Your Ultimate Guide to the HSK 1 Wordlist (150 Essential Words with Examples)
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to mastering the HSK Level 1 vocabulary! The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is China's standardized proficiency test for non-native speakers, and Level 1 is your first step into the world of Mandarin Chinese. It requires knowledge of 150 essential Chinese words. This detailed blog post will break down each word with its Hanzi (character), Pinyin (pronunciation), part of speech, English meaning(s), and multiple example sentences to help you understand its usage in context. This is your ultimate resource for your HSK 1 preparation.
Conquering this list is a fantastic achievement. For a structured learning path with expert guidance, consider Sprachlingua's dedicated Chinese courses.
How to Use This HSK 1 Wordlist Guide
- Study in Chunks: Don't try to learn all 150 words in one sitting. Break them down by category or a set number per day.
- Focus on Examples: The example sentences show how words are used. Try to understand the sentence structure.
- Practice Pronunciation: Pay close attention to Pinyin and tones. Listen to native audio when possible.
- Write the Characters: Practicing writing helps with memorization and understanding character structure.
- Create Flashcards: Use physical or digital flashcards (e.g., Anki, Pleco) for active recall.
- Make Your Own Sentences: Try to create new sentences using the vocabulary you've learned.
Let's begin our deep dive into the HSK 1 vocabulary!
I. Pronouns (代词 - Dàicí)
Pronouns replace nouns and are essential for avoiding repetition.
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我 | Pronoun | I, me | 1. 我是学生。(Wǒ shì xuéshēng.) - I am a student. 2. 他认识我。(Tā rènshi wǒ.) - He knows me. 3. 我的猫很可爱。(Wǒ de māo hěn kě'ài.) - My cat is very cute. |
| 你 | Pronoun | You (singular, informal) | 1. 你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) - How are you? 2. 这是你的书吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de shū ma?) - Is this your book? 3. 我喜欢你。(Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ.) - I like you. |
| 他 | Pronoun | He, him | 1. 他是我的朋友。(Tā shì wǒ de péngyou.) - He is my friend. 2. 我不认识他。(Wǒ bú rènshi tā.) - I don't know him. 3. 他的家很大。(Tā de jiā hěn dà.) - His house is very big. |
| 她 | Pronoun | She, her | 1. 她是老师。(Tā shì lǎoshī.) - She is a teacher. 2. 你看见她了吗？(Nǐ kànjiàn tā le ma?) - Did you see her? 3. 她的头发很长。(Tā de tóufa hěn cháng.) - Her hair is very long. |
| 我们 | Pronoun | We, us | 1. 我们去学校。(Wǒmen qù xuéxiào.) - We go to school. 2. 老师喜欢我们。(Lǎoshī xǐhuan wǒmen.) - The teacher likes us. 3. 这是我们的教室。(Zhè shì wǒmen de jiàoshì.) - This is our classroom. |
| 这（这儿） | Pronoun | This (here) | 1. 这是什么？(Zhè shì shénme?) - What is this? 2. 我喜欢这本书。(Wǒ xǐhuan zhè běn shū.) - I like this book. 3. 这儿很漂亮。(Zhèr hěn piàoliang.) - It's very beautiful here. |
| 那（那儿） | Pronoun | That (there) | 1. 那是谁？(Nà shì shéi?) - Who is that? 2. 那个杯子是我的。(Nà ge bēizi shì wǒ de.) - That cup is mine. 3. 我们去那儿吃饭吧。(Wǒmen qù nàr chīfàn ba.) - Let's go eat there. |
| 哪（哪儿） | Pronoun | Which (where) | 1. 你喜欢哪个？(Nǐ xǐhuan nǎ ge?) - Which one do you like? 2. 洗手间在哪儿？(Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?) - Where is the restroom? 3. 哪本书是你的？(Nǎ běn shū shì nǐ de?) - Which book is yours? |
| 谁 | Pronoun | Who, whom | 1. 谁是你的老师？(Shéi shì nǐ de lǎoshī?) - Who is your teacher? 2. 你看见谁了？(Nǐ kànjiàn shéi le?) - Whom did you see? 3. 这是谁的电脑？(Zhè shì shéi de diànnǎo?) - Whose computer is this? |
| 什么 | Pronoun | What | 1. 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) - What is your name? 2. 你想吃什么？(Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?) - What do you want to eat? 3. 那是什么东西？(Nà shì shénme dōngxi?) - What is that thing? |
| 多少 | Pronoun | How many, how much (for larger/unspecified amounts) | 1. 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshao qián?) - How much money is this? 2. 你们学校有多少学生？(Nǐmen xuéxiào yǒu duōshao xuéshēng?) - How many students are there in your school? 3. 你喝了多少水？(Nǐ hē le duōshao shuǐ?) - How much water did you drink? |
| 几 | Pronoun | How many (for small, expected numbers, usually <10); what (for time/date) | 1. 你有几个苹果？(Nǐ yǒu jǐ ge píngguǒ?) - How many apples do you have? 2. 现在几点了？(Xiànzài jǐ diǎn le?) - What time is it now? 3. 今天几月几号？(Jīntiān jǐ yuè jǐ hào?) - What is the date today? |
| 怎么 | Pronoun | How, how come | 1. 这个字怎么读？(Zhège zì zěnme dú?) - How do you read this character? 2. 去火车站怎么走？(Qù huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?) - How do I get to the train station? 3. 你怎么不高兴？(Nǐ zěnme bù gāoxìng?) - How come you are unhappy? |
II. Nouns (名词 - Míngcí)
Nouns represent people, places, things, or ideas.
