HSK 2 Vocabulary List
135 new entries · 300 six-level cumulative target · A2
HSK 2 extends the beginner foundation with 135 new ToneDeck entries for routines, travel, shopping, weather, health and everyday conversation. Study these together with HSK 1 for the full level target.
ToneDeck stores each unique word at the first HSK level where it appears. This page therefore shows the 135 entries introduced at HSK 2; your cumulative ToneDeck path through this level contains 262 normalised entries. The established six-level benchmark is 300 cumulative words. HSK 3.0 expands the system to nine levels and remains in staged rollout. Read the current HSK 3.0 guide before booking an exam.
What HSK 2 covers
Level
Elementary
Published six-level mapping: A2
Vocabulary
300 words
Established cumulative target
Exam skills
Listening · Reading
Core skills assessed at this level
What you should be able to do
Handle simple, direct exchanges about familiar routines, ask for practical information and describe everyday activities in short connected sentences.
Vocabulary topics
Grammar focus
- 了 for completed actions and change
- 过 for experience
- 正在 for actions in progress
- 比 comparisons
- 更 and 最
- Result complements
- Frequency and duration
- Expanded measure words
Tone and pronunciation focus
Sound natural at HSK 2
Train common two-syllable tone pairs and the contextual changes of 一 (yī) and 不 (bù). Keep tone 2 rising and tone 3 low so they do not collapse into the same contour.
A practical HSK 2 study plan
01
Close the HSK 1 gaps
Start with a quick diagnostic review so weak beginner words do not slow down new material.
02
Learn in tone pairs
Group new words by tone pattern, then alternate listening, shadowing and recall.
03
Use routine language
Describe your real day, meals, travel and plans with the new vocabulary.
Study tip
Move from single words to tone pairs. Record two-syllable words and compare tone 2 with tone 3, especially when the third tone is spoken as a low half-third tone in a sentence.
Practise HSK 2 tones with audio
ToneDeck plays every word with native audio and colours pinyin by tone. Unlock HSK 2-6 with a Pro subscription.
Start freeThe 135 new HSK 2 entries
Work through earlier levels as well to reach the cumulative HSK 2target. Variant spellings and duplicate forms are consolidated, so ToneDeck's unique-entry count can differ from the official vocabulary benchmark.
Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral/mixed.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are in HSK 2?+
The established six-level HSK benchmark is 300 cumulative words. ToneDeck assigns 135 new normalised entries to HSK 2, which should be studied alongside the HSK 1 deck.
What is the difference between HSK 1 and HSK 2?+
HSK 1 covers immediate needs and fixed phrases. HSK 2 adds more verbs, time language, comparisons and the vocabulary needed to describe routines and simple experiences.
Can I skip HSK 1?+
If you already understand the beginner material, take a quick review rather than skipping it completely. High-frequency words with unstable tones are worth fixing before you add longer phrases.
What does HSK 2 let me do?+
You can manage simple service encounters, discuss familiar topics and understand short, clearly spoken exchanges. You will still need help with fast or unexpected conversation.
Other HSK vocabulary lists
Ready to train your Mandarin tones?
ToneDeck combines this vocabulary with audio drills, spaced repetition, and an ear-training quiz so you learn the sounds, not just the definitions.
Start free - HSK 1 includedGet the tones right first
Vocabulary only sticks if the tones are accurate. These guides cover the tone system behind every word above.
First, second, third, fourth, neutral.
Why nǐ hǎo is said ní hǎo.
Everyday phrases with tone tips.
New to Mandarin tones? Read how to learn the four Mandarin tones or go back to the ToneDeck home page.