What’s next after HSK 4?

HSK 4

After passing HSK 4, you have several clear pathways to further advance your Chinese proficiency. Here’s a structured breakdown of your next steps:

Essential HSK 4 vocabulary, example sentences, and essays

1. Progress to HSK 5

  • Objective: Achieve intermediate-advanced proficiency (CEFR B2 level).
  • Key Focus:
    • Vocabulary: Expand from 1,200 (HSK 4) to 2,500 words.
    • Grammar: Master complex structures like:
      • 虚拟语气 (hypothetical sentences, e.g., “要是明天下雨，我就不去公园了。”)
      • 被动句 (e.g., “这个问题已经被解决了。”)
      • 长难句衔接 (e.g., “虽然他很累，但是还是坚持完成了工作。”)
    • Skills:
      • Read 800-character articles (e.g., news reports, opinion pieces).
      • Write 400-character essays (e.g., argumentative essays, research summaries).
      • Follow academic lectures or discussions.
  • Preparation Tips:
    • Use textbooks like HSK Standard Course 5 or apps like HelloChinese.
    • Practice translating 200-word English paragraphs into Chinese daily.
    • Watch Chinese dramas (e.g., A Love for Dilemma) without subtitles.
  • HSK 1 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 2 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 3 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 4 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 5 Preparation Coursebooks
  • HSK 6 Preparation Coursebooks
    • 1_HSK_4_Level Part 1

    2. Specialized Learning Paths

    Depending on your goals, choose a focused direction:

    A. Academic Chinese (For University/Research)

    • Required Skills:
      • Read academic papers (e.g., on history, technology).
      • Write research proposals or term papers.
      • Participate in seminars (e.g., “气候变化对农业的影响”).
    • Resources:
      • Developmental Chinese (academic reading series).
      • Platforms like Coursera’s “Academic Chinese” courses.

    B. Business Chinese (For Work)

    • Required Skills:
      • Negotiate contracts (e.g., “我们希望在价格上再协商一下。”).
      • Write emails/reports (e.g., “关于市场推广方案的建议”).
      • Conduct presentations (e.g., “本季度销售数据分析”).
    • Resources:
      • Business Chinese: Survival Chinese for the Global Workplace.
      • LinkedIn Learning’s “Business Chinese” courses.
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    C. Daily Life/Travel Chinese

    • Required Skills:
      • Handle medical emergencies (e.g., “我发烧了，需要看医生。”).
      • Navigate legal procedures (e.g., “如何申请签证延期？”).
      • Engage in deep cultural conversations (e.g., “你觉得中国传统节日和西方节日有什么不同？”).
    • Resources:
      • Practical Chinese Reader (real-life dialogues).
      • Language exchange apps like Tandem.
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    3. Real-World Application

    • Immersive Practice:
      • Join a Chinese-speaking community (e.g., Meetup groups).
      • Volunteer at local Chinese cultural events.
      • Use language exchange platforms to chat with native speakers.
    • Certification:
      • Consider the BCT (Business Chinese Test) if focusing on work.
      • Take the YCT (Youth Chinese Test) if teaching Chinese to kids.
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    4. Long-Term Goal Setting

    • HSK 6: Aim for advanced proficiency (3,000+ words, 1,000-character readings).
    • Interpreting/Translation: Prepare for the CATTI (China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters).
    • Teaching: Pursue a CTCSOL (Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages).

    Sample 3-Month Plan After HSK 4

    WeekFocusActivity
    1–4Vocabulary ExpansionLearn 100 new words weekly; write 3 short paragraphs using them.
    5–8Grammar Deep DiveMaster 5 complex grammar points; rewrite 10 English sentences into Chinese.
    9–12Writing & SpeakingWrite 2 essays/week; participate in 3 language exchanges.

    By following this structured approach, you can smoothly transition from HSK 4 to higher proficiency levels or specialized skills. 持续努力！(Keep working hard!) 🚀

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