HSK 1 Vocabulary
300 words with pinyin, meanings and an example sentence for every word. Search by character, pinyin without tones, or English.
See these words in a story
Every one has word-level pinyin, narrated audio and tap-to-define.
- HSK 1
The Wrong Phone
Two classmates take identical phones by mistake and can’t unlock them or answer calls.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
The School Is Not Here
On her first day, the new teacher ends up at a hospital, then gets four different directions.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
I Want That Computer
Seven months of saving gets him half the price of a computer. Then the price goes up.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
HSK 1 is the entry point for Chinese language learners. With just 300 words, you can already follow simple narratives about daily life — greetings, family, food, and basic routines. Our HSK 1 stories use only these core words so every sentence is within reach.
Short stories about everyday situations: ordering food, meeting people, talking about the weather. Characters speak in simple sentences with common verbs like 去、吃、看、想. Each story builds your reading confidence without overwhelming you.
Study the complete list offline with the Free HSK 1 Anki deck, including word and sentence audio.
Common Questions
How long does it take to reach HSK 1?
Most learners reach HSK 1 in 2-4 months of consistent study (about 80-150 hours of active study). Reading graded stories accelerates this because you encounter words in memorable contexts rather than isolated flashcard drills.
Can I really read stories with only 300 words?
Yes. Our HSK 1 stories are carefully written to use only the 300 words in the official HSK 1 vocabulary list. The stories are short (3-5 chapters, ~200 characters each) but tell complete narratives with a beginning, middle, and end.
Should I learn all 300 words before reading HSK 1 stories?
No — reading is how you learn them. Start a story even if you only know 50-100 words. Use the pinyin toggle to help with pronunciation, and tap any word to see its meaning. You’ll naturally pick up new vocabulary through context.
Read HSK 1 stories
Every one has word-level pinyin, narrated audio and tap-to-define.
- HSK 1
The Wrong Phone
Two classmates take identical phones by mistake and can’t unlock them or answer calls.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
The School Is Not Here
On her first day, the new teacher ends up at a hospital, then gets four different directions.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
I Want That Computer
Seven months of saving gets him half the price of a computer. Then the price goes up.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
The Shop That Opens Early
The shop wakes her at five every morning. Her teacher asks her who shops there.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
My First Time Cooking
His parents are almost home. The surprise dinner has overcooked eggs and rushed vegetables.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin
- HSK 1
Mother Is Ill Today
Mom stays in bed, won't eat, and won't see a doctor. Her son is getting worried.
3 chapters · audio + pinyin