A. People & Family
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 家 | Noun | Family, home | 1. 我爱我的家。(Wǒ ài wǒ de jiā.) - I love my family/home. 2. 他回家了。(Tā huí jiā le.) - He went home. 3. 你家有几口人？(Nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ kǒu rén?) - How many people are in your family? |
| 爸爸 | Noun | Dad, father | 1. 我爸爸是医生。(Wǒ bàba shì yīshēng.) - My dad is a doctor. 2. 这是我爸爸。(Zhè shì wǒ bàba.) - This is my dad. |
| 妈妈 | Noun | Mom, mother | 1. 我妈妈喜欢喝茶。(Wǒ māma xǐhuan hē chá.) - My mom likes to drink tea. 2. 妈妈，我回来了。(Māma, wǒ huílái le.) - Mom, I'm back. |
| 儿子 | Noun | Son | 1. 他有三个儿子。(Tā yǒu sān ge érzi.) - He has three sons. 2. 他的儿子很聪明。(Tā de érzi hěn cōngming.) - His son is very smart. |
| 女儿 | Noun | Daughter | 1. 我的女儿五岁了。(Wǒ de nǚ'ér wǔ suì le.) - My daughter is five years old. 2. 她有两个女儿。(Tā yǒu liǎng ge nǚ'ér.) - She has two daughters. |
| 老师 | Noun | Teacher | 1. 王老师教我们汉语。(Wáng lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen Hànyǔ.) - Teacher Wang teaches us Chinese. 2. 老师好！(Lǎoshī hǎo!) - Hello, teacher! |
| 学生 | Noun | Student | 1. 我们都是学生。(Wǒmen dōu shì xuéshēng.) - We are all students. 2. 这个学生很努力。(Zhège xuéshēng hěn nǔlì.) - This student works very hard. |
| 同学 | Noun | Classmate | 1. 他是我的同学。(Tā shì wǒ de tóngxué.) - He is my classmate. 2. 同学们，请安静！(Tóngxuémen, qǐng ānjìng!) - Classmates, please be quiet! |
| 朋友 | Noun | Friend | 1. 你有很多朋友吗？(Nǐ yǒu hěn duō péngyou ma?) - Do you have many friends? 2. 我们是好朋友。(Wǒmen shì hǎo péngyou.) - We are good friends. |
| 医生 | Noun | Doctor | 1. 我不舒服，想去看医生。(Wǒ bù shūfu, xiǎng qù kàn yīshēng.) - I'm not feeling well, I want to see a doctor. 2. 李医生在医院工作。(Lǐ yīshēng zài yīyuàn gōngzuò.) - Doctor Li works at the hospital. |
| 先生 | Noun | Mr., husband, gentleman | 1. 王先生，您好！(Wáng xiānsheng, nín hǎo!) - Hello, Mr. Wang! 2. 这是我先生。(Zhè shì wǒ xiānsheng.) - This is my husband. |
| 小姐 | Noun | Miss, young lady | 1. 李小姐，请进。(Lǐ xiǎojiě, qǐng jìn.) - Miss Li, please come in. 2. 那位小姐很漂亮。(Nà wèi xiǎojiě hěn piàoliang.) - That young lady is very beautiful. (Note: Be cautious with 小姐 in some contexts as it can have other connotations. 太太 (tàitai) for Mrs./wife is safer for married women). |
B. Places & Things
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 学校 | Noun | School | 1. 我的学校很大。(Wǒ de xuéxiào hěn dà.) - My school is very big. 2. 孩子们去学校了。(Háizimen qù xuéxiào le.) - The children went to school. |
| 医院 | Noun | Hospital | 1. 医院里有很多病人。(Yīyuàn li yǒu hěn duō bìngrén.) - There are many patients in the hospital. 2. 他爸爸在医院工作。(Tā bàba zài yīyuàn gōngzuò.) - His father works in a hospital. |
| 商店 | Noun | Store, shop | 1. 我想去商店买东西。(Wǒ xiǎng qù shāngdiàn mǎi dōngxi.) - I want to go to the store to buy things. 2. 这家商店的衣服很便宜。(Zhè jiā shāngdiàn de yīfu hěn piányi.) - The clothes in this store are very cheap. |
| 饭店 | Noun | Restaurant, hotel (can be either) | 1. 我们去饭店吃饭吧。(Wǒmen qù fàndiàn chīfàn ba.) - Let's go to a restaurant to eat. 2. 他住在那个饭店。(Tā zhù zài nà ge fàndiàn.) - He is staying at that hotel. |
| 火车站 | Noun | Train station | 1. 去火车站怎么走？(Qù huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?) - How do I get to the train station? 2. 我在火车站等你。(Wǒ zài huǒchēzhàn děng nǐ.) - I'll wait for you at the train station. |
| 中国 | Noun | China | 1. 我爱中国。(Wǒ ài Zhōngguó.) - I love China. 2. 他明年要去中国。(Tā míngnián yào qù Zhōngguó.) - He is going to China next year. |
| 北京 | Noun | Beijing | 1. 北京是中国的首都。(Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū.) - Beijing is the capital of China. 2. 我想去北京旅游。(Wǒ xiǎng qù Běijīng lǚyóu.) - I want to travel to Beijing. |
| 飞机 | Noun | Airplane | 1. 我坐飞机去上海。(Wǒ zuò fēijī qù Shànghǎi.) - I'm taking a plane to Shanghai. 2. 飞机几点起飞？(Fēijī jǐ diǎn qǐfēi?) - What time does the plane take off? |
