HSK 4: Intermediate

What does HSK 4 mean?

HSK 4 is the fourth HSK level, covering 1,200 words. You can discuss a fairly wide range of topics and converse fluently with native speakers, and it is the level most Chinese universities ask of applicants for degree programmes.

What can you do at HSK 4?

At HSK 4 you can typically do the following:

• Discuss a wide range of topics and argue a point of view
• Converse fluently with native speakers on everyday subjects
• Read a newspaper article on a general topic and get the main ideas
• Write a short essay or a work email in Chinese
• Follow television programmes on familiar subjects

How long does it take to reach HSK 4?

Reaching HSK 4 from a standing start typically takes 600-1,000 hours.

A learner at this level generally has an active vocabulary of 1,200 official words and about 1,070 characters; HSK 3.0 sets 3,245 words and 1,200 characters.

These are guides, not guarantees: prior languages, study intensity and how much you speak all move the number substantially.

How do you practise at HSK 4?

NativePal generates its content at the level you select, so at HSK 4 your reading lessons, vocabulary and speaking prompts are pitched here rather than at a generic average.

Reading lessons produce stories written for HSK 4, with every word tappable for a translation and a comprehension quiz at the end. Vocabulary lessons and the spaced-repetition flashcards draw on words appropriate to the level, and Speaking Practice scores your pronunciation on individual sounds, stress and rhythm, fluency and connected speech.

What comes after HSK 4?

HSK 5 is the next level up. HSK 5 is the fifth HSK level, covering 2,500 words. You can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, follow films and television programmes, and give a full-length prepared speech in Chinese on a familiar topic.