New HSK 4 Study Guide / 新HSK4备考指南
Everything you need to know about the new HSK 4 exam based on the official 《新版HSK考试大纲》, effective July 2026.
Exam Structure & Scoring / 考试结构 New Format
| Section / 部分 | Questions / 题数 | Time / 时间 | Score / 分数 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening / 听力 True/false + Multiple choice |
45 | ~30 min | 100 |
| Reading / 阅读 Fill-in-blank + Ordering + Comprehension |
40 | 40 min | 100 |
| Writing / 书写 Sentence formation from given words |
15 | 25 min | 100 |
Each section is scored independently out of 100 points. Your total score is the sum of all three sections (max 300). You need at least 180 points total (60%) to pass. There is no minimum per-section score required.
HSK 3 → HSK 4: 5 Ability Thresholds to Cross / 五大能力跨越
Moving from HSK 3 to HSK 4 isn't just about learning more words. The exam expects qualitative improvements in five dimensions:
| Dimension | HSK 3 Level | HSK 4 Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | 简单 — Simple topics | 有一定复杂度 — Some complexity |
| Fluency | 能简单介绍 — Can simply introduce | 能比较流利地介绍 — Can introduce fairly fluently |
| Writing | 写出一两句话 — Write 1-2 sentences | 写出一段话 — Write a paragraph |
| Reading | 看懂简单小短文 — Understand simple short texts | 看懂一般性短文 — Understand general short texts |
| Thinking | Describe facts | Express 感受 (feelings) and 看法 (opinions) |
The biggest leap is in thinking depth: HSK 3 only requires describing facts, while HSK 4 expects you to express your own feelings and opinions. This affects both writing and speaking preparation.
What's New at HSK 4 / HSK4 新增内容
New cultural topics at HSK 4 that were absent in HSK 3: 俗语名言 (proverbs & quotes), 名胜古迹 (landmarks), and 历史人物 (historical figures).
30 Task Scenarios / 30个交际任务
The new HSK 4 syllabus defines exactly 30 communicative tasks you may encounter on the exam. Questions are designed around these scenarios, so knowing them helps you predict what you'll face.
- 1. 谈论某个人物 — Describe a person
- 2. 处理日常事务 — Handle daily affairs
- 3. 日常言语交往 — Social expressions
- 4. 谈论情感话题 — Discuss emotions
- 5. 介绍饮食情况 — Talk about food
- 6. 谈论交通出行 — Discuss travel
- 7. 购物体验 — Shopping experience
- 8. 就医与健康 — Health & medical
- 9. 休闲度假 — Leisure & vacation
- 10. 居住与社区 — Housing & community
- 11. 家庭生活 — Family life
- 12. 教学与学习 — Teaching & studying
- 13. 校园生活 — Campus life
- 14. 教育现象 — Education topics
- 15. 工作与表现 — Work performance
- 16. 职业经历 — Career experience
- 17. 自然情况 — Nature & geography
- 18. 环保 — Environmental protection
- 19. 科技应用 — Tech applications
- 20. 中国省市民族 — China overview
- 21. 经济现象 — Economic trends
- 22. 社会现象 — Social phenomena
- 23. 文艺 — Arts & literature
- 24. 体育 — Sports
- 25. 中外友好 — Int'l friendship
- 26. 俗语名言 — Proverbs & quotes
- 27. 传统饮食文化 — Food culture
- 28. 风俗传统 — Customs & traditions
- 29. 名胜古迹 — Landmarks
- 30. 历史人物事件 — Historical figures
Am I Ready? Self-Assessment Checklist / 自我评估
Check off each skill you're confident in. This interactive checklist helps you identify weak areas and focus your study time. Your progress is saved in your browser.
Recommended Study Plan / 备考计划
A 3-month study plan for learners who have passed HSK 3 and want to prepare for HSK 4. Adjust the timeline based on your daily study hours.
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Month 1 — FoundationVocabulary & Grammar BuildingLearn 15-20 new vocabulary words per day using our vocabulary tool. Focus on high-frequency words first. Study 2-3 grammar points per week using our grammar guide. Start with 把字句, 被动句, and comparison patterns.
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Month 2 — IntegrationReading, Listening & Mock ExamsTake your first 2-3 mock exams to identify weak areas. Practice listening with Chinese podcasts or videos (15 min/day). Read short articles on HSK 4 topics. Focus on the 30 task scenarios — try writing a short paragraph for each.
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Month 3 — Exam SimulationFull Mock Exams & Weak-Spot ReviewTake 2-3 mock exams per week under timed conditions. Review all wrong answers and identify patterns. Revisit vocabulary words you keep getting wrong. Practice writing paragraphs with a 25-minute timer. Aim to score consistently above 70% before exam day.
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Final WeekReview & ConfidenceDo one final full mock exam. Review your vocabulary mastery progress. Re-read grammar notes for any patterns you're still unsure about. Get good sleep — test stamina matters for a 105-minute exam. You've got this!