HSK 1 Guide: A Complete Guide to Reach HSK Level 1 Proficiency in 2 Months

Now, imagine saying, (How much is this?) when travelling to China. This small shift — from using body language to speaking simple Chinese — is the magic of HSK 1. This beginner's level is your official launchpad for learning the Chinese language, designed not to overwhelm, but to empower. In just 7 pages of new words and 15 units of core sentence patterns from the HSK 1 textbook, it gives you the keys to unlock basic, real-world interactions. Let's map out your path to successfully passing HSK 1!

What is the HSK 1 test?

The HSK () is China's national standardized test for non-native speakers, and HSK 1 is its first and most foundational level. Think of it as the official "Beginner's Module" for Mandarin. Its primary goal is to certify that you can understand and use very simple words and Chinese grammar to meet concrete, everyday needs. It focuses on essential building blocks: common greetings, basic personal information, numbers, time, hobbies, etc.

To pass HSK 1, you need to

This makes it highly accessible. Success at HSK 1 means you’ve built a stable start. You can now confidently step into a Chinese-speaking environment and handle fundamental exchanges, setting a solid psychological and linguistic foundation for all future learning.

A complete guide to the new HSK 1 test structure

The HSK 1 test is short, straightforward, and entirely multiple-choice. It lasts about 40 minutes and is divided into two sections: Listening and Reading. There is no writing, speaking, or translating component at this level. Understanding this format removes much of the anxiety and allows you to prepare strategically.

The Listening section (around 20 minutes) of HSK level 1 has four parts with 20 questions total. The recordings are slow, clear, and feature everyday vocabulary. Questions typically involve matching what you hear to a corresponding picture, or choosing a true/false response based on a simple statement. For example, you might hear (He is a teacher) and see pictures of different professions. The key is to recognize the sounds, tones, and basic meaning of the words you’ve studied.

The Reading section (around 20 minutes) also has four parts with 20 questions. It tests your recognition of characters, words, and simple sentence structures. You might be asked to match a character like (Person) to a picture or choose the correct answer to a question. Since you don't need to produce characters, your focus is on visual recognition and understanding simple grammatical order. No worries if you haven't mastered the handwriting yet.

This link has a sample test for HSK test level 1.

Pass the HSK 1 with this simple plan: vocabulary, grammar, and practice!

A structured, consistent approach is the key to conquering HSK 1 with confidence. According to the HSK 1 textbook, preparing for the HSK 1 exam takes approximately 30 - 34 studying hours, which is about 2 months. So, how should we draft the two-month study plan for reaching HSK 1 level?

Follow the official HSK textbook and finish all 15 units

The official HSK 1 textbook features 15 units with pinyin, tones, Chinese characters, vocabulary, and basic grammar explained but scattered in each unit. Every unit has a day-to-day topic and dialogue scenario, for example, the first unit is about greetings, (Hello).

As a beginner, it is not recommended to steer your own boat from the start. Although the HSK 1 textbook is organized based on topics, it is still easier for beginners to follow the textbook logic and cover all the basic vocabulary and grammar together with the units. So, do the no-brainer part and finish all 15 units first!

Conduct reviewing sessions on HSK 1 vocabulary and HSK 1 grammar points

You might feel that the knowledge is kind of all blended together after finishing the 15 units. It's completely normal, because you are not following a vocabulary book or a grammar book, but a textbook! Therefore, it is necessary that at this stage, you need to go through vocabulary and grammar points independently based on the HSK 1 textbook and exam syllabus.

Take the HSK 1 mock test

In the final stretch, conduct a comprehensive review of all 150 words, grammar points, and your notes on whatever you forgot easily. Identify weak spots and drill them. In the last two weeks, simulate the test environment. Complete 2-3 full, timed practice exams. This builds speed, stamina, and reduces test-day nerves.

The HSK official website features a sample test. You can also Google and find websites like this one that have five test papers for HSK 1, free to download!

Use diverse means to prepare for your future HSK tests!

Sole reliance on textbooks is possible for HSK 1, but not for more advanced levels. Be it for reading, listening, or speaking, Migaku app can help you make full use of media resources to learn Chinese and generate Chinese subtitles even when the video does not feature any. This tool can greatly expand your pool for any kind of practice. For example, Migaku app can generate subtitles for this cut from The Double with the English translation. You can also click the words or sentences to add them to your flashcard collections and review them later. It is your best assistant for engaging with the media content.

FAQs

Climb your HSK level scale, and don't let HSK 1 results blind you...

You will be surprised by how far you can go in language learning. HSK 1 exam paper is literally the basic of the basic, similar to taking a Duolingo test. If you pass, all the best; but if you fail, maybe it's time to review your efforts and strategies! To go beyond HSK 1, you need more materials. That's why only diverse media, not textbooks, can satisfy your long-term goal.

Make it right, make it work!