Will a Phrase-Based Course Prepare Me for the HSK Exam?
Use the free tool — ChineseDaily
What ChineseDaily Actually Teaches
ChineseDaily is a course built around everyday situations — greetings, work, the doctor, the apartment, the bank. It uses listen-and-speak drills and spaced repetition to help phrases stick. There's no account, no ads, and no hearts. Everything is in Mandarin, using simplified characters, with pinyin in every note. Unit 1 teaches the four tones.
Does It Line Up With HSK 1?
HSK 1 is the first official Chinese level, defined by Chinese Testing International (HSK). It covers 150 words. The phrases taught in ChineseDaily sit inside that HSK 1 word list.
- HSK 1: the first official level, 150 words — Chinese Testing International (HSK)
But sitting inside the list is not the same as preparing for the exam. ChineseDaily is a phrase-learning tool, not an official test-prep or certification program. It is not an official certification, and it does not replace studying directly with Chinese Testing International. If you plan to take the HSK exam, confirm the exact requirements and format directly at chinesetest.cn.
Is Learning Chinese Worth It Right Now?
According to the Duolingo Language Report 2025, Chinese is the second fastest-growing language to study in the U.S., and the fastest-growing language to study in 12 other countries. Chinese also ranks #8 among the most-studied languages in the world, per the same report.
- Second fastest-growing language to study in the U.S.
- Fastest-growing language to study in 12 countries
- #8 most-studied language worldwide
These numbers show study popularity only. The material doesn't include data on job outcomes, travel usefulness, or how hard Chinese is compared with other languages — that part is for you to judge.
What This Course Does Not Do
- It is not an official certification.
- It does not replace studying directly with Chinese Testing International.
- It is not free — the material lists two paid plans: $4.99 and $29. No free tier is mentioned.
- The material doesn't say whether anything you type or paste is stored — check the app's own privacy details before entering anything you consider sensitive.
This page is not legal, medical, or tax advice. Always confirm exam rules, pricing, and privacy details directly with the providers before you commit.
What To Do Next
Before deciding, look at the first unit yourself. Check whether the four tones and the phrases match what you actually need. If your goal is the HSK exam, compare the course's phrase list against the official HSK 1 list at chinesetest.cn, using your own goals and numbers rather than assumptions — and confirm exam details with the agency itself before you sign up for anything.