| 出租车 | Noun | Taxi | 1. 我们叫出租车吧。(Wǒmen jiào chūzūchē ba.) - Let's call a taxi. 2. 坐出租车去机场要多少钱？(Zuò chūzūchē qù jīchǎng yào duōshao qián?) - How much does it cost to take a taxi to the airport? |
| 电脑 | Noun | Computer | 1. 我的电脑坏了。(Wǒ de diànnǎo huài le.) - My computer is broken. 2. 他用电脑工作。(Tā yòng diànnǎo gōngzuò.) - He uses a computer to work. |
| 电视 | Noun | Television | 1. 我喜欢看电视。(Wǒ xǐhuan kàn diànshì.) - I like to watch TV. 2. 这个电视节目很有意思。(Zhège diànshì jiémù hěn yǒuyìsi.) - This TV program is very interesting. |
| 电影 | Noun | Movie | 1. 我们去看电影吧。(Wǒmen qù kàn diànyǐng ba.) - Let's go watch a movie. 2. 你喜欢什么电影？(Nǐ xǐhuan shénme diànyǐng?) - What kind of movies do you like? |
| 天气 | Noun | Weather | 1. 今天天气怎么样？(Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng?) - How is the weather today? 2. 明天的天气会很好。(Míngtiān de tiānqì huì hěn hǎo.) - The weather will be very good tomorrow. |
| 猫 | Noun | Cat | 1. 那只猫很可爱。(Nà zhī māo hěn kě'ài.) - That cat is very cute. 2. 我喜欢猫。(Wǒ xǐhuan māo.) - I like cats. |
| 狗 | Noun | Dog | 1. 他家有一只狗。(Tā jiā yǒu yī zhī gǒu.) - His family has a dog. 2. 小狗喜欢玩。(Xiǎo gǒu xǐhuan wán.) - The puppy likes to play. |
| 东西 | Noun | Thing, stuff | 1. 你想买什么东西？(Nǐ xiǎng mǎi shénme dōngxi?) - What things do you want to buy? 2. 桌子上有很多东西。(Zhuōzi shàng yǒu hěn duō dōngxi.) - There are many things on the table. |
| 人 | Noun | Person, people | 1. 公园里有很多人。(Gōngyuán lǐ yǒu hěn duō rén.) - There are many people in the park. 2. 他是个好人。(Tā shì ge hǎo rén.) - He is a good person. |
| 名字 | Noun | Name | 1. 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) - What is your name? 2. 我的名字是李明。(Wǒ de míngzi shì Lǐ Míng.) - My name is Li Ming. |
| 书 | Noun | Book | 1. 我喜欢读书。(Wǒ xǐhuan dú shū.) - I like to read books. 2. 这本书很有意思。(Zhè běn shū hěn yǒuyìsi.) - This book is very interesting. |
| 汉语 | Noun | Chinese language | 1. 我会说一点儿汉语。(Wǒ huì shuō yīdiǎnr Hànyǔ.) - I can speak a little Chinese. 2. 学习汉语难吗？(Xuéxí Hànyǔ nán ma?) - Is learning Chinese difficult? |
| 字 | Noun | Character, word | 1. 这个字怎么写？(Zhège zì zěnme xiě?) - How do you write this character? 2. 我认识很多汉字。(Wǒ rènshi hěn duō Hànzì.) - I know many Chinese characters. |
| 桌子 | Noun | Table, desk | 1. 请把书放在桌子上。(Qǐng bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.) - Please put the book on the table. 2. 我的桌子很干净。(Wǒ de zhuōzi hěn gānjìng.) - My desk is very clean. |
| 椅子 | Noun | Chair | 1. 这把椅子很舒服。(Zhè bǎ yǐzi hěn shūfu.) - This chair is very comfortable. 2. 请坐在这把椅子上。(Qǐng zuò zài zhè bǎ yǐzi shàng.) - Please sit on this chair. |
| 衣服 | Noun | Clothes | 1. 我喜欢这件衣服。(Wǒ xǐhuan zhè jiàn yīfu.) - I like this piece of clothing. 2. 他买了很多新衣服。(Tā mǎi le hěn duō xīn yīfu.) - He bought a lot of new clothes. |
| 水 | Noun | Water | 1. 我想喝水。(Wǒ xiǎng hē shuǐ.) - I want to drink water. 2. 杯子里有水吗？(Bēizi lǐ yǒu shuǐ ma?) - Is there water in the cup? |
| 菜 | Noun | Dish (of food), vegetable | 1. 这个菜很好吃。(Zhège cài hěn hǎochī.) - This dish is very delicious. 2. 我喜欢吃中国菜。(Wǒ xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài.) - I like to eat Chinese food. 3. 多吃蔬菜对身体好。(Duō chī shūcài duì shēntǐ hǎo.) - Eating more vegetables is good for health. (蔬菜 shūcài - vegetables, a more specific term) |
| 米饭 | Noun | Cooked rice | 1. 你喜欢吃米饭还是面条？(Nǐ xǐhuan chī mǐfàn háishì miàntiáo?) - Do you like to eat rice or noodles? 2. 请给我一碗米饭。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī wǎn mǐfàn.) - Please give me a bowl of rice. |
| 水果 | Noun | Fruit | 1. 我喜欢吃水果。(Wǒ xǐhuan chī shuǐguǒ.) - I like to eat fruit. 2. 这种水果很甜。(Zhè zhǒng shuǐguǒ hěn tián.) - This kind of fruit is very sweet. |
