New HSK 4 vs Old HSK 4 / 新旧 HSK 4 对比
Choose materials for your exam: compare the older HSK 4 papers with the revised vocabulary, character lists and writing tasks.
Side-by-Side Comparison / 对比表
| Dimension / 维度 | Older HSK 4 format | Revised HSK 4 format |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / 标准 | 2010 syllabus, 6-level system | HSK 3.0 — "Three Stages, Nine Levels" (三等九级); Level 4 = start of the intermediate stage |
| Vocabulary / 词汇量 | ~1,200 words (cumulative) | 2,000 words cumulative — 1,000 new Level 4 words (official list nos. 1001–2000) |
| Characters / 汉字 | No separate character lists published for the level | Explicit lists: 441 Level 4 reading characters, including the 150 Level 4 handwriting characters; earlier levels remain part of cumulative study |
| Task framework / 任务 | No explicit task syllabus | 30 communicative tasks (任务大纲), from describing a person to introducing historical figures |
| Topics / 话题 | Loose topic guidance | 7 top-level / 31 second-level / 77 third-level topics (话题大纲) |
| Modern vocabulary / 时代词汇 | Earlier vocabulary scope; compare individual entries rather than assuming all technology words are new | Adds 扫码 (scan a QR code), 网购 (online shopping), 安检 (security check), 视频, 短信, 互联网, 线上/线下, 支付, 密码, 转发… |
| Writing output / 写作要求 | Arrange words into sentences; describe a picture with one sentence | Tasks require writing a short paragraph (写出一段话) — descriptions, experiences, opinions |
| Grammar syllabus / 语法 | Less granular | Enumerated per level: 把字句2, 被动句2 (叫/让), 兼语句2, 比较句3, 双重否定句, 10 types of complex sentences, fixed formats |
| Exam paper / 试卷结构 | 100 questions: 听力 45 + 阅读 40 + 书写 15, ~105 min, pass 180/300 | 70 written-paper questions: 听力 32 + 阅读 32 + 写作 6, approximately 85 minutes including administration; confirm the arrangements for your booked exam |
New Grammar at Level 4 (2026 Syllabus) / 新增语法点
- 把字句2 — four added patterns: 把+O+V一V / 把+O+V了 / 把+O+V+动量·时量补语 / 把+O+状语+V → practice 把字句
- 被动句2 — passives with 叫/让 instead of 被 → practice passives
- 兼语句2 — 表扬/批评, 收/选…做/当/为, 使/让 causatives → pivotal sentences
- 比较句3 — A不如B, 跟…相比 → comparison patterns
- 双重否定句 — double negation for emphasis (不得不, 没有…不…)
- 复句 — 尽管…但是, 既然…就, 不管/无论…都, 即使…也, 要是…否则, 不是…而是, 连…也/都 → all sentence patterns
- 固定格式 — 在…方面, 拿…来说, 够…的, 一A一B / 无A无B / 有A有B → fixed patterns
What Should You Do? / 备考建议
Preparing for an older-format paper: use our practice papers and sentence-ordering exercises. Some sets are partial; check the question count before starting.
Preparing for the revised format: study the 1,000 Level 4 additions alongside Levels 1–3 (2,000 words cumulative). Practise picture sentences and short essays. Older papers remain useful skill practice, but their timing and task mix differ.
Not sure which version you booked? Check your registration details or ask your test centre before choosing a timed mock.
Preparing for the revised format: study the 1,000 Level 4 additions alongside Levels 1–3 (2,000 words cumulative). Practise picture sentences and short essays. Older papers remain useful skill practice, but their timing and task mix differ.
Not sure which version you booked? Check your registration details or ask your test centre before choosing a timed mock.