HSK1: 150 words - basic greetings, self-introduction and simple Q&A; absolute beginner.
HSK2: 300 words - simple topics like daily life, time, weather and shopping.
HSK3: 600 words - complete communication in common life scenes; doubling vocabulary is a clear step.
HSK4: 1,200 words - discuss familiar topics; the common entry bar for foreign undergraduates.
HSK5: 2,500 words - read newspapers and complex exchanges; often required for graduate programmes and work.
HSK6: 5,000+ words - effortless understanding of formal and spoken Chinese, near-native.
Choosing: do a self-test with official samples; prioritise what your school or employer requires; passing HSK4 is already solid.
