What Is HSK 1 and What Words Does It Cover?
Use the free tool — ChineseDaily
What is HSK 1?
HSK 1 is the first official level of the Chinese Proficiency Test, run by Chinese Testing International (HSK). It covers 150 words. This is the starting point for anyone learning Mandarin from zero.
Where does ChineseDaily fit in?
ChineseDaily teaches everyday Chinese phrases — greetings, work, the doctor, the apartment, the bank. The vocabulary it covers sits inside the HSK 1 level, meaning the words you'll practice are part of that first 150-word set. Unit 1 teaches the four tones. Every note includes pinyin, and the course uses simplified characters.
ChineseDaily focuses on practical phrases, not full grammar or exam preparation. It is not an official certification and does not replace studying directly with Chinese Testing International.
Is Chinese worth learning right now?
- Chinese is the second fastest-growing language to study in the U.S., and the fastest-growing in 12 other countries, according to the Duolingo Language Report 2025.
- Chinese ranks #8 among the most-studied languages in the world, per the same report.
These numbers reflect study popularity and growth in interest. The material doesn't include data on job outcomes, travel usefulness, or how easy Chinese is to learn — that judgment is left to you.
Will this course prepare me for the HSK exam?
ChineseDaily's phrases sit inside HSK 1, but the course is a phrase-learning tool, not an official test-prep or certification program. If you plan to actually take the HSK exam, confirm the exam requirements, format, and registration directly with Chinese Testing International at chinesetest.cn.
Cost and what's unknown
- The material lists two paid plans: $4.99 and $29. No free tier is mentioned.
- There is no account requirement, no ads, and no "hearts" system, based on the material.
- The material doesn't say whether anything you type or paste into the course is stored. This guide can't confirm that either way — check the app's own privacy details before entering anything sensitive.
This page is not legal, medical, or tax advice, and it is not official exam guidance. Always confirm exam details with Chinese Testing International, and check current pricing and privacy terms directly with ChineseDaily before you sign up.
What to do next
Open ChineseDaily and look at the actual phrase list in Unit 1 and beyond. Compare it, word by word, to the official 150-word HSK 1 list from Chinese Testing International. That way you're checking your own vocabulary against the real source, not taking anyone's word for it — including ours.