What is the current HSK 4 exam format?

The HSK 4 exam (currently in use, based on the 2010 syllabus) has 3 sections: Listening (45 questions, ~30 min), Reading (40 questions, 40 min), and Writing (15 questions, 25 min). Total: 100 questions in ~105 minutes. A score of 180/300 (60%) is required to pass. Our 12 mock exams follow this format. Note: A revised HSK 4 based on the 2025 syllabus (HSK 3.0) becomes effective in July 2026 and adds a paragraph-writing task.

How is the new HSK 4 different from the old HSK 4?

The new HSK 4 (based on the 2025 syllabus) has updated vocabulary (1,000 new Level 4 words; 2,000 cumulative), 30 communicative tasks across 7 topic categories, more emphasis on communicative tasks, and a new Science & Technology topic category not present in older versions.

How long does it take to prepare for HSK 4?

Most students need 3-6 months of focused study if they have already passed HSK 3. This includes learning ~400 new vocabulary words, mastering new grammar patterns, and practicing with mock exams. A study plan of 1-2 hours daily is recommended.

2010 Syllabus (Current) + 2025 Update Coming

HSK 4 Study Guide / HSK4 备考指南

Everything you need to know about the HSK 4 exam — current format (2010 syllabus, 100 questions) and the upcoming 2025 syllabus update (effective July 2026).

HSK 4 备考指南 / HSK4 学习计划 — HSK 4 考试结构、评分标准、HSK3→HSK4 能力跨越分析、复习路线图、HSK4 任务情景清单（30 个交际任务）。基于 2025 年 11 月发布的新版 HSK 考试大纲。

Two formats to know: The current HSK 4 (used through June 2026) is based on the 2010 syllabus and follows the 45 + 40 + 15 question structure shown below — this is the format our 12 mock exams cover. The revised HSK 4 (《新版HSK考试大纲》, published November 2025, effective July 2026) keeps a similar overall scale but expands the writing section to include paragraph composition. If you're sitting the test before July 2026, prepare for the current format. See the full breakdown of every change in our New vs Old HSK 4 comparison.

Current Exam Structure & Scoring / 现行考试结构

100

Total Questions

Across 3 sections

105

Minutes

Total exam time

180

Pass Score

Out of 300 (60%)

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

~1000

New Vocabulary

~400 new words beyond HSK 3

Task Scenarios

Covering 7 topic categories

441

Characters

Required for recognition

科技

New Topic

Science & Technology (absent in HSK3)

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.

Daily Life / 日常生活

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

Education / 教育学习

12. 教学与学习 — Teaching & studying
13. 校园生活 — Campus life
14. 教育现象 — Education topics

Workplace / 工作职场

15. 工作与表现 — Work performance
16. 职业经历 — Career experience

Nature / 自然环保

17. 自然情况 — Nature & geography
18. 环保 — Environmental protection

Tech / 科技

19. 科技应用 — Tech applications

Society / 社会

20. 中国省市民族 — China overview
21. 经济现象 — Economic trends
22. 社会现象 — Social phenomena

Tasks 26-30 are culture-focused: the syllabus emphasizes listening, speaking and reading for them, and two (proverbs; historical figures) have no writing requirement.

Culture / 文化

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 Learning Order / 推荐学习顺序

Not sure where to start? Follow this order — each step builds on the previous one:

Step	What to Study	Tool	Why This Order
1	Take one mock exam (don't study first)	Mock Exam 01	Find your baseline score and weak areas
2	把字句 + 被字句 + 比较句	Grammar	These 3 patterns appear in every HSK 4 exam
3	才/就, 又/再, 的/得/地	Confusable Words	Most commonly tested word distinctions
4	Daily Life + Food + Transport vocabulary	Topic Vocabulary	Highest frequency topics in listening & reading
5	复句 connectors (尽管…但是, 不管…都, etc.)	Grammar Patterns	Required for reading comprehension & sentence ordering
6	Sentence ordering + Paragraph writing	Writing	Apply grammar knowledge to writing section
7	Remaining vocabulary + all confusable words	Vocabulary	Fill remaining gaps
8	Mock exams under timed conditions	All Tests	Build exam stamina, aim for 70%+

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.

Month 1 — Foundation

Vocabulary & Grammar Building

Learn 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.
Month 2 — Integration

Reading, Listening & Mock Exams

Take 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.
Month 3 — Exam Simulation

Full Mock Exams & Weak-Spot Review

Take 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.
Final Week

Review & Confidence

Do 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!

Practice what you learned with our free mock exams Take a Mock Exam →

HSK 4 Study Resources / 复习资源

After reading this guide, dive into the specific resources that match your weakest area:

⚡ HIGH-IMPACT

HSK 4 Study Guide / HSK4 备考指南

Current Exam Structure & Scoring / 现行考试结构

HSK 3 → HSK 4: 5 Ability Thresholds to Cross / 五大能力跨越

What's New at HSK 4 / HSK4 新增内容

30 Task Scenarios / 30个交际任务

Am I Ready? Self-Assessment Checklist / 自我评估

Recommended Learning Order / 推荐学习顺序

Recommended Study Plan / 备考计划

开始备考HSK 4

HSK 4 Study Resources / 复习资源

HSK 4 Strategy Hub (9 guides)

100 HSK 4 essential sentences

1000 HSK 4 vocabulary

HSK 4 grammar (14 topics)

HSK 4 measure words (量词)