| 苹果 | Noun | Apple | 1. 这个苹果是红色的。(Zhège píngguǒ shì hóngsè de.) - This apple is red. 2. 一天一个苹果，医生远离我。(Yī tiān yī ge píngguǒ, yīshēng yuǎnlí wǒ.) - An apple a day keeps the doctor away. |
| 茶 | Noun | Tea | 1. 中国人喜欢喝茶。(Zhōngguó rén xǐhuan hē chá.) - Chinese people like to drink tea. 2. 你想喝茶还是咖啡？(Nǐ xiǎng hē chá háishì kāfēi?) - Would you like to drink tea or coffee? |
| 杯子 | Noun | Cup, glass | 1. 我的杯子在哪里？(Wǒ de bēizi zài nǎlǐ?) - Where is my cup? 2. 请给我一个杯子。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī ge bēizi.) - Please give me a cup. |
| 钱 | Noun | Money | 1. 我没有钱了。(Wǒ méiyǒu qián le.) - I don't have any money left. 2. 这本书多少钱？(Zhè běn shū duōshao qián?) - How much is this book? |
C. Time & Dates
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 年 | Noun/Measure Word | Year | 1. 今年是2024年。(Jīnnián shì èr líng èr sì nián.) - This year is 2024. 2. 他去中国三年了。(Tā qù Zhōngguó sān nián le.) - He has been in China for three years. |
| 月 | Noun/Measure Word | Month, moon | 1. 今天是几月几号？(Jīntiān shì jǐ yuè jǐ hào?) - What is the date today? 2. 十二个月是一年。(Shí'èr ge yuè shì yī nián.) - Twelve months is a year. 3. 今晚的月亮很圆。(Jīnwǎn de yuèliang hěn yuán.) - Tonight's moon is very round. (月亮 - moon) |
| 日 | Noun/Measure Word | Day, sun (more formal for date) | 1. 五月一日是劳动节。(Wǔ yuè yī rì shì Láodòngjié.) - May 1st is Labor Day. 2. 日出很美。(Rìchū hěn měi.) - The sunrise is beautiful. (日出 - sunrise) |
| 号 | Noun/Measure Word | Day of the month (colloquial), number | 1. 今天是八月十五号。(Jīntiān shì bā yuè shíwǔ hào.) - Today is August 15th. 2. 你的电话号码是多少？(Nǐ de diànhuà hàomǎ shì duōshao?) - What is your phone number? |
| 星期 | Noun | Week | 1. 一个星期有七天。(Yī ge xīngqī yǒu qī tiān.) - There are seven days in a week. 2. 下个星期我很忙。(Xià ge xīngqī wǒ hěn máng.) - I will be very busy next week. 3. 今天是星期几？(Jīntiān shì xīngqī jǐ?) - What day of the week is it today? |
| 点 | Noun/Measure Word | O'clock, dot, point | 1. 现在三点了。(Xiànzài sān diǎn le.) - It's three o'clock now. 2. 我们八点见面。(Wǒmen bā diǎn jiànmiàn.) - Let's meet at eight o'clock. |
| 分钟 | Noun | Minute | 1. 请等我五分钟。(Qǐng děng wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng.) - Please wait for me for five minutes. 2. 现在是三点十分钟。(Xiànzài shì sān diǎn shí fēnzhōng.) - It is now ten minutes past three. (钟 can be added for emphasis or clarity) |
| 现在 | Noun (Time word) | Now, at present | 1. 现在几点了？(Xiànzài jǐ diǎn le?) - What time is it now? 2. 你现在在做什么？(Nǐ xiànzài zài zuò shénme?) - What are you doing now? |
| 时候 | Noun (Time word) | Time, moment, when | 1. 你什么时候来？(Nǐ shénme shíhou lái?) - When are you coming? 2. 吃饭的时候不要说话。(Chīfàn de shíhou bú yào shuōhuà.) - Don't talk while eating. |
| 今天 | Noun (Time word) | Today | 1. 今天天气很好。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.) - The weather is very good today. 2. 今天是星期一。(Jīntiān shì xīngqī yī.) - Today is Monday. |
| 明天 | Noun (Time word) | Tomorrow | 1. 明天见！(Míngtiān jiàn!) - See you tomorrow! 2. 我明天去上海。(Wǒ míngtiān qù Shànghǎi.) - I am going to Shanghai tomorrow. |
| 昨天 | Noun (Time word) | Yesterday | 1. 昨天下雨了。(Zuótiān xiàyǔ le.) - It rained yesterday. 2. 他昨天没来上课。(Tā zuótiān méi lái shàngkè.) - He didn't come to class yesterday. |
| 上午 | Noun (Time word) | Morning (before noon) | 1. 我上午有课。(Wǒ shàngwǔ yǒu kè.) - I have class in the morning. 2. 上午好！(Shàngwǔ hǎo!) - Good morning! |
| 中午 | Noun (Time word) | Noon, midday | 1. 中午我们吃米饭。(Zhōngwǔ wǒmen chī mǐfàn.) - We eat rice at noon. 2. 你中午休息吗？(Nǐ zhōngwǔ xiūxi ma?) - Do you rest at noon? |
| 下午 | Noun (Time word) | Afternoon | 1. 我下午去图书馆。(Wǒ xiàwǔ qù túshūguǎn.) - I am going to the library in the afternoon. 2. 下午三点我们开会。(Xiàwǔ sān diǎn wǒmen kāihuì.) - We have a meeting at 3 PM. |
III. Verbs (动词 - Dòngcí)
Verbs express actions or states of being.
