HSK 5 is the level where Chinese conversations stretch beyond the everyday and start dancing into real opinions, abstract ideas, and unexpected tangents. You’re not just ordering food or asking for directions-you’re debating if a movie sequel was worth it, explaining why you want to switch jobs, or describing the exact vibe of your favourite café. It’s a messy, exciting stage where your vocabulary needs to keep up with your thoughts.
This list gathers about 1300 practical words the HSK 5 exam expects and that your daily Chinese life actually demands. Each word comes with a straightforward meaning and a natural example sentence so you can see it in action, not a lonely translation. There’s audio playback for every entry too, because your ears need practice just as much as your eyes.
Once you’ve worked through the table online, use the free PDF download button right below it to take your study offline-no sign-ups, no fuss.
Want more than one list? Browse our Chinese section for more Yak Yacker study pages, printable lists, and quiz-friendly review material.
Quick Quiz
Think you know your HSK 5 words inside out? Take the quick quiz below to check which ones have stuck and where you might need a little extra review.
Browse the Full List
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 形势 | xíng shì | circumstances; situation; terrain | |
| 形容 | xíng róng | to describe; description; appearance | |
| 形式 | xíng shì | form; shape; situation | |
| 形成 | xíng chéng | to form; to take shape | |
| 形状 | xíng zhuàng | form; shape; CL:個|个[gè] | |
| 形象 | xíng xiàng | image; form; figure | |
| 彩虹 | cǎi hóng | rainbow | |
| 影子 | yǐng zi | shadow; reflection; CL:個|个[gè] | |
| 彻底 | chè dǐ | thorough; thoroughly; complete | |
| 彼此 | bǐ cǐ | each other; one another | |
| 往返 | wǎng fǎn | to go back and forth; to go to and fro; round trip | |
| 征求 | zhēng qiú | to solicit; to seek; to request (opinions, feedback etc) | |
| 待遇 | dài yù | treatment; pay; wages | |
| 微笑 | wēi xiào | smile; CL:個|个; 絲|丝[sī] | |
| 心理 | xīn lǐ | mental; psychological | |
| 心脏 | xīn zàng | heart; CL:顆|颗; 個|个[gè] | |
| 必然 | bì rán | inevitable; certain; necessity | |
| 必要 | bì yào | necessary; essential; indispensable | |
| 必需 | bì xū | to need; to require; essential | |
| 忍不住 | rěn bu zhù | cannot help; unable to bear | |
| 志愿者 | zhì yuàn zhě | volunteer | |
| 念 | niàn | to read; to study (a degree course); to read aloud | |
| 忽视 | hū shì | to neglect; to ignore | |
| 怀念 | huái niàn | to cherish the memory of; to think of; reminisce | |
| 思想 | sī xiǎng | thought; thinking; idea |
Free Simplified Chinese Vocab List and Flashcard PDFs to Download
Use the buttons below to download your free printable vocabulary resources — no signup required.
