New HSK 3.0 Level 6 (Band 6)
2026 Update
Total vocabulary has been reduced from 5456 to 5400 words. The 2026 update specifies exactly which topics are covered at each level, making it clear what real-world situations test takers should prepare for. HSK Band 6 Topic Outline: Investment, finance, food safety, ancient poetry, and dynasty overview.
New HSK 3.0 Band 6 Vocabulary List (2026 Version)Standards
Test takers have good listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as average translation skills. Be able to have complete fluent and decent discussion on topics such as work related subjects and professional level studies.
Be able to handle conversation such as social relationships, business issues, arguments and conflicts. Be able to talk about the differences between China and other countries in aspects of history and culture when being on an informal occasion.
Syllable |
Character |
Vocabulary |
Grammar |
Handwriting |
908 |
1800 |
5456 |
424 |
700 |
1. Listening
Test takers can understand the required topics and tasks from band 6, including comprehending conversations or speeches (within 600 characters). The materials are spoken in a neutral tone without an obvious accent. The speaking speed is normal or slightly fast (220 to 240 characters per minute). Be able to understand relevant cultural contents involved in the conversations.
2. Speaking
Test takers can handle all required syllables for band 6 and pronounce these syllables properly with a neutral tone. Be able to use the vocabulary and grammar from band 6 to hold interactions and speak about various topics. Be able to use paragraphs with complex structures to speak smoothly, describe situations accurately, discuss and negotiate fluently.
New HSK 3.0 Band 6 Vocabulary List (2021 Version)New HSK 3.0 Band 6 Grammar
New HSK 3.0 Syllable List
New HSK 3.0 Character List
New HSK 3.0 Handwriting Character List
3. Reading
Test takers can read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary for band 6. Be able to understand the materials (within 900 characters). Reading speed should be no less than 180 characters per minute. Be able to comprehend the content precisely and conclude the main points and information of the materials. Be able to handle reading skills such as fast reading, searching for key information, and summarizing main thoughts.
4. Writing
Test takers can handwrite the 400 Chinese characters from the required handwriting list. Be able to analyze the structures of Chinese characters. Be able to use complex structures to write paragraphs and compose regular narrative, explanatory and simple argumentative paragraphs within the given duration, with no less than 600 Chinese characters. Be able to apply common rhetoric to conduct practical writing with a correct format and formal expressions.
5. Translation
Test takers have average translation skills. Be able to translate topics and tasks from band 6 with completed content. Be able to handle fluent oral interpretation informally. Be able to accurately translate simple written narrative and explanatory content. Be able to translate normal written narrative and explanatory content accurately.
Test Content
HSK (Level 6) is designed for intermediate-level Chinese learners and proficient users who have developed specific listening, reading, and writing skills in Chinese.
HSK (Level 6) has a total of 101 questions, divided into listening, reading, and writing sections. The entire exam takes about 140 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information).
| Test Content | Number of Items | Duration (Min) | ||
| I. Listening | Section 1 | 15 | 50 | About 35 |
| Section 2 | 15 | |||
| Section 3 | 20 | |||
| Filling in the answer sheet (transferring the answers of the listening part to the answer sheet) | 5 | |||
| II. Reading | Section 1 | 10 | 50 | 50 |
| Section 2 | 10 | |||
| Section 3 | 10 | |||
| Section 4 | 20 | |||
| III. Writing | / | 1 | 45 | |
| Total | / | 101 | About 135 | |
The HSK (Level 6) score report provides four scores: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Total. Achieving a full score entails earning 300 points. The HSK scores are valid for two years, starting from the exam date.