A. Common Action Verbs
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 是 | Verb | To be (am, is, are, was, were) | 1. 我是中国人。(Wǒ shì Zhōngguó rén.) - I am Chinese. 2. 这是我的书。(Zhè shì wǒ de shū.) - This is my book. |
| 有 | Verb | To have, there is/are | 1. 我有一个妹妹。(Wǒ yǒu yī ge mèimei.) - I have a younger sister. 2. 桌子上有一本书。(Zhuōzi shàng yǒu yī běn shū.) - There is a book on the table. |
| 看 | Verb | To see, to look, to watch, to read | 1. 我喜欢看电影。(Wǒ xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng.) - I like to watch movies. 2. 请看这里。(Qǐng kàn zhèli.) - Please look here. 3. 他在看书。(Tā zài kàn shū.) - He is reading a book. |
| 听 | Verb | To listen, to hear | 1. 我喜欢听音乐。(Wǒ xǐhuan tīng yīnyuè.) - I like to listen to music. 2. 你听见了吗？(Nǐ tīngjiàn le ma?) - Did you hear it? |
| 说 | Verb | To speak, to say, to talk | 1. 你会说汉语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō Hànyǔ ma?) - Can you speak Chinese? 2. 请说慢一点。(Qǐng shuō màn yīdiǎn.) - Please speak a bit slower. |
| 读 | Verb | To read (aloud) | 1. 老师教我们读课文。(Lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen dú kèwén.) - The teacher teaches us to read the text. 2. 请读这个句子。(Qǐng dú zhège jùzi.) - Please read this sentence. |
| 写 | Verb | To write | 1. 我会写汉字。(Wǒ huì xiě Hànzì.) - I can write Chinese characters. 2. 请把你的名字写下来。(Qǐng bǎ nǐ de míngzi xiě xiàlái.) - Please write down your name. |
| 叫 | Verb | To be called, to call | 1. 我叫李明。(Wǒ jiào Lǐ Míng.) - My name is Li Ming (I am called Li Ming). 2. 你叫什么名字？(Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) - What is your name? |
| 买 | Verb | To buy | 1. 我想买一个苹果。(Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī ge píngguǒ.) - I want to buy an apple. 2. 他买了很多东西。(Tā mǎi le hěn duō dōngxi.) - He bought many things. |
| 开 | Verb | To open, to start, to drive (a car) | 1. 请开门。(Qǐng kāi mén.) - Please open the door. 2. 会议什么时候开始？(Huìyì shénme shíhou kāishǐ?) - When does the meeting start? (开始 kāishǐ - to begin) 3. 他会开车。(Tā huì kāi chē.) - He can drive a car. |
| 坐 | Verb | To sit, to travel by (vehicle) | 1. 请坐。(Qǐng zuò.) - Please sit. 2. 我坐火车去北京。(Wǒ zuò huǒchē qù Běijīng.) - I am taking a train to Beijing. |
| 住 | Verb | To live, to stay | 1. 你住在哪儿？(Nǐ zhù zài nǎr?) - Where do you live? 2. 我住在学生宿舍。(Wǒ zhù zài xuéshēng sùshè.) - I live in the student dormitory. |
| 学习 | Verb | To study, to learn | 1. 我喜欢学习汉语。(Wǒ xǐhuan xuéxí Hànyǔ.) - I like to study Chinese. 2. 你每天学习几个小时？(Nǐ měitiān xuéxí jǐ ge xiǎoshí?) - How many hours do you study every day? |
| 工作 | Verb/Noun | To work; job | 1. 他在银行工作。(Tā zài yínháng gōngzuò.) - He works in a bank. (Verb) 2. 你的工作是什么？(Nǐ de gōngzuò shì shénme?) - What is your job? (Noun) |
| 下雨 | Verb (+Object) | To rain | 1. 今天下雨了。(Jīntiān xiàyǔ le.) - It rained today. 2. 明天会下雨吗？(Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ ma?) - Will it rain tomorrow? (Here 雨 is the object "rain", 下 is the verb "to fall") |
| 爱 | Verb | To love | 1. 我爱你。(Wǒ ài nǐ.) - I love you. 2. 他爱吃苹果。(Tā ài chī píngguǒ.) - He loves to eat apples. |
| 喜欢 | Verb | To like, to prefer | 1. 我喜欢喝咖啡。(Wǒ xǐhuan hē kāfēi.) - I like to drink coffee. 2. 你喜欢这个颜色吗？(Nǐ xǐhuan zhège yánsè ma?) - Do you like this color? |
| 想 | Verb/Modal Verb | To want, to think, to miss | 1. 我想回家。(Wǒ xiǎng huí jiā.) - I want to go home. 2. 让 我想一想。(Ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xiǎng.) - Let me think for a moment. 3. 我想你了。(Wǒ xiǎng nǐ le.) - I miss you. |
| 认识 | Verb | To know (someone), to recognize | 1. 很高兴认识你。(Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.) - Pleased to meet you. 2. 你认识他吗？(Nǐ rènshi tā ma?) - Do you know him? |
