Free resources

HSK vocabulary: old vs new

Free PDF vocabulary lists for HSK Levels 1 to 6, comparing the HSK 2.0 word list (2015 edition) with the new HSK 3.0 exam syllabus (November 2025). See which words are new to learn at your level and which old words are no longer at that level.

HSK 3.0 launches worldwide on 13 December 2026. Ask your test centre which format your sitting uses before you book.

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Guides

HSK 1–2: old vs new vocabulary guide

Read this first if you are preparing for Level 1 or 2: what changes in the vocabulary, how the lists count and how to use the sheets.

Download PDF →PDF, 4 pages, 154 KB

HSK 3–6: old vs new vocabulary guide

Read this first if you are preparing for Levels 3 to 6: what changes in the vocabulary, how the lists count and how to use the sheets.

Download PDF →PDF, 4 pages, 141 KB

Levels 1–6

Vocabulary sheets by level

For Level 2 and above, learn the lower levels’ sheets too: an exam at each level also tests the levels below it.

HSK 1: old vs new vocabulary

Level 1 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 9 pages, 563 KB

HSK 2: old vs new vocabulary

Level 2 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 10 pages, 641 KB

HSK 3: old vs new vocabulary

Level 3 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 13 pages, 919 KB

HSK 4: old vs new vocabulary

Level 4 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 20 pages, 1215 KB

HSK 5: old vs new vocabulary

Level 5 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 36 pages, 1722 KB

HSK 6: old vs new vocabulary

Level 6 words that are new to learn in HSK 3.0, and the HSK 2.0 words that are no longer at this level.

Download PDF →PDF, 76 pages, 2305 KB
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By Jane, a native Mandarin speaker and qualified UK teacher (QTS, UCL PGCE) with 14 years of teaching experience. More about Jane.

Unofficial study guides, not affiliated with or endorsed by CTI or CLEC. Built from the official public word lists, checked on 5 November 2026. The word lists are © their official publishers.