How to prepare for HSK 7–9
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 6, you need 5,600 new words (plus 1,148 new recognition characters); from zero it is 11,000 words.
| Weeks until the exam | New words/day (from HSK 6) | Words/day from zero |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 200 | 393 |
| 8 | 100 | 197 |
| 12 | 67 | 131 |
| 16 | 50 | 99 |
| 26 | 31 | 61 |
| 52 | 16 | 31 |
2. Sections and timing
| Section | Items | Minutes | Per item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | ~33 | set by the audio |
| Reading | 40 | 50 | ~75 s |
| Writing | 2 | 55 | mixed tasks (below) |
| Translation | 4 | ~42 | mixed tasks (below) |
| Speaking | 5 | ~20 | mixed tasks (below) |
3. Writing, translation and speaking
Handwriting characters: 500 (1,200 cumulative).
- 81 Writing: describe and analyse a chart, at least 200 characters, 15 minutes
- 82 Writing: argumentative essay, at least 600 characters, 40 minutes
- 83–84 Translation: render two texts into Chinese in writing, 35 minutes
- 85–86 Translation: interpreting (the sample's source texts are in English)
- 87 Speaking: applied read-and-speak (from a practical text)
- 88–90 Speaking: listen to material and answer questions
- 91 Speaking: express and argue a view (3 minutes)
4. Speaking is inside the exam
At Levels 7–9 there is no separate HSKK: speaking is the last section of the same exam, so your speaking practice counts toward the same score report.
5. Grammar to have ready
- 与其……，宁愿/宁可……; 宁可……，也不……
- ……尚且……，（更）何况……; 别说……，都/也……
- A + adjective + 于/过 + B
- Formal connectors 鉴于、倘若、况且、免得、乃至、加之
All Level 7–9 grammar points → · Level 7–9 topics →
6. A simple plan
- From month 1: new words at the pace above, plus one long reading text and one listening part a day.
- Weekly: one typed 600-character argumentative essay (the 2027 sittings are computer-based), one written translation and one recorded interpreting run.
- Last month: full timed runs of the official sample paper, including the speaking section.
7. Next dates (official calendar)
| Test day | Paper deadline | Computer deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 23 May 2027 | computer only | 9 May 2027 |
| 20 Nov 2027 | computer only | 6 Nov 2027 |
In the official 2027 calendar HSK 7–9 is computer-based at the centre only, closing 14 days before the test.
HSK 7–9 format in full → · Translation section → · HSK 6 vs 7–9 →
Frequently asked
How many words do I need for HSK 7–9?
Official syllabus: 11,000 in total, 5,600 new after HSK 6.
How many words a day for HSK 7–9 in 8 weeks?
About 100 new words a day.
Do I need a separate HSKK for HSK 7–9?
No. Speaking is a section inside the HSK 7–9 exam.
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)
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.