on the 17th of August, AOE conducted a livestream session with the topic "Everything you need to learn about HSK"

In this session, we talked about the differences between HSK1 to HSK6.

HSK is the Chinese language proficiency test officiated by Hanban, and has been used by various employers and Chinese educational institutions to assess the Chinese abilities of nonnative Chinese language learners. Enrollment at university degree programs or acceptance in certain work positions in China would require passing a certain HSK level. Chinese government also require HSK scores for obtaining visa.

Chinese is a difficult language. It starts with Pinyin and tones to make up characters, and characters make up words, words make up phrases, and phrases can be combined to make sentences. There are also lots of radicals in Chinese characters which are hard to understand. And grammar can also be difficult for nonnative learners. Chinese is an extremely complex yet properly structured language, and with the help of a course, you can learn systematically and understand everything a lot better.

HSK1-HSK2 are relatively easy. You will mostly be learning Pinyin, and simple characters. At this level, you will be expected to explain yourself in very simple ways, and there is not a huge requirement on understanding Chinese characters. It is for simple conversations.

HSK3 is where Pinyins disappear on the exams and you are tested on your understanding of Chinese characters. You will be at beginner to intermediate level and you should be able to communicate in Chinese in your daily life, work, and studies.

It is generally not difficult to progress from HSK1-HSK3.

HSK4 is for intermediate learners who can discuss a wide range of topics in Chinese and use Chinese in high standards. At this level, you should be able to describe all kinds of situations in your everyday life.

HSK5 is for advanced Chinese learners who can read Chinese news, watch Chinese TV shows, and make long speeches. And your Chinese at this level shall be relatively good. And it will be good for academic research and complicated topics.

HSK6 is the holy grail of learning Chinese. At this level, you will demonstrate exceptional Chinese skills, and you can communicate almost everything in Chinese, and you will become a master of Chinese language. You will have a profound understanding of Chinese language that even most ordinary Chinese civilians do not possess.