# HSK HSK 4: Intermediate

> 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.

- Framework: HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Proficiency Test)), Chinese Ministry of Education / Chinese Testing International (CTI)
- Typical vocabulary: 1,200 official words and about 1,070 characters; HSK 3.0 sets 3,245 words and 1,200 characters
- Study to reach this level: 600-1,000 hours
- Next level: HSK HSK 5

## What you can do at HSK HSK 4

- 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

## FAQ

### What does HSK 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 HSK 4?

At HSK HSK 4 you can typically: 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 HSK 4?

Reaching HSK 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 HSK 4 with NativePal?

NativePal generates its content at the level you select, so at HSK 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 HSK 4?

HSK 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.

## More

- [HSK levels explained](https://nativepal.app/levels/hsk/)
- [All proficiency frameworks](https://nativepal.app/levels/)
- [All supported languages](https://nativepal.app/languages.html)