TOCFL Levels Explained In Detail

Your real-life map for 華語文能力測驗 TOCFL（Huáyǔwén Nénglì Cèyàn）from Level 1 (A1) to Level 6 (C2).

TOCFL has 6 levels grouped into three bands: Band A (Levels 1–2), Band B (Levels 3–4), and Band C (Levels 5–6). People often describe them with CEFR labels too: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

This guide gives you a practical “what you can actually do” description for each level, plus Traditional Chinese vocabulary (with pinyin) you’ll use while registering, studying, and talking about your score—without turning your brain into a spreadsheet. (Okay, maybe a tiny spreadsheet.)

Yak Box: If you’re asking “Which TOCFL level am I?” and your plan is “I’ll just vibe,” congratulations—your level is A0. Let’s choose a real target and make the test work for you.

TOCFL Levels At A Glance

Band	TOCFL Level	CEFR-ish Label	What You Can Do (Real Life)
Band A	Level 1	A1	Handle survival Chinese: greetings, numbers, basic needs, very simple questions/answers.
Band A	Level 2	A2	Deal with everyday routines: shopping, directions, simple descriptions, short messages.
Band B	Level 3	B1	Function independently: everyday conversations, simple opinions, work/school basics.
Band B	Level 4	B2	Comfortable communication: longer topics, detail, abstract-ish ideas, fewer “uhhh” moments.
Band C	Level 5	C1	Professional/academic range: nuanced reading/listening, structured speaking and writing.
Band C	Level 6	C2	Near-native performance: complex texts, fast speech, subtle tone, precise expression.

How To Choose Your Target Level

If you’re new: aim for Level 1 (A1) or Level 2 (A2). Get a clean win and build momentum.
If you can handle daily life in Chinese (with effort): Level 3 (B1) is a common “solid functional” goal.
If you work/study in Chinese and want proof: Level 4 (B2) is often the “I can really operate” badge.
If you need advanced academic/professional strength: Level 5–6 (C1–C2) is where nuance lives (and where your flashcards start paying rent).

Quick Self-Check Question: Can you listen to a 30–60 second clip in Chinese and retell the main idea in your own words?

If that sounds impossible → Band A.
If you can do it with simple language → Level 3 (B1) territory.
If you can do it with details, opinions, and structure → Level 4+.

What Each Level Feels Like

Level 1 (A1)

Can do: basic greetings, simple needs, very short exchanges.

Mini-Dialogue:
你叫什麼名字？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?
I’m asking: “What’s your name?”

我叫小美。
Wǒ jiào Xiǎoměi.
“My name is Xiaomei.”

Level 2 (A2)

Can do: routine situations—shopping, time, directions, simple explanations.

Mini-Dialogue:
請問捷運站在哪裡？
Qǐngwèn jiéyùn zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
“Excuse me, where is the MRT station?”

往前走，右轉就到了。
Wǎng qián zǒu, yòu zhuǎn jiù dào le.
“Go straight, turn right, and you’ll arrive.”

Level 3 (B1)

Can do: talk about daily life, plans, opinions; understand the main points of clear speech.

Mini-Dialogue:
你為什麼想學中文？
Nǐ wèishénme xiǎng xué Zhōngwén?
“Why do you want to study Chinese?”

因為我想在台灣工作。
Yīnwèi wǒ xiǎng zài Táiwān gōngzuò.
“Because I want to work in Taiwan.”

Level 4 (B2)

Can do: explain, compare, and handle longer conversations with fewer breakdowns.

Mini-Dialogue:
你覺得住市中心好，還是郊區好？
Nǐ juéde zhù shìzhōngxīn hǎo, háishì jiāoqū hǎo?
“Is it better to live downtown or in the suburbs?”

看情況。交通方便很重要，但房租也要考慮。
Kàn qíngkuàng. Jiāotōng fāngbiàn hěn zhòngyào, dàn fángzū yě yào kǎolǜ.
“It depends. Convenient transportation matters, but rent is also a factor.”

Level 5 (C1)

Can do: handle complex topics, read longer texts, and organize opinions clearly.

我認為這個方案有優點，也有風險。
Wǒ rènwéi zhège fāng’àn yǒu yōudiǎn, yě yǒu fēngxiǎn.
“I think this plan has benefits, but also risks.”

Level 6 (C2)

Can do: near-native flexibility—tone, nuance, and precision across many contexts.

這句話表面上很客氣，其實有點反諷。
Zhè jù huà biǎomiàn shàng hěn kèqì, qíshí yǒudiǎn fǎngfèng.
“On the surface it’s polite, but it’s actually a bit sarcastic.”

Visual Cards: Must-Know TOCFL Words

等級

děngjí — level / rank

聽力

tīnglì — listening

閱讀

yuèdú — reading

口說

kǒushuō — speaking

寫作

xiězuò — writing

報名

bàomíng — register / apply

成績

chéngjì — results / grades

模擬考

mónǐkǎo — mock test

Useful Phrases And Real-Life Sentences

1) 我想報名 TOCFL。
Wǒ xiǎng bàomíng TOCFL.
Meaning: I want to register for the TOCFL.
Sentence: 我想下個月報名 TOCFL。
Wǒ xiǎng xià gè yuè bàomíng TOCFL.
I want to register for the TOCFL next month.

