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.
Ready to level up your Mandarin without breaking a sweat? Scroll to the bottom of the article for the free printable HSK Level 5 Chinese vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable HSK Level 5 Chinese flashcards, both made to help you review smarter and remember more.
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.
Keep building your Simplified Chinese
Choose a practical next step when you are ready.
Browse the Full List
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 拍 | pāi | to pat; to clap; to slap | |
| 拐弯 | guǎi wān | to go round a curve; to turn a corner; fig. a new direction | |
| 招待 | zhāo dài | to receive (guests); to entertain; reception | |
| 拥抱 | yōng bào | to embrace; to hug | |
| 拥挤 | yōng jǐ | crowded; to throng; congestion | |
| 拦 | lán | to cut off; to hinder | |
| 持续 | chí xù | to continue; to persist; sustainable | |
| 挂号 | guà hào | to register (a letter etc) | |
| 指导 | zhǐ dǎo | to guide; to give directions; to direct | |
| 指挥 | zhǐ huī | to conduct; to command; to direct | |
| 挑战 | tiǎo zhàn | to challenge; challenge | |
| 挡 | dǎng | to resist; to obstruct; to hinder | |
| 挣钱 | zhèng qián | to make money | |
| 挥 | huī | to wave; to brandish; to wipe away | |
| 振动 | zhèn dòng | vibration | |
| 捐 | juān | to contribute; to donate; contribution | |
| 损失 | sǔn shī | loss; damage; CL:個|个[gè] | |
| 捡 | jiǎn | to pick up; to collect; to gather | |
| 据说 | jù shuō | it is said that; reportedly | |
| 掌握 | zhǎng wò | to grasp (often fig.); to control; to seize (initiative, opportunity, destiny) | |
| 排球 | pái qiú | volleyball; CL:個|个[gè] | |
| 排队 | pái duì | to line up | |
| 接待 | jiē dài | to receive (a visitor); to admit (allow sb to enter) | |
| 接着 | jiē zhe | to catch and hold on; to continue; to go on to do sth | |
| 接触 | jiē chù | to touch; to contact; access |
