learn pinyin

Learn Chinese: One word at a time – HSK Chinese language proficency test ( Introduction )

January 14, 2019

Before starting this series, I suggest please go through my previous posts on learning Chinese to give you basics and motivation on why and how to start learning it. Later in this article, I would give you some introduction about the HSK examination and how to start preparing for HSK Level 1 for beginners.

Listing the posts for your quick reference before jumping to preparing for HSK level 1 test.

Why it makes you unique if you learn Chinese language?
How should I start learning Chinese ?

As per Wikipedia, The HSK is  Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK; Chinese: 汉语水平考试; pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì), translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test used in Mainland China or the Chinese Standard Exam used in Mainland China, is the standardized test of Standard Chinese-language proficiency of China for non-native speakers such as foreign students and overseas Chinese.

The students who want to study in China, for professionals who want to work in China and passionate language learners can take this exam. There are 6 levels from HSK 1 to HSK 6 levels. The HSK Level 1 & 2 are the beginners level, HSK level 3 & 4 are intermediate and HSK level 5 & 6 are advanced level.

Snapshot of all the levels of tests and details in the below table

Source: Wikipedia

The link from FluentU gives you a very good introduction of HSK levels and details of the test and very useful – Click here

Once you are successful in the test, you will receive a certificate for your achievement which will help you for your career.

Recently I am getting many requests from my friends to guide them on learning Chinese language and I thought better I start this blogpost series which will help not only my friends but also any person in the world who is passionate about Learning languages.

This motivated to start the Chinese language learning series – ” Learn one word at a time“, where one post is dedicated to teaching one word at a time and you will learn the following

  • PinYin / Character level meanings/usage in sentences,
  • writing pattern for each character
  • Typing Pinyin in mobile and identifying the right character
  • In addition, you will also learn some supporting vocabulary in addition to the specific character which is a bonus to you
  • We use white board presentation without audio explanation. The reason why I didn’t give audio is that my chinese pronunciation is not standard as native Chinese and don’t want to bias you with wrong pronunciation. I suggest you learn the concepts on self learning from my videos and articles and implement yourself in real time. Nevertheless , you are always welcome to contact me for any kind of help while you learn.
  • My suggestion while you watch our video or the blogpost, please keep a paper and pen to write the Pinyin and meanings which will help memorize the words better. Revise as frequently as possible so that the words permanently reside your memory.

    • The first series would be HSK level 1 series which has 150 words to learn.  

    Once you complete this series, you would be ready for HSK level 1 and with very good basics and self-sufficient to proceed to further HSK levels. Every step I teach here is my own experience while learning Chinese language myself.

    Best wishes for your learning journey

    Recomended books for learning Chinese language

    If any suggestions or questions, you are welcome to contact me on murali(at)murali(dot)today Don’t hesitate to message me on any of the below social media sites, I would answer you soon.

    Note: The article is totally my own thoughts and not necessarily anyone needs to agree with my thoughts and ideas.