Hsk 1 Standard Course Official
HSK 1 grammar is mercifully light. There are no tenses (no past/present conjugation!). You will learn:
So, you’ve decided to learn Mandarin Chinese. Congratulations! You have embarked on one of the most rewarding linguistic journeys in the world. But if you’ve spent even five minutes researching textbooks, you know the market is flooded with options.
If you are aiming to take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) exams, there is one series that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the HSK Standard Course by Jiang Liping.
Widely considered the "gold standard" for test preparation, this series is the official textbook of choice for language schools and universities globally. But is it right for self-study? Does it cover enough grammar? And how do you actually use it effectively?
In this comprehensive review, we will break down the HSK 1 Standard Course to help you decide if it belongs on your bookshelf.
Many students hide from characters by writing pinyin only. Then they hit Lesson 10 and realize they can't read anything.
Fix: Cover the pinyin when reviewing flashcards. Force your brain to recognize the character shape. Write each character 10 times.
Knowing "苹果" (píngguǒ - apple) is useless if you can't say "I want to buy an apple."
Fix: Learn full sentences. For every new word, write three sentences using grammar from previous lessons.
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi / 汉语水平考试) is the official Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. The Standard Course is a textbook series designed specifically to prepare you for each level of this test.
HSK 1 is the absolute beginner level. By the end of this book, you should be able to understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, greet people, introduce yourself, and handle basic daily needs like ordering food or asking for the price.
So, you’ve decided to learn Mandarin. That’s exciting! But looking at all those unfamiliar characters, you might be wondering: Where on earth do I even start?
The answer for millions of learners worldwide is the HSK 1 Standard Course. Think of it not just as a textbook, but as your patient, structured, and encouraging first teacher.
Good luck! Stick to the 30–45 min daily routine, and you will pass HSK 1 comfortably. 加油！(Jiāyóu!) HSK 1 Standard Course
Introduction to HSK 1 Standard Course
The HSK 1 Standard Course is a beginner-level Chinese language course designed for students who are new to the Chinese language. HSK, which stands for Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì (Chinese Proficiency Test), is a standardized test that assesses the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. The HSK 1 Standard Course is the first level of the HSK curriculum and is aimed at helping students achieve a basic level of Chinese language proficiency.
Course Objectives
The primary objective of the HSK 1 Standard Course is to equip students with the basic skills to communicate in Chinese in everyday situations. Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
Course Content
The HSK 1 Standard Course typically covers the following topics:
Textbook and Materials
The HSK 1 Standard Course typically uses a textbook that includes:
Teaching Methods
The HSK 1 Standard Course is typically taught using a combination of the following methods:
Assessment and Evaluation
Students who complete the HSK 1 Standard Course can take the HSK 1 exam to assess their Chinese language proficiency. The exam consists of three sections:
Conclusion
The HSK 1 Standard Course is an excellent starting point for beginners who want to learn Chinese. The course provides a solid foundation in basic Chinese language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking. With dedication and practice, students can achieve a basic level of Chinese language proficiency and progress to more advanced levels.
The HSK 1 Standard Course is the foundational starting point for non-native speakers beginning their journey into Mandarin Chinese. Developed by Beijing Language and Culture University Press (BLCUP) in collaboration with Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters), this course is designed specifically to prepare students for the Level 1 HSK proficiency exam. Course Overview & Goal Target Level: Absolute beginners. CEFR Equivalent: A1 (Breakthrough) level.
Key Learning Objective: Master approximately 150 essential Chinese words and 48 fundamental grammar points.
Practical Skills: Upon completion, you will be able to understand and use very simple Chinese phrases to meet basic communication needs, such as introducing yourself, ordering food, and asking simple questions. Core Course Components
For a complete learning experience, the course typically consists of three primary resources:
HSK 1 Standard Course is the foundational level of a globally recognised Chinese language proficiency curriculum, designed specifically for absolute beginners. Authorized by
, this series integrates official HSK test content with scientific teaching methods to help students achieve basic communicative competence in Mandarin Chinese. Core Learning Objectives
At the HSK 1 level, learners focus on the following key areas: Vocabulary : Mastering a fixed list of 150 commonly used words : Understanding approximately 45–48 essential language points
, including basic sentence structures, question forms (using ), and expressing time or dates.
: Developing elementary listening and reading abilities, with a focus on recognizing (rather than necessarily writing) simplified Chinese characters. Practical Use
: Ability to handle simple daily interactions, such as greetings, introducing oneself, and basic shopping or dining conversations. Ninchanese Course Structure & Materials
The standard curriculum typically consists of 15 lessons, often divided into three main components: HSK Standard Course 1 - Textbook
: Features full-color illustrations, 15 lessons with context-rich dialogues, and integrated MP3 audio for pronunciation practice. HSK Standard Course 1 - Workbook HSK 1 grammar is mercifully light
: Contains exercises for each lesson, one full HSK level 1 mock test, and listening comprehension practice accessible via QR codes or CD. Teacher’s Book
: Provides instructional strategies, answer keys, and audio scripts for educators or advanced self-taught learners. Test & Certification : A 40-minute, multiple-choice exam divided into sections (20 questions each). Passing Score : A minimum of 120 out of 200 points is required to pass and receive a certificate.
: The results are generally valid for two years for entry into Chinese colleges. DigMandarin HSK Standard Course 1 - Textbook Abbeys.com.au Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
HSK Standard Course 1 SET - Textbook +Workbook (Chinese and English Edition) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. HSK Standard Course 1 - Workbook by Jiang Liping Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
HSK1 Standard Course Premium Bundle Instant Download Includes Student Textbook & Workbook w MP3 and Answer and Audio Script and Teacher book Go to product viewer dialog for this item. HSK 1 in A Nutshell Go to product viewer dialog for this item. HSK 1-9 Vocabulary Guide booktopia.com.au Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
HSK 1 Vocabulary, Grammar, and Solved Exercises (Books to Learn Mandarin Chinese) Kindle Edition Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
HSK 1 Vocabulary and Sentences Worksheet: Mandarin Chinese Practice with English translation (PDF) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
HSK 1 Vocabulary Worksheet: Mandarin Chinese Writing Practice (PDF) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. lesson-by-lesson breakdown of the grammar points, or are you looking for resources to start practicing? I wanted to complete HSK 1 from home. How can I do that? 26 July 2025 —
Let’s look at a typical lesson. Lesson 1 is always Nǐ hǎo (你好 - Hello).
Dialogue:
Vocabulary:
Grammar Spotlight:
Practice: The workbook then asks you to listen to a recording and circle "right" or "wrong," write the character 你 and 好, and complete missing words in a dialogue. Many students hide from characters by writing pinyin only