What HSK 1 tests
HSK 1 checks that you can understand and use very simple Chinese: greetings, numbers, dates and times, family, food and shopping. The sentences are short and many questions come with a picture. In the official sample paper, the reading questions have pinyin above the characters.
The HSK 1 exam, part by part
These are the parts of the official exam, with their question numbers. Every mock exam in HSK Dragon uses the same layout.
听力 Listening20 questions · 12 min
- Part 1第一部分
Listen and choose the matching picture.
Questions 1–5
- Part 2第二部分
Listen and choose the right reply.
Questions 6–10
- Part 3第三部分
Listen to each dialogue and match it to a picture.
Questions 11–15
- Part 4第四部分
Listen to the passage and choose the right answer.
Questions 16–20
阅读 Reading20 questions · 20 min
- Part 1第一部分
Match each sentence to a picture.
Questions 21–25
- Part 2第二部分
Match each sentence to the reply that fits.
Questions 26–30
- Part 3第三部分
Choose the word that fills the blank.
Questions 31–35
- Part 4第四部分
Read the passage and choose the right answer.
Questions 36–40
Words
HSK 1 covers 300 words: numbers, time, family, food, places, and the most common verbs and question words.
On the old HSK (HSK 2.0), level 1 needed 150 words, so the new list asks for 150 more. Older word lists are still around online, so make sure yours is the new one.
Scoring
The official pass marks for the new HSK 1 to 6 haven't been published yet. On the old HSK, each section was scored out of 100 and you needed 60% of the total to pass.
HSK Dragon's mock exams use the same line. At HSK 1 that means 120 out of 200 from listening and reading.
How to prepare for HSK 1
Learn every word with its sound, not just its meaning. Half the exam is listening, and in two of the four listening parts you match what you hear to a picture.
Practise hearing numbers, times, dates and prices at normal speed. They come up all through the listening.
In reading Part 2 you match questions to their answers. Learn short everyday exchanges, not just single words.
HSK 1 has no writing or speaking, but HSK 2 adds writing characters and HSK 3 adds a speaking test. Writing new words by hand now will make those levels easier.
Questions about HSK 1
How many words do you need for HSK 1?
HSK 1 covers 300 words. On the old HSK (HSK 2.0), level 1 needed 150 words, so the new list asks for 150 more.
How long is the HSK 1 exam?
The written exam has 40 questions and takes about 40 minutes, including the time to fill in your details and the answer sheet.
Does HSK 1 have a speaking test?
No. The new HSK only adds a speaking test from HSK 3. HSK 1 is listening and reading only.
What is the pass mark for HSK 1?
The official pass marks for the new HSK 1 to 6 haven't been published yet. On the old HSK you needed 60% of the total to pass. HSK Dragon's mock exams use the same line: 120 out of 200 at HSK 1, from listening and reading.
Should I prepare for the old HSK or the new HSK 3.0?
It depends on when you take the exam. The new HSK (HSK 3.0) starts worldwide on 13 December 2026, and every sitting before that date uses the old six-level HSK. If your exam is on or after 13 December 2026, prepare for the new format, which is the one HSK Dragon follows. Your test centre's listing shows which version each date uses.
Where can I take a free HSK 1 mock exam?
HSK Dragon has a free HSK 1 mock exam on its website, with the audio, pinyin, transcripts and an answer key. The HSK Dragon Android app has 10 full HSK 1 mock exams that are timed and scored, and the first one is free.