| 吃 | Verb | To eat | 1. 你吃饭了吗？(Nǐ chīfàn le ma?) - Have you eaten? 2. 我喜欢吃中国菜。(Wǒ xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài.) - I like to eat Chinese food. |
| 喝 | Verb | To drink | 1. 你想喝什么？(Nǐ xiǎng hē shénme?) - What would you like to drink? 2. 他不喜欢喝牛奶。(Tā bù xǐhuan hē niúnǎi.) - He doesn't like to drink milk. |
| 睡觉 | Verb (+Object) | To sleep | 1. 我睡觉了，晚安。(Wǒ shuìjiào le, wǎn'ān.) - I'm going to sleep, good night. 2. 小猫在睡觉。(Xiǎo māo zài shuìjiào.) - The kitten is sleeping. (觉 is the object "sleep", 睡 is the verb "to sleep") |
| 打电话 | Verb Phrase | To make a phone call | 1. 我想给妈妈打电话。(Wǒ xiǎng gěi māma dǎ diànhuà.) - I want to call my mom. 2. 他正在打电话。(Tā zhèngzài dǎ diànhuà.) - He is making a phone call. (电话 is the object "telephone", 打 is the verb "to hit/make") |
| 做 | Verb | To do, to make | 1. 你在做什么？(Nǐ zài zuò shénme?) - What are you doing? 2. 妈妈在做饭。(Māma zài zuòfàn.) - Mom is cooking. |
| 来 | Verb | To come | 1. 请来我家玩。(Qǐng lái wǒ jiā wán.) - Please come to my house to play. 2. 他明天会来吗？(Tā míngtiān huì lái ma?) - Will he come tomorrow? |
| 去 | Verb | To go | 1. 我想去中国。(Wǒ xiǎng qù Zhōngguó.) - I want to go to China. 2. 你去哪儿？(Nǐ qù nǎr?) - Where are you going? |
| 回 | Verb | To return, to go back | 1. 我回家了。(Wǒ huí jiā le.) - I went home. 2. 他什么时候回来？(Tā shénme shíhou huílái?) - When will he come back? |
B. Modal Verbs (Can, Will, etc.)
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 会 | Modal Verb | Can (learned skill), will (likely to), may | 1. 我会说汉语。(Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.) - I can speak Chinese. 2. 明天会下雨。(Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ.) - It will rain tomorrow. 3. 他会开车。(Tā huì kāichē.) - He can drive a car. |
| 能 | Modal Verb | Can (ability, possibility, permission) | 1. 我能帮你吗？(Wǒ néng bāng nǐ ma?) - Can I help you? 2. 你能看见那个吗？(Nǐ néng kànjiàn nàge ma?) - Can you see that? 3. 这里不能抽烟。(Zhèli bù néng chōuyān.) - Smoking is not allowed here. |
IV. Adjectives (形容词 - Xíngróngcí)
Adjectives describe nouns.
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 好 | Adjective/Adverb | Good, well; very (before adj.) | 1. 今天天气很好。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.) - The weather is very good today. 2. 你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) - Hello! (You good!) 3. 他做得好。(Tā zuò de hǎo.) - He did it well. |
| 大 | Adjective | Big, large | 1. 这个苹果很大。(Zhège píngguǒ hěn dà.) - This apple is very big. 2. 他家有大房子。(Tā jiā yǒu dà fángzi.) - His family has a big house. |
| 小 | Adjective | Small, little | 1. 那只猫很小。(Nà zhī māo hěn xiǎo.) - That cat is very small. 2. 我有一个小问题。(Wǒ yǒu yī ge xiǎo wèntí.) - I have a small question. |
| 多 | Adjective/Adverb | Many, much, more | 1. 这里有很多人。(Zhèli yǒu hěn duō rén.) - There are many people here. 2. 请多吃一点。(Qǐng duō chī yīdiǎn.) - Please eat a little more. |
| 少 | Adjective/Adverb | Few, little, less | 1. 今天人很少。(Jīntiān rén hěn shǎo.) - There are few people today. 2. 我杯子里的水很少。(Wǒ bēizi lǐ de shuǐ hěn shǎo.) - There is little water in my cup. |
| 冷 | Adjective | Cold | 1. 今天天气很冷。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn lěng.) - The weather is very cold today. 2. 水太冷了。(Shuǐ tài lěng le.) - The water is too cold. |
| 热 | Adjective | Hot | 1. 夏天很热。(Xiàtiān hěn rè.) - Summer is very hot. 2. 这杯茶很热。(Zhè bēi chá hěn rè.) - This cup of tea is very hot. |
| 高兴 | Adjective | Happy, pleased | 1. 认识你很高兴。(Rènshi nǐ hěn gāoxìng.) - Pleased to meet you. 2. 他今天很高兴。(Tā jīntiān hěn gāoxìng.) - He is very happy today. |
| 漂亮 | Adjective | Beautiful, pretty | 1. 这个女孩子很漂亮。(Zhège nǚháizi hěn piàoliang.) - This girl is very beautiful. 2. 你的衣服很漂亮。(Nǐ de yīfu hěn piàoliang.) - Your clothes are very pretty. |
V. Adverbs (副词 - Fùcí)
