HSK 4: The Intermediate Milestone — Vocabulary, Format and Preparation

What HSK 4 means

At HSK 4 you can discuss a wide range of familiar topics with reasonable fluency, follow the main points of conversations and talks on everyday and study-related subjects, and read straightforward articles. You can explain your opinion, compare options and describe experiences in detail.

Universities and scholarship programmes often name HSK 4 as their minimum. Many also set a minimum score and may ask for a speaking result. HSK 2.0 used a 300-point scale (pass mark 180); the HSK 3.0 score scale is still to be confirmed, so check the exact requirement of each programme.

• Take part in conversations on study, work, society and culture
• Give and justify your opinion, and compare advantages and disadvantages
• Understand the main points of lectures, news items and longer dialogues
• Read articles, emails and instructions on familiar topics
• Write short, well-organised texts

HSK 4 exam format

According to official reports, HSK 4 has been shortened from 100 to 70 questions. The written part takes about 85 minutes in total (including instructions), and speaking is tested as well, as at every level from 3 upward. Under the transition guidance from test centres, HSK 4 corresponds to intermediate-level speaking.

Based on published summaries of the 2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus; the 70-question total matches official reports. Check the official sample paper for exact task types.

HSK 4 vocabulary: 2,000 words

HSK 4 adds about 1,000 words, bringing the total to 2,000. The new vocabulary is noticeably more formal and abstract: connectors such as 而 (and/but), 却 (yet), 因此 (therefore) and 无论 (no matter), and words for society, technology, education and the economy. Syllabus summaries mention about 1,100 characters to recognise and 400 to write.

This is the level where spaced repetition becomes essential — 1,000 new words is too many to cram. The sample below comes from the HSK 4 list.

Grammar and topics to know

HSK 4 grammar is about connecting ideas precisely and sounding more formal when needed. Typical topics include education and careers, technology, society, health, the environment, culture and personal relationships.

• Emphasis with 连…都/也…: 他连一个汉字都不认识。
• Unconditional statements with 无论/不管…都…
• Concessions with 即使…也… and 尽管…
• Cause and effect in formal style: 由于…因此…
• Adding points with 不仅…而且/还…
• Rhetorical questions with 难道…吗？
• Emphasising time, place or manner with 是…的
• Topics with 对于 and 关于; means with 通过; roles with 作为
• Contrast with 而 and 却
• Strong negation with 并不 / 并没有

How long it takes: a sample study plan

From the HSK 3 range, plan roughly 200–300 additional hours — about six to nine months at seven to eight hours a week. Reading volume matters at this level: aim to read something in Chinese every day.

Typical estimates for adult learners, not official figures.

Exam tips for HSK 4

With fewer questions in the new format, each question carries more weight, so accuracy matters.

• Read the answer options before each listening item to know what to listen for.
• Learn the meaning of connectors such as 却, 而 and 因此 — they often decide reading answers.
• Practise sentence-ordering by spotting connectors and pronouns that link sentences.
• For speaking, practise two-minute answers with a clear structure: opinion, reasons, example, conclusion.
• Keep a list of your typical mistakes and review it before every mock test.

Prepare for HSK 4 with CNLingo

If you need HSK 4 for university, CNLingo teachers can plan backwards from your application deadline, cover the HSK 4 grammar and vocabulary in 1-on-1 lessons and train each exam section, including speaking. The CNLingo app adds HSK 4 vocabulary review, AI tone and speaking feedback and original mock exams.