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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Free Simplified Chinese Vocab List and Flashcard PDFs to Download
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