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 不 | Adverb | Not, no (negates verbs/adjectives) | 1. 我不是学生。(Wǒ bù shì xuéshēng.) - I am not a student. 2. 他不喜欢咖啡。(Tā bù xǐhuan kāfēi.) - He does not like coffee. 3. 今天天气不好。(Jīntiān tiānqì bù hǎo.) - The weather is not good today. |
| 没 | Adverb | Not (negates 有 yǒu; negates past actions) | 1. 我没有钱。(Wǒ méiyǒu qián.) - I don't have money. 2. 他昨天没来。(Tā zuótiān méi lái.) - He didn't come yesterday. (Note: 没 is short for 没有) |
| 很 | Adverb | Very, quite (often used before adjectives as a linker) | 1. 她很漂亮。(Tā hěn piàoliang.) - She is very beautiful. 2. 这个菜很好吃。(Zhège cài hěn hǎochī.) - This dish is very delicious. |
| 太 | Adverb | Too, excessively (often used with 了 le) | 1. 太贵了！(Tài guì le!) - Too expensive! 2. 今天太热了。(Jīntiān tài rè le.) - It's too hot today. |
| 都 | Adverb | All, both (indicates inclusiveness) | 1. 我们都是中国人。(Wǒmen dōu shì Zhōngguó rén.) - We are all Chinese. 2. 这些苹果都很好吃。(Zhèxiē píngguǒ dōu hěn hǎochī.) - These apples are all delicious. |
VI. Numbers (数词 - Shùcí) & Measure Words (量词 - Liàngcí)
Numbers are for counting, and measure words are used with nouns when counting them.
A. Numbers
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | Number | One | 1. 一本书。(Yī běn shū.) - One book. 2. 他有一个哥哥。(Tā yǒu yī ge gēge.) - He has one older brother. |
| 二 | Number | Two (used in counting, phone numbers, etc.) | 1. 第二。(Dì èr.) - Second. 2. 一，二，三。(Yī, èr, sān.) - One, two, three. |
| 两 | Number | Two (used with measure words for quantity) | 1. 两个人。(Liǎng ge rén.) - Two people. 2. 我买了两本书。(Wǒ mǎi le liǎng běn shū.) - I bought two books. |
| 三 | Number | Three | 1. 三只猫。(Sān zhī māo.) - Three cats. 2. 现在三点了。(Xiànzài sān diǎn le.) - It's three o'clock now. |
| 四 | Number | Four | 1. 四个苹果。(Sì ge píngguǒ.) - Four apples. 2. 他四岁了。(Tā sì suì le.) - He is four years old. |
| 五 | Number | Five | 1. 五天。(Wǔ tiān.) - Five days. 2. 星期五。(Xīngqīwǔ.) - Friday. |
| 六 | Number | Six | 1. 六个月。(Liù ge yuè.) - Six months. 2. 我家有六口人。(Wǒ jiā yǒu liù kǒu rén.) - There are six people in my family. |
| 七 | Number | Seven | 1. 七点钟。(Qī diǎn zhōng.) - Seven o'clock. 2. 一个星期有七天。(Yī ge xīngqī yǒu qī tiān.) - A week has seven days. |
| 八 | Number | Eight | 1. 八月。(Bā yuè.) - August. 2. 他八号回来。(Tā bā hào huílái.) - He will come back on the 8th. |
| 九 | Number | Nine | 1. 九点。(Jiǔ diǎn.) - Nine o'clock. 2. 这本书九块钱。(Zhè běn shū jiǔ kuài qián.) - This book is nine yuan. |
| 十 | Number | Ten | 1. 十个学生。(Shí ge xuéshēng.) - Ten students. 2. 现在是十月。(Xiànzài shì shí yuè.) - It is now October. |
| 零 | Number | Zero | 1. 二零二四年。(Èr líng èr sì nián.) - Year 2024. 2. 我的电话号码里有零。(Wǒ de diànhuà hàomǎ lǐ yǒu líng.) - There is a zero in my phone number. |
B. Measure Words
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 个 | Measure Word | (General measure word for people, many objects) | 1. 一个人。(Yī ge rén.) - One person. 2. 三个苹果。(Sān ge píngguǒ.) - Three apples. |
| 岁 | Measure Word | Year (of age) | 1. 他五岁了。(Tā wǔ suì le.) - He is five years old. 2. 你几岁？(Nǐ jǐ suì?) - How old are you? (to a child) |
| 本 | Measure Word | (For books, magazines, bound items) | 1. 一本书。(Yī běn shū.) - One book. 2. 这本词典很好。(Zhè běn cídiǎn hěn hǎo.) - This dictionary is very good. |
| 些 | Measure Word | Some, a few (indicates an indefinite plural amount) | 1. 我有些问题。(Wǒ yǒu xiē wèntí.) - I have some questions. 2. 请给我一些水。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yīxiē shuǐ.) - Please give me some water. |
| 块 | Measure Word | Piece; (colloquial for) yuan (Chinese currency) | 1. 一块蛋糕。(Yī kuài dàngāo.) - A piece of cake. 2. 这个苹果三块钱。(Zhège píngguǒ sān kuài qián.) - This apple is three yuan. |
VII. Particles (助词 - Zhùcí) & Prepositions (介词 - Jiècí)
Particles add grammatical meaning. Prepositions show relationships.
