed to Level 2 Part 1
    • Level 2 Part 2 will be added after the current Level 3 Course

2. The new ChineseFor.Us structured courses in relation to the new HSK 3.0 Standards will be as follows:

  • Level 1 Part 1 + Level 1 Part 2 = well over the new HSK 1
  • Level 2 Part 1 + Level 2 Part 2 = well over the new HSK 2
  • ……

7 thoughts on “New HSK 2021 Requirements [ 2021 NEW HSK 3.0 STANDARDS ]”

    1. Thank you so much Aniela! We are so glad to know that you have confidence in our teaching! Wish you the best of luck with your Chinese studies! 加油!Jiāyóu!

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