Navigating the path to Mandarin fluency often feels like climbing a mountain range. If HSK 1 through 3 represented the foothills, HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 4) is an intermediate milestone, where many learners move from being ‘students of Chinese’ to confident everyday speakers who can discuss a wide range of topics with native speakers.
For non‑English speakers in Hong Kong, achieving HSK Level 4 is more than just a certificate; it is a valuable qualification for many Mainland China university programmes and a strong advantage for careers across the increasingly integrated Greater Bay Area.
What is HSK 4?
HSK 4 is designed for Mandarin learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with native speakers at a high level of fluency. As you learn HSK Level 4, you move beyond basic phrases and start handling not only everyday situations but also some abstract ideas, opinions, and more detailed conversations about work, study, and social life.
HSK 4 Exam Guide: Listening, Reading, and Writing Sections
Understanding the mechanics of the test is the first step toward a high score, so here’s the HSK 4 guide we have prepared for you.The HSK Level 4 Mandarin exam consists of three distinct sections, totaling 100 questions to be completed in approximately 105 minutes (including time for personal information).
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Task Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 45 Questions | ~30 Minutes | True/False, Multiple Choice (Audio played ONCE only) |
| Reading | 40 Questions | 40 Minutes | Fill in the blanks, Sequence sentences, Multiple Choice |
| Writing | 15 Questions | 25 Minutes | Construct sentences from given words, Write sentences based on images |
| Total | 100 Questions | ~105 Minutes | Max Score: 300 (100 per section) |
How Hard is HSK 4? A Deep Comparison with HSK 3
Many students in Hong Kong ask us: "I passed HSK 3 easily; how much harder can HSK 4 be?"
The truth is that HSK Level 4 represents a significant "jump" in difficulty. While HSK 3 focuses on daily life and personal needs, HSK 4 introduces "Work" and "Society" as major themes. You need to process information more quickly and deal with more nuanced vocabulary, as well as more formal grammar than at the lower levels.
The Difficulty Leap: Learning HSK 4 vs. HSK 3
- Vocabulary Doubling: HSK 3 requires 600 words. HSK 4 requires 1,200 words. You are essentially learning as many new words for this one level as you did for all previous levels combined.
- The "One-Chance" Listening Rule: In HSK 3, the audio for the listening section is played twice. In HSK 4, the audio is played only once. This requires much higher concentration and the ability to take notes while listening.
- Grammar Complexity: HSK 4 introduces complex conjunctions (e.g., Regardless of..., Not only... but also...) and formal written structures that differ significantly from spoken "street" Mandarin.
- Writing Production: Unlike HSK 3, where you might only arrange a few words, HSK 4 requires you to look at an image and a specific word, then construct a grammatically correct and contextually appropriate sentence from scratch.
Guide to Learn HSK 4 Effectively: 1200 Vocabulary & Resources
To succeed, you need a strategy that balances rote memorization with active application. At New Concept Mandarin, we use a flipped, application‑focused approach—students keep revisiting previously learned vocabulary and structures while using them in new, more complex grammatical contexts.
Downloading the HSK 4 Vocabulary List & Usage Strategy
The 1,200-word list is essential for this exam. However, simply reading the list is not enough. To master the HSK 4 vocabulary:
- Contextual Learning: Don't just memorize the English definition of a word. Learn the "collocations"—which words usually appear together? For example, don't just learn "standard" (标准);learn “the standard pronunciation" (发音标准).
- Synonyms and Antonyms: HSK 4 loves to test your ability to distinguish between similar words. Grouping words by category (e.g., emotions, office supplies, environment) helps create a mental map.
- High-Frequency Priority: Focus on "function words" (conjunctions and adverbs) first. These are the "glue" of the Chinese language and tend to be tested heavily in the Reading and Writing sections.
(Note: Download the complete HSK 4 Vocabulary List PDF to kickstart your prep.)
HSK 4 Scoring System: What is the Passing Score?
The HSK 4 uses a scaled scoring system. Each of the three sections – Listening, Reading, and Writing – is worth 100 points, for a total of 300 points.
To pass, you need a total score of 180 out of 300. There is no minimum requirement for individual sections; if you excel at Reading but struggle with Writing, you can still pass as long as your total reaches 180.
Ready to take the next step?
At New Concept Mandarin, we specialize in helping non-native speakers in Hong Kong master the nuances of Mandarin at the level of HSK 4. Whether you prefer face-to-face coaching in our centers or flexible online sessions, our expert trainers provide the personalized feedback you need to pass the HSK 4 Mandarin exam with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I am at HSK 3 level, how long will it take to reach HSK 4?
On average, many learners need about 9–12 months of guided study to move from HSK 3 to HSK 4, though this varies by study time and learning style. For learners in Hong Kong, progress can often be faster thanks to the high visibility of Chinese characters in daily life and the availability of native speakers for practice.
Q: How long is the HSK 4 certificate valid for?
The HSK certificate itself is valid indefinitely, but if you plan to use your HSK 4 result to apply to a university in China, the score report is normally only accepted for two years from the test date.