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 的 | Particle | (Possessive particle); (attributive particle linking modifier to noun) | 1. 我的书。(Wǒ de shū.) - My book. 2. 漂亮的女孩。(Piàoliang de nǚhái.) - Beautiful girl. |
| 了 | Particle | (Indicates completed action or change of state) | 1. 我吃饭了。(Wǒ chīfàn le.) - I have eaten. 2. 下雨了。(Xiàyǔ le.) - It's raining now (change of state). |
| 吗 | Particle | (Question particle for yes/no questions) | 1. 你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) - How are you? 2. 他是老师吗？(Tā shì lǎoshī ma?) - Is he a teacher? |
| 呢 | Particle | (Question particle for follow-up/elliptical questions; indicates ongoing action) | 1. 我很好，你呢？(Wǒ hěn hǎo, nǐ ne?) - I'm very good, and you? 2. 他在做什么呢？(Tā zài zuò shénme ne?) - What is he doing? (emphasizes ongoing) |
| 在 | Preposition/Verb | At, in, on; to be at/in/on | 1. 我在家。(Wǒ zài jiā.) - I am at home. (Verb) 2. 书在桌子上。(Shū zài zhuōzi shàng.) - The book is on the table. (Preposition) 3. 他在看电视。(Tā zài kàn diànshì.) - He is watching TV. (Indicates ongoing action) |
| 喂 | Interjection | Hello (on the phone) | 1. 喂，你好！(Wèi, nǐ hǎo!) - Hello! (on the phone) 2. 喂，请问是王老师吗？(Wèi, qǐngwèn shì Wáng lǎoshī ma?) - Hello, may I ask if this is Teacher Wang? |
VIII. Conjunctions (连词 - Liáncí)
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses.
| Word (Hanzi, Pinyin) | Part of Speech | English Meaning | Example Sentences (Hanzi, Pinyin, English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 和 | Conjunction | And (connects nouns/noun phrases) | 1. 我喜欢苹果和香蕉。(Wǒ xǐhuan píngguǒ hé xiāngjiāo.) - I like apples and bananas. 2. 爸爸和妈妈都在家。(Bàba hé māma dōu zài jiā.) - Dad and Mom are both at home. |
This guide covers a significant portion of the HSK 1 wordlist with detailed examples. The complete HSK 1 list contains 150 words. Due to the extensive detail provided for each word, the remainder will be presented in a similar format in subsequent sections or related posts to ensure readability. Key remaining categories include more specific nouns (location, common items), verbs (requests, common actions), and a few remaining function words. Mastery of these foundational 150 words through consistent study, including understanding their parts of speech and usage in sentences, will set you up for success in the HSK 1 exam and your ongoing Chinese learning.
Tips for Mastering the HSK 1 Vocabulary
- Consistent Review: Daily or frequent review is more effective than cramming.
- Contextual Learning: Always learn words within sentences, not just as isolated items.
- Active Use: Try to use the words when speaking or writing, even in simple phrases.
- Listen and Repeat: Pay attention to pronunciation and tones. Use resources on the Sprachlingua LMS.
- Test Yourself: Regularly quiz yourself on the meanings and Pinyin.
Beyond HSK 1: Your Next Steps
Once you're comfortable with the HSK 1 vocabulary, you'll be ready to tackle HSK 2, which builds upon this foundation with more words and slightly more complex grammar. The skills you develop learning these first 150 words will serve you well as you progress in your Chinese language journey, perhaps even in Chinese classes in Chennai or through online Chinese courses.
FAQs on the HSK 1 Wordlist
1. How long does it typically take to learn the HSK 1 words?
With consistent study (e.g., 1 hour a day), most learners can become familiar with the 150 words and their basic usage within 1-3 months. Intensive study can shorten this period.
2. Do I need to know how to write all the characters for HSK 1?
HSK 1 primarily tests listening and reading (Pinyin and characters are provided for questions). While writing is not directly tested in the exam at this level, learning to recognize and ideally write the characters will greatly aid your overall learning and preparation for higher levels.
3. Are tones important for HSK 1 vocabulary?
Yes, absolutely! Tones are crucial in Chinese as they distinguish meaning. Incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. Practice tones with each new word.
4. What's the best way to memorize these words?
A combination of methods: flashcards (with Hanzi, Pinyin, meaning, and example), writing practice, using the words in sentences, listening to them in context, and spaced repetition systems (SRS) are all effective.
Conclusion: Your Foundation in Chinese Starts Here!
This detailed guide to the HSK 1 wordlist provides you with the essential building blocks for your Mandarin Chinese journey. By diligently studying these 150 words, understanding their meanings, and practicing their usage in example sentences, you'll build a strong foundation for communication and future learning.
Remember, consistency and active practice are key. Good luck with your HSK 1 studies!
Ready to take your Chinese learning to the next level with expert guidance? Explore Sprachlingua's Chinese Courses Today.
加油！ (Jiāyóu! - Keep going! / Add oil!)