FAQ – Chinese Level Test
Does this level test give an official result?
No, this Chinese test is a practice exercise only. It does not provide an official result or recognized certification. It simply allows you to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and assess your knowledge informally.
Why take this test if it’s not official?
This test helps you to:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in Chinese
- Prepare for official exams like the HSK
- Assess where you are in your learning journey
- Know what to focus your efforts on
- Practice without pressure before a real exam
It’s a practical tool to guide your learning, not a certification.
What HSK level?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the official Mandarin Chinese exam that consists of 6 main levels:
- HSK 1: Beginner level (approximately 150 words)
- HSK 2: Elementary level (approximately 300 words)
- HSK 3: Lower intermediate level (approximately 600 words)
- HSK 4: Intermediate level (approximately 1,200 words)
- HSK 5: Upper intermediate level (approximately 2,500 words)
- HSK 6: Advanced level (approximately 5,000 words or more)
Each level validates specific language skills in oral comprehension, written comprehension, and expression.
How do you say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in Chinese?
Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Mandarin Chinese:
- 1: 一 (yī)
- 2: 二 (èr)
- 3: 三 (sān)
- 4: 四 (sì)
- 5: 五 (wǔ)
- 6: 六 (liù)
- 7: 七 (qī)
- 8: 八 (bā)
- 9: 九 (jiǔ)
- 10: 十 (shí)
What is the equivalent of HSK?
The HSK corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) according to the following equivalences:
- HSK 1 = A1
- HSK 2 = A2
- HSK 3 = B1
- HSK 4 = B2
- HSK 5 = C1
- HSK 6 = C2
These correspondences allow you to position your Chinese level against international language learning standards.
What is Chinese level A1?
Level A1 in Chinese corresponds to the beginner level, equivalent to HSK 1. At this level, you are able to:
- Understand and use simple everyday expressions
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask basic personal questions (name, place of residence, acquaintances)
- Communicate in a simple way if the speaker talks slowly
- Recognize and use approximately 150 Chinese characters
- Construct short and elementary sentences
It’s the first step in learning Mandarin Chinese, which lays the foundation for progressing to more advanced levels.
How can I get a recognized Chinese level?
To obtain an official certification of your Chinese level, you must take the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) exam, which is the internationally recognized standardized test. This exam is organized by approved centers and awards an official certificate valid for 2 years.
What HSK level should I aim for?
It depends on your goals:
- HSK 1-2: To travel to China and hold basic conversations
- HSK 3-4: To study in China or work in a Chinese context
- HSK 5-6: To pursue university studies in Chinese or work professionally in Mandarin
How can I progress after this test?
The best way to progress is to take structured courses with a qualified teacher who can:
- Correct your pronunciation and tones
- Adapt lessons to your current level
- Prepare you effectively for the HSK if you wish
- Have you practice conversation regularly
- Track your progress in a personalized way
How long does it take to move from one HSK level to another?
On average, with regular learning (3-4 hours per week), it takes:
- 2-3 months to move from HSK 1 to HSK 2
- 3-6 months to move from HSK 2 to HSK 3
- 6-12 months for higher levels
These durations vary depending on your motivation, practice, and the quality of your teaching.
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