How to prepare for HSK 4
All numbers come from the official HSK 3.0 syllabus and sample pack. What they mean for your preparation:
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
1. Vocabulary pace
Coming from HSK 3, you need the 1,000 new Level 4 words (plus 441 new recognition characters). Starting from zero, it is 2,000 words.
| Weeks until the exam | New words/day (from HSK 3) | Words/day from zero |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 36 | 72 |
| 8 | 18 | 36 |
| 12 | 12 | 24 |
| 16 | 9 | 18 |
Leave the last week for review and full mock tests: divide by one week fewer if you want that buffer.
2. Time per question
| Section | Items | Minutes | Per item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 32 | ~20 | set by the audio |
| Reading | 32 | 30 | ~56 s |
| Writing | 6 | 25 | mixed tasks (below) |
Plus about 5 minutes to fill in the answer sheet on paper. Practise reading against a timer at the per-item pace above.
3. Writing
Level 4 handwriting characters: 150 (400 cumulative). The writing section has 6 items in 25 minutes.
- 65–69 Writing part 1: look at the picture, make a sentence with the given word
- 70 Writing part 2: a short text of at least 80 characters (the sample: your most memorable trip)
4. The speaking paper (HSKK)
The Level 4 speaking paper in the official sample pack: 5 items, about 20 minutes including 10 minutes of preparation. Many centres now register it together with HSK 4 (Quebec, Valencia, Hanoi, Selangor); Japan keeps them separate.
| Part | Items | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Listen and retell | 2 | 40 s each |
| Describe a picture | 1 | 3 min prep, 2 min answer |
| Answer questions | 2 | 3.5 min prep, 2 min answer (sample item 4) |
Speaking-test rules by country → · HSK and HSKK under 3.0 →
5. Grammar to have ready
- More 把 patterns; passives with 叫 / 让
- Pivot sentences with 使 / 让
- 不是……，而是……; 既然……，就……
- 无论/不管……，都……; 即使……，也……; 尽管……，但是……
All Level 4 grammar points → · Level 4 topics →
6. A simple plan
- Weeks 1 to N−2: new words at the pace above, one listening part and one reading part a day, timed.
- Every week: two writing tasks by hand and one recorded speaking run-through.
- Last two weeks: full timed mocks, including the official sample paper, then review only the words you missed.
7. Next dates (official calendar)
| Test day | Paper deadline | Computer deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Dec 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 | 3 Dec 2026 |
| 9 Jan 2027 | 13 Dec 2026 | 30 Dec 2026 |
| 14 Mar 2027 | 15 Feb 2027 | 4 Mar 2027 |
Centres often close earlier than these official dates; check yours.
HSK 4 format in full → · Free practice tests → · Listening tips → · Reading tips →
Frequently asked
How many words do I need for HSK 4?
Official syllabus: 1,000 new words at Level 4, 2,000 in total.
How many words a day to prepare for HSK 4 in 8 weeks?
About 18 new words a day coming from HSK 3, or about 36 from zero.
Do I have to take the speaking test with HSK 4?
Level 4 has a matching speaking paper (5 items, about 20 minutes). Many centres register it together with the written test; Japan keeps them separate. Follow your centre.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
- CTI notice: HSK 3.0 officially launched worldwide on 13 Dec 2026 (dates and registration deadlines)
- Confucius Institute in Quebec: HSK 3.0 registration and payment (13 Dec 2026 and after)
- Confucius Institute, University of Valencia: exam prices
- Hanoi National University of Education: HSK and HSKK notice, December 2026
- Malaysia HSK Test Official Website: internet-based test registration and fees
- HSK Japan Committee: moving to HSK 3.0 (from January 2027)
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.