Mandarin vocabulary lists
Every word here has tone-coloured pinyin and native audio - tap to hear it. Work through the established HSK 1-6 ladder in order, or browse the words you need by topic. No sign-up.
By HSK level
150 cumulative words · Beginner
Understand and use very simple phrases, introduce yourself, ask basic questions and meet immediate communication needs when the other person speaks clearly.
300 cumulative words · Elementary
Handle simple, direct exchanges about familiar routines, ask for practical information and describe everyday activities in short connected sentences.
600 cumulative words · Intermediate
Complete basic communication tasks in life, study and work, tell short stories and cope with most predictable situations while travelling in China.
1,200 cumulative words · Upper-intermediate
Discuss a fairly wide range of topics, explain reasons and opinions, read straightforward texts and sustain a real conversation with sympathetic native speakers.
2,500 cumulative words · Advanced
Discuss abstract or professional topics, evaluate ideas, read newspapers and magazines, follow films and deliver longer spoken or written responses.
5,000+ cumulative words · Mastery
Understand complex spoken and written information, infer attitude and implication, and express ideas fluently in extended speech and writing across a broad range of subjects.
By topic
Prefer to learn the words you'll actually use? Browse Chinese words by topic - numbers, family, food, time, greetings and more - or see how to say common phrases.
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