Looking for the updated HSK vocabulary list? You're in the right place. With the launch of HSK 3.0 in 2026, the official word lists have been completely revised — and most lists circulating online are outdated.
This page gives you the verified 2026 vocabulary counts for every HSK level, explains what changed from the old lists, and shows you how to study them efficiently.
HSK 3.0 Vocabulary: Official 2026 Word Counts
| Level | Total Words | New Words to Learn | Characters to Recognize | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 300 | 300 | ~200 | A1 |
| HSK 2 | 500 | 200 | ~350 | A2 |
| HSK 3 | 1,000 | 500 | ~600 | A2+/B1 |
| HSK 4 | 2,000 | 1,000 | ~1,100 | B1+/B2 |
| HSK 5 | 3,600 | 1,600 | ~1,800 | B2/C1 |
| HSK 6 | 5,400 | 1,800 | ~2,600 | C1 |
| HSK 7–9 | ~11,000 | ~5,600 | ~3,500 | C1+/C2 |
What Changed from the Old Word Lists?
The 2026 vocabulary revision affected every level. Here are the key differences:
Words Added (Modern Chinese)
The new lists reflect how Chinese is actually spoken and written today:
- Technology: 扫码 (scan QR code), 充值 (top up), 直播 (livestream), 人工智能 (AI)
- Daily life: 外卖 (food delivery), 快递 (express delivery), 网购 (online shopping)
- Social: 朋友圈 (WeChat Moments), 群聊 (group chat), 点赞 (like/thumbs up)
- Finance: 移动支付 (mobile payment), 电商 (e-commerce), 二维码 (QR code)
Words Removed (Outdated)
Several words from the HSK 2.0 lists that are no longer commonly used have been replaced:
- Formal/literary terms rarely used in daily conversation
- Redundant synonyms where one common form is sufficient
- Cultural references specific to pre-2010 contexts
HSK 1 Preview: First 30 High-Frequency Words
Here's a sample from the HSK 1 (300-word) list to give you a sense of the level. For the complete HSK 1 list, see our dedicated HSK 1 word list page.
| # | Chinese | Pinyin | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 你好 | nǐ hǎo | hello | Greetings |
| 2 | 谢谢 | xiè xie | thank you | Greetings |
| 3 | 我 | wǒ | I, me | Pronouns |
| 4 | 你 | nǐ | you | Pronouns |
| 5 | 他/她 | tā | he/she | Pronouns |
| 6 | 是 | shì | to be | Verbs |
| 7 | 不 | bù | not | Adverbs |
| 8 | 有 | yǒu | to have | Verbs |
| 9 | 一 | yī | one | Numbers |
| 10 | 二/两 | èr/liǎng | two | Numbers |
| 11 | 大 | dà | big | Adjectives |
| 12 | 小 | xiǎo | small | Adjectives |
| 13 | 中国 | Zhōngguó | China | Nouns |
| 14 | 人 | rén | person | Nouns |
| 15 | 学生 | xuéshēng | student | Nouns |
How to Study Vocabulary Efficiently
With 300 to 11,000 words depending on your level, vocabulary study requires a system. Here's what works:
1. Spaced Repetition (SRS)
The most scientifically proven method for vocabulary retention. Instead of cramming, you review words at increasing intervals — just before you'd forget them. This alone can reduce study time by 40–50% compared to traditional review.
2. Context Over Isolation
Don't just memorize word + translation. Learn words in sentences. The HSK 3.0 exam tests usage, not just recognition. If you know 是 means "to be" but can't use it in 5 different sentence patterns, you're not ready.
3. Active Recall Over Passive Review
Looking at flashcards and thinking "I know this" is passive. Being shown the English and having to produce the Chinese (and pinyin) is active. Active recall builds stronger memory traces.
4. Group by Theme, Not by HSK Order
Study related words together: food vocabulary, transportation, classroom, etc. Thematic grouping creates mental associations that make recall easier during the exam.
5. Track Your Weak Spots
Which words do you keep getting wrong? Those need extra attention. A good study system identifies your weak words automatically and increases their review frequency.
Level-by-Level Study Timeline
| Target Level | Words to Learn | Recommended Pace | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 300 | 15–20 words/day | 3–4 weeks |
| HSK 2 | +200 (500 total) | 10–15 words/day | 2–3 weeks from HSK 1 |
| HSK 3 | +500 (1,000 total) | 10–15 words/day | 5–6 weeks from HSK 2 |
| HSK 4 | +1,000 (2,000 total) | 15–20 words/day | 8–10 weeks from HSK 3 |
| HSK 5 | +1,600 (3,600 total) | 15–20 words/day | 12–14 weeks from HSK 4 |
| HSK 6 | +1,800 (5,400 total) | 20–25 words/day | 12–16 weeks from HSK 5 |
These timelines assume consistent daily study (30–60 minutes). For a detailed weekly breakdown, check our HSK 4 study plan and our guide to HSK score validity to plan your exam timing.