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The curriculum: four stages, each a “you can now…”

Ink illustration of a mountain path climbing through mist toward a distant summit
Four stages, each ending in something you can actually do.

We don't measure progress in "chapters covered" but in what you can do at the end of each stage — in a market, on the phone, in an interview. The durations below are realistic for 3 sessions a week plus short daily practice; anyone promising much faster is selling a fantasy.

HSK note: the exam system is transitioning to a new standard from July 2026 — we keep the curriculum aligned and always advise checking chinesetest.cn before registering. Details in HSK levels explained.

Stage 1 — HSK 1

Lift-off

Duration:
≈ 3 months
Vocabulary:
≈ 150 words

At the end: You survive three days alone in Guangzhou

  • Pinyin and the four tones — the base everything sits on
  • Introduce yourself, ask and answer basics
  • Numbers, prices, bargaining
  • Order food and drinks (incl. asking for halal)
  • Taxis and basic directions

Stage 2 — HSK 2

Independence

Duration:
≈ 3 months
Vocabulary:
≈ 300 words

At the end: You place a supplier order in Chinese

  • Past and future, plans
  • Quantities, sizes, colors, simple comparison
  • Directions, transport, appointments
  • A simple phone call and WeChat chat
  • Describe a problem and ask for a fix

Stage 3 — HSK 3

Conversation

Duration:
≈ 4 months
Vocabulary:
≈ 600 words

At the end: Twenty minutes of sustained conversation

  • Opinions, polite agreement and disagreement
  • Compare, prefer, explain reasons
  • Tell what happened in order
  • Read short posts and messages fully
  • Handle surprises: rebooking, complaints, misunderstandings

Stage 4 — HSK 4

Command

Duration:
≈ 6 months
Vocabulary:
≈ 1200 words

At the end: A scholarship file or a job interview in Chinese

  • Academic and professional vocabulary
  • Structured writing: formal messages, descriptions, argued opinions
  • Understand natural-speed speech on familiar topics
  • Systematic HSK exam training

Where are you on this ladder?

Book a free trial lesson: we map your level precisely and show you exactly which stage you start from.

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