HSK 4 Guide: How to Prepare and Pass the Chinese Proficiency Exam

If you’ve already conquered HSK 3, congratulations — you’re ready to take a major leap in your Chinese learning journey. The HSK 4 exam represents the point where you can communicate confidently and naturally in most everyday situations.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from the test format and vocabulary requirements to proven study strategies and resources to help you pass Level 4 and reach upper-intermediate Chinese fluency.

Key Points:

  1. HSK 4 is upper-intermediate; passing it gives practical fluency for conversations, media comprehension, and short articles.
  2. Recommended preparation includes balanced practice across listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and regular mock exams — interactive tools help reinforce skills efficiently.
  3. On exam day, strategies like skimming reading sections first, taking notes during listening, managing time, and reviewing writing answers improve performance.

What Is the Exam?

The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is the official Chinese proficiency exam recognized globally. Administered by Hanban / Chinese Testing International, it measures your listening, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese.

Level 4 is considered upper-intermediate level and marks the stage where you can:

  • Converse naturally with native speakers on a range of topics.
  • Understand main ideas in TV shows, news, and short essays.
  • Read and write about everyday life and work with minimal help.

It’s often the required level for studying in China, applying for Chinese scholarships, or working in Mandarin-speaking environments.

Exam Overview

The Level 4 test expands on all earlier levels with longer reading passages, more advanced grammar, and higher listening comprehension demands.

Exam Format

  • Listening: 45 questions
  • Reading: 40 questions
  • Writing: 15 questions
  • Total: 100 questions
  • Duration: Around 105 minutes

Each section tests your ability to understand Chinese in real-world contexts — from conversations and emails to short essays.

Scoring

  • Maximum score: 300 points
  • Passing score: 180 points
  • Section breakdown: 100 points each for listening, reading, and writing.

Your test report will show your score per section, helping identify where to improve for higher levels like Level 5 and 6.

Vocabulary and Grammar

To prepare for Level 4, you’ll need a total of 1,200 vocabulary words — including the 600 from previous levels. These words cover a wide range of academic, professional, and social topics.

Key Vocabulary Themes

  • Daily routines and social interactions
  • Health, environment, and travel
  • Emotions and opinions
  • Education, work, and business
  • Chinese culture and society

Core Grammar Patterns

You’ll master around 120 new grammar structures, including:

  • Result and directional complements (起来, 下来, 完, 到)
  • Comparative and contrast structures (比, 不如, 虽然…但是…)
  • Passive voice with 被 (bèi)
  • Sequential connectors (先…然后…, 不但…而且…)
  • Hypothetical and conditional clauses (如果…就…)

Example Sentences:

  • 你不但学习认真，而且工作也很努力。(You not only study hard, but also work diligently.)
  • 如果明天下雨，我们就不去爬山了。(If it rains tomorrow, we won’t go hiking.)
  • 他被老师表扬了。(He was praised by the teacher.)

Why Take the HSK 4 Exam?

Level 4 certification shows you can handle real communication with native speakers in both personal and professional settings.

Practical Benefits

  • Qualifies you for undergraduate programs or internships in China.
  • Strengthens job applications for companies working with Chinese clients or markets.
  • Provides a measurable milestone in your language learning journey.
  • Builds a solid foundation for tackling Level 5, which is the level of fluency required for academic study and full-time work in Mandarin.

Tip: Many learners consider HSK 4 the level where they can finally “live comfortably” in China without constant translation help.

How to Prepare for the Exam

Preparation at this stage means moving beyond memorization — you need real language exposure and applied practice.

Here’s a proven step-by-step guide.

1. Build Strong Vocabulary Retention

You’ll encounter longer texts and faster conversations in Level 4. Consistent vocabulary review is essential.

Study strategies:

  • Learn 15–20 words daily using spaced repetition (SRS).
  • Use GoChinese.io’s vocabulary decks organized by theme.
  • Study example sentences, not single words.

Common Mistake:

Learners often recognize words but can’t produce them in writing. Prioritize both reading and active recall (writing/speaking).

2. Strengthen Listening Comprehension

Listening speed increases significantly in Level 4. You’ll need to follow multi-sentence dialogues and short monologues.

Recommended methods:

  • Watch Chinese news or dramas with subtitles.
  • Listen to intermediate-level podcasts like ChinesePod or Slow Chinese.
  • Re-listen to HSK mock audios at increasing playback speeds.

Tip: Focus on contextual understanding — catching meaning through tone and keywords rather than translating every word.

3. Read with Purpose

Reading tasks at Level 4 test comprehension and logical thinking. You’ll interpret relationships between sentences, identify keywords, and infer meaning.

Effective strategies:

  • Read graded readers (Levels 3–4 short stories).
  • Review old exams to get familiar with question types.
  • Summarize each paragraph aloud in Chinese to practice comprehension and speaking simultaneously.

Side Note:

Many Level 4 questions test subtle grammar — always double-check conjunctions and sentence connectors.

4. Practice Writing Clearly

Level 4 writing focuses on clarity, structure, and accuracy. You’ll rearrange words into sentences and compose short paragraphs.

How to practice:

  • Write short essays (100–150 characters) weekly on topics like family, study, or work.
  • Ask native speakers or tutors to correct your grammar.
  • Use writing prompts from GoChinese.io to simulate the test format.

Example Topic:

“我最难忘的一次旅行” (My most unforgettable trip)

Tip: Use linking words (因为, 所以, 然后, 但是) to create smooth, coherent writing.

5. Simulate the Real Exam

Mock exams are the best preparation for test-day performance.

