HSK 4 format: every section, every task type and how it is scored

HSK 4 at a glance

HSK 4 is the intermediate level of HSK 2.0 and assumes about 1,200 words (cumulative from HSK 1 to HSK 4). The three sections run back to back: listening (听力) about 30 minutes, reading (阅读) 40 minutes and writing (书写) 25 minutes.

Unlike HSK 1–2, the HSK 4 paper prints no pinyin, so you need to read characters. Multiple-choice items have four options (HSK 1–3 have three), and the listening is played only once.

In Vietnam, HSK 4 is taken together with the HSKK Intermediate (中级) speaking test. See what is HSKK and the HSK fees page. New to the exam? Start with what is HSK.

Listening (听力): 45 questions, about 30 minutes

At HSK 4 every recording is played once (HSK 1–3 play it twice). This is where many learners lose points when they move up from HSK 3, so practise single listening from day one.

• Q1–10 · 听短文，判断对错 (listen, then judge whether the ★ statement is true): tests gist and detail of a short passage. Tip: read the ★ statement before the audio starts, underline its key words, and watch for turning words such as 但是 dànshì (but) and 其实 qíshí (actually).
• Q11–25 · 听简短对话，选择正确答案 (short dialogues, choose the right answer): tests understanding of the situation, attitude, place or relationship. Tip: skim the four options first to predict what will be asked (a place, a time, a job).
• Q26–45 · 听对话或短文，选择正确答案 (longer dialogues or passages): tests memory for detail and inference over longer audio; some passages carry two questions. Tip: when a passage has two questions, read the options of both before the audio begins.

Reading (阅读): 40 questions, 40 minutes

The reading section has three task types, moving from vocabulary to passage comprehension. On average you have about one minute per question.

• Q46–55 · 选词填空 (fill in the blank from a word bank, A–F): each group of five items shares a bank of six words, so one word is always left over. Tests meaning and part of speech. Tip: decide whether the gap needs a noun, verb or adjective before thinking about meaning, and fill the sure ones first to narrow the bank.
• Q56–65 · 排列顺序 (put sentences A, B, C in order): tests logic and connectors. Tip: spot the sentence that cannot come first (it starts with 但是, 所以, 也 or a pronoun like 他 or 这) and pair connectors such as 因为…所以… and 虽然…但是….
• Q66–85 · 阅读理解 (reading comprehension, four options): short passages, some with two questions. Tests main idea, detail and inference. Tip: read the question first, then scan the passage for its key words; the right answer usually paraphrases the text rather than copying it.

Writing (书写): 15 questions, 25 minutes

Writing worries many learners because you produce characters yourself. The two task types test word order and how well you use a word in context.

• Q86–95 · 完成句子 (build a sentence from the given words): tests grammar such as adverbial position, 把 and 被 sentences and complements. Tip: find the main verb first, then place subject and object; time words, adverbs and prepositional phrases normally go before the verb, as in 我们明天在学校见面 (wǒmen míngtiān zài xuéxiào jiànmiàn – we will meet at school tomorrow).
• Q96–100 · 看图，用词造句 (write a sentence about the picture using the given word): tests using a word correctly in context. Tip: a short, correct sentence that fits the picture is safer than a long one with errors; make sure you write the given word correctly, since it is certain to be checked.

Internet-based (网考) and paper-based tests

HSK 4 is offered on paper and on computer (网考, iBT). Most 2026 dates offer both; 9 May and 22 November 2026 are computer-only. The full calendar is on the HSK test dates 2026 page.

Registration deadlines differ: CTI closes about 27 days before a paper test and about 10 days before an iBT, and centres often close earlier when they are full. In Vietnam, HANU, HCMC University of Education and the Thai Nguyen University Testing Centre run the computer test, while Dong A and Thanh Dong universities offer both. See HSK test centres in Vietnam.

Ask your centre before test day how the computer test works in practice (how you enter characters in the writing section, whether notes are allowed). The Hanzi Pass mock tests include an on-screen pinyin keyboard so you can get used to typing characters for the writing section.

Scoring and the pass mark

Listening, reading and writing are each reported on a 0–100 scale, for a maximum of 300. You pass HSK 4 with a total of 180 or more; there is no per-section minimum, so a strong section can make up for a weaker one.

CTI equates scores for each paper and does not publish a raw-to-score table or the weight of each writing task. The Hanzi Pass mock-test score is therefore an estimate: listening and reading are scored by the share of correct answers, and writing uses provisional weights (6 points per sentence-building item, 8 per picture sentence).

Managing your time

The listening section follows the recording, so you cannot set your own pace, but you can use the pauses to read the options of the next question. Do not dwell on an item you missed.

For the 40-minute reading section, a workable split is about 8 minutes for the word bank, 10 for sentence ordering and the rest for comprehension. For the 25-minute writing section, try about 10 minutes for the 10 sentence-building items and 15 for the 5 picture sentences, keeping a minute or two to check characters.

HSK 4 changes from 13 December 2026

According to secondary sources (CTI's own notice could not be read), HSK moves to the HSK 3.0 standard worldwide on 13 December 2026. Based on the 09/2026 sample papers, the new HSK 4 has about 70 items, drops 判断对错 and 排列顺序, adds a cloze task, and its writing consists of picture sentences plus an essay of 80+ characters, with a separate speaking test. HSK 3.0 pass marks have not been published.

If you sit the test before the switch, the format on this page is the one you will get. See the full comparison in HSK 3.0 vs HSK 2.0.

Practise in the real format

The quickest way to learn the format is a timed HSK 4 mock test: see which task types are weak, then practise them one by one. Try the free HSK 4 mock test if you have not taken one yet.

Not sure you are ready for HSK 4? Take the placement test and review the vocabulary first.

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