HSK 4: Complete Guide to Level 4 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

What Is HSK 4?

HSK 4 (中文水平考试) is the fourth level of the official Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers, aligned with the CEFR B1-B2 level.

To succeed at this level, you should be able to:

• Understand and use 1,200 Chinese words (including HSK 1–3 vocabulary)

• Read longer passages and follow main ideas

• Communicate clearly about familiar topics in school, work, or daily life

HSK 4 is often required for:

• Applying to university programs in China

• Jobs requiring Chinese communication skills

• Long-term residence or professional visas

HSK 4 Exam Structure (2025 Updated Version)

The HSK 4 exam includes three sections Listening, Reading, and Writing. There are 100 questions in total, and the test lasts about 100 minutes.

Scoring: 300 points total (100 per section).

Passing score: 180+

HSK 4 Vocabulary List (2025 Edition)

You’ll need to know 1,200 words to pass HSK 4. This includes all 600 from HSK 1–3 and 600 new words at HSK 4:

• Verbs for expressing opinions and feelings (e.g. 觉得 — to feel; 相信 — to believe)

• Work, study, and daily life terms (e.g. 任务 — task; 考虑 — to consider)

• More conjunctions and formal expressions (e.g. 即使 — even if; 如果 — if)

• Idiomatic and compound expressions (e.g. 相处理 — to deal with each other)

Grammar You Need to Know for HSK 4

To pass HSK 4, you’ll need to master intermediate grammar. Here are some key structures:

• Conditional Sentences with 如果...就... 如果你有问题，就来找我。If you have a question, come ask me.

• Concessive Sentences with 虽然...但... 虽然他很忙，但他总是出现在重要的时候。Although he's busy, he's always there when it matters.

• Comparison using 比 and 比较 我这次的成绩比上次好。My results this time are better than last time.

• Result Complements 我已经看懂了这篇文章。I already understood this article.

• Passive Sentences with 被 车被她开过了。The car was driven by her.

How to Prepare for HSK 4

Here’s your step-by-step plan to pass HSK 4 with confidence:

1. Strengthen Your Base

Review and solidify HSK 1–3 vocabulary and grammar. Use checklists and flashcard decks.

2. Master the HSK 4 Vocabulary

Use tools like:

• HSK Mock interactive vocabulary tools on HSKMock.com to study by character, pinyin, and English meaning

  

• Anki, Pleco, or Quizlet flashcards

• Apps with audio + example sentences: Du Chinese, Chairman’s Bao

• Label items in your home and log new words in a notebook

3. Read & Listen at HSK 4 Level

Practice with:

• Graded readers, news summaries, or WeChat articles

• Podcasts: Slow Chinese, ChineseClass101

• YouTube videos made for HSK 4 learners

4. Practice Writing

HSK 4 writing requires:

• Rearranging sentence components

• Writing short responses from prompts

• Try writing a daily journal entry using 5–10 new words

5. Simulate the Real Exam

Simulate real exam conditions with HSK 4 mock tests to check your level, improve timing, and build confidence before test day.

Final Tips for Passing HSK 4

• Study actively
  Don’t just recognize words—use them in context

• Daily practice
  Mix reading, writing, speaking, and listening

• Drill grammar
  Especially conditional, concessive, and passive forms

• Train time management
  Simulate full exams to get used to the pace

❓FAQ About HSK 4

How hard is HSK 4?

It’s an intermediate-level test. You’ll need around 1–1.5 years of consistent study after HSK 3 to feel confident.

Is HSK 4 enough for work or study in China?

Yes. Many job applications and universities accept HSK 4 as a strong proof of language ability.

Can I skip HSK 1–3 and start with HSK 4?

Yes—if you’ve already mastered the vocabulary and grammar of earlier levels.

Where can I take the HSK 4 exam?

You can register on the official Chinese Test website and choose from test centers worldwide.

If you are in Shanghai or planning to take your HSK exam there, you can register at the  Wo Hui Mandarin Test Center,  an official testing site recognized by Chinese Testing International. As part of the team behind  HSK Mock, Wo Hui Mandarin is committed to providing a smooth and supportive testing experience.

Register directly at the Wo Hui Mandarin Test Center.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

With HSKMock.com, you can:  

• Take official-style mock testsfor HSK 1 to HSK 7-9 and YCT

• Get instant scoring and feedback

• Practice anytime, anywhere—on desktop or mobile

• Track your progress with level-specific tools

Explore All HSK Levels: Your Complete Guides

Whether you're just starting out or aiming for advanced fluency, we've got you covered with detailed guides for every level of the HSK exam:

• HSK 1: Complete Guide to Level 1 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

• HSK 2: Complete Guide to Level 2 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

• HSK 3: Complete Guide to Level 3 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

• HSK 4: Complete Guide to Level 4 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025) (you are here)

• HSK 5: Complete Guide to Level 5 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

• HSK 6: Complete Guide to Level 6 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

• HSK 7–9: Complete Guide to Levels 7 to 9 of the Chinese Proficiency Test (2025)

Each guide includes official vocabulary lists, grammar tips, prep strategies, and links to realistic mock exams on HSKMock.com. Whether you're learning for fun, study, or work—this is your one-stop roadmap to Mandarin success.