Do this regularly:

  • Take one full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks.
  • Track your timing per section.
  • Review every mistake to understand why it happened.

Common Mistake:

Learners often focus on vocabulary alone — real improvement comes from balanced practice across all skills.

How Long Does It Take to Reach HSK 4?

Time depends on your learning consistency and environment.

  • Intensive learners (3–4 hours/day): 6–8 months
  • Moderate learners (1–2 hours/day): 10–12 months
  • Casual learners (30 minutes/day): 12–18 months

If you already live in China or interact daily with Chinese speakers, you may progress faster through immersion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Neglecting Listening Practice Many students over-prioritize reading and vocabulary. Listening daily builds natural understanding of sentence rhythm.
  2. Overusing English Translations Try thinking in Chinese — mental translation slows comprehension.
  3. Ignoring Tone Accuracy Tones are crucial at this level for clear communication.
  4. Cramming Before the Exam Steady review beats last-minute studying.
  5. Skipping Writing Practice Writing reinforces sentence structure and memory retention.

A simple structure to keep you on track:

Step 1: Review Level 3 Materials

Revisit vocabulary and grammar before adding new content.

Step 2: Learn 15–20 New Words Daily

Use context-based flashcards and sentence repetition.

Step 3: Grammar Practice Twice Weekly

Write or speak examples for each new grammar point.

Step 4: Listen and Read Daily

Expose yourself to 20–30 minutes of Chinese media.

Step 5: Write Weekly Essays

Start with simple topics, increasing complexity over time.

Step 6: Take a Mock Test Monthly

Analyze your weak areas and adjust your study plan.

  • Verbacard.com‘s learning resources – Flashcards for easy learning
  • Official HSK 4 Textbook & Workbook – Beijing Language and Culture University Press.
  • HSK Online App – Real test simulations with scoring feedback.
  • Pleco Dictionary – Comprehensive word lookup review.
  • ChinesePod Intermediate Lessons – Focused grammar and listening modules.

Frequently Asked Questions

HSK 4 is challenging but absolutely manageable with steady practice and consistent exposure to real Chinese. It’s considered the bridge between intermediate and advanced fluency — the stage where you move from basic conversation to deeper expression and understanding.

At this level, you’ll need to know 1,200 Chinese characters and around 1,200–1,300 words. The exam will test your ability to discuss everyday topics, express opinions, and handle unexpected language situations — like reacting to questions or summarizing short passages.

The difficulty mainly comes from longer listening recordings and more natural sentence patterns. However, with 4–6 months of focused study and regular review, most learners can confidently reach this level.

Tip: Don’t just study vocabulary lists — listen to Chinese podcasts, read graded readers, and practice short daily conversations. Immersion makes grammar and tone feel natural faster.

Not full essays — but writing becomes more structured than in earlier levels. You’ll be asked to:

  • Write short paragraphs using prompts.
  • Rearrange sentences into correct order to show understanding of logical flow.
  • Fill in missing words or characters within a passage.

These exercises build your ability to form clear and natural sentences. You won’t need to write full essays like in HSK 5 or 6, but you must demonstrate that you can express thoughts coherently and use grammar correctly.

Side note: Practicing sentence expansion (starting from a simple idea and adding detail) is one of the best ways to prepare for HSK 4 writing tasks.

Yes. The HSK 4 exam is available both in person and online through authorized testing centers worldwide.

When taking it online:

  • You’ll need a stable internet connection, camera access, and quiet environment for proctoring.
  • The test format is identical to the paper version, including listening, reading, and writing sections.
  • Some centers allow home-based testing, while others require you to take it at a registered location.

Tip: Practice with mock exams using the digital interface beforehand, as the typing layout and timing tools may differ slightly from paper tests.

The jump from HSK 3 to HSK 4 is significant — it marks the move from basic functional Mandarin to independent communication. Here’s what changes most:

  • Length & Complexity: Reading passages and listening sections become longer, often requiring you to grasp main ideas and opinions rather than just facts.
  • Grammar Depth: You’ll encounter more connectors, comparative structures, and cause-and-effect expressions.
  • Vocabulary Usage: The focus shifts from memorization to flexible use of words in context — phrasing ideas naturally instead of translating from English.
  • Speaking & Writing Confidence: You start expressing opinions, experiences, and feelings, not just describing or identifying things.

In essence, HSK 3 tests comprehension, while HSK 4 tests fluency in real-world communication.

Pro tip: Transitioning successfully between the two requires consistent exposure — reading short Chinese stories and practicing spontaneous speaking will bridge the gap quickly.

Tips for Exam Day

  1. Arrive early with your ID and test materials.
  2. Skim reading sections first to get context.
  3. Use active note-taking during listening.
  4. Don’t leave any question blank.
  5. Review your writing answers carefully before submitting.

After: What’s Next?

After passing Level 4, you’ll be able to:

  • Hold conversations on most general topics in Mandarin.
  • Watch Chinese shows and news with minimal subtitles.
  • Read short stories and articles with good comprehension.
  • Prepare for Level 5, which focuses on academic fluency and professional writing.

Pro Tip: Keep immersing yourself in Chinese. Watch variety shows, follow Mandarin YouTube channels, or join language exchange groups on WeChat to maintain fluency.

Summary


HSK 4 is upper-intermediate, requiring about 1,200 words and the ability to understand everyday Chinese in work, school, and social contexts. The exam evaluates listening, reading, and writing, including short essays. Preparation combines flashcards, reading authentic texts, listening to podcasts, and regular mock tests. With disciplined study, learners typically achieve HSK 4 proficiency in under a year.

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