2) 你考到哪個等級？
Nǐ kǎo dào nǎ ge děngjí?
Meaning: What level did you reach?
Sentence: 你上次考到哪個等級？
Nǐ shàng cì kǎo dào nǎ ge děngjí?
What level did you get last time?

3) 我在準備聽力和閱讀。
Wǒ zài zhǔnbèi tīnglì hé yuèdú.
Meaning: I’m preparing listening and reading.
Sentence: 我最近在準備聽力和閱讀，每天都練習。
Wǒ zuìjìn zài zhǔnbèi tīnglì hé yuèdú, měitiān dōu liànxí.
Lately I’m preparing listening and reading, and I practice every day.

4) 這題我聽不懂。
Zhè tí wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
Meaning: I can’t understand this question (by listening).
Sentence: 這題我聽不懂，可以再播一次嗎？
Zhè tí wǒ tīng bù dǒng, kěyǐ zài bō yí cì ma?
I can’t understand this one—can you play it again?

5) 請再說一次。
Qǐng zài shuō yí cì.
Meaning: Please say it again.
Sentence: 我沒聽清楚，請再說一次。
Wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ, qǐng zài shuō yí cì.
I didn’t hear clearly—please say it again.

6) 我需要一張成績單。
Wǒ xūyào yì zhāng chéngjìdān.
Meaning: I need a score report.
Sentence: 申請學校的時候，我需要一張成績單。
Shēnqǐng xuéxiào de shíhou, wǒ xūyào yì zhāng chéngjìdān.
When applying to school, I need a score report.

7) 我的目標是 B1。
Wǒ de mùbiāo shì B1.
Meaning: My goal is B1.
Sentence: 我的目標是 B1，所以我每週做兩回模擬考。
Wǒ de mùbiāo shì B1, suǒyǐ wǒ měi zhōu zuò liǎng huí mónǐkǎo.
My goal is B1, so I do two mock tests each week.

8) 我想提升口說。
Wǒ xiǎng tíshēng kǒushuō.
Meaning: I want to improve speaking.
Sentence: 我想提升口說，所以每天跟語伴聊天。
Wǒ xiǎng tíshēng kǒushuō, suǒyǐ měitiān gēn yǔbàn liáotiān.
I want to improve speaking, so I chat with a language partner daily.

9) 我每天背單字。
Wǒ měitiān bèi dānzì.
Meaning: I memorize vocabulary every day.
Sentence: 我每天背單字，週末再複習一次。
Wǒ měitiān bèi dānzì, zhōumò zài fùxí yí cì.
I memorize vocab daily, then review again on weekends.

10) 這是模擬考題。
Zhè shì mónǐkǎo tí.
Meaning: This is a mock test question.
Sentence: 這是模擬考題，你先計時做完。
Zhè shì mónǐkǎo tí, nǐ xiān jìshí zuò wán.
These are mock questions—finish them timed first.

11) 時間不夠了。
Shíjiān bù gòu le.
Meaning: There isn’t enough time.
Sentence: 我閱讀做太慢了，時間不夠了。
Wǒ yuèdú zuò tài màn le, shíjiān bù gòu le.
I’m doing reading too slowly—there isn’t enough time.

12) 我終於及格了！
Wǒ zhōngyú jígé le!
Meaning: I finally passed!
Sentence: 我努力三個月，這次終於及格了！
Wǒ nǔlì sān gè yuè, zhè cì zhōngyú jígé le!
I worked hard for three months—this time I finally passed!

Curious Bits: Tiny Words That Matter

等級（děngjí）and 級別（jíbié）both mean “level.” 等級 feels like “rank/level,” while 級別 feels like “category/level.” In daily speech, both are common.

合格（hégé）means “meet the standard / qualify,” and 及格（jígé）means “pass (a test).” People use both, but 及格 screams “I passed the exam!” in the most satisfying way.

Tables Of Words: TOCFL Vocabulary You’ll Actually Use

Test Logistics (10)

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
報名	bàomíng	register / apply	我今天要去報名。	Wǒ jīntiān yào qù bàomíng.	I’m going to register today.
報名費	bàomíng fèi	registration fee	報名費可以用信用卡付。	Bàomíng fèi kěyǐ yòng xìnyòngkǎ fù.	You can pay the fee by credit card.
考場	kǎochǎng	test center	我怕遲到，所以提早到考場。	Wǒ pà chídào, suǒyǐ tízǎo dào kǎochǎng.	I arrived early because I was afraid of being late.
准考證	zhǔnkǎozhèng	admission ticket	沒有准考證就不能進去。	Méiyǒu zhǔnkǎozhèng jiù bùnéng jìnqù.	Without the admission ticket, you can’t enter.
身分證	shēnfènzhèng	ID card	進考場前要看身分證。	Jìn kǎochǎng qián yào kàn shēnfènzhèng.	They check your ID before you enter.
護照	hùzhào	passport	外國考生通常帶護照。	Wàiguó kǎoshēng tōngcháng dài hùzhào.	Foreign test-takers usually bring a passport.
考試時間	kǎoshì shíjiān	exam time	我先確認考試時間。	Wǒ xiān quèrèn kǎoshì shíjiān.	I first confirm the exam time.
休息時間	xiūxí shíjiān	break time	休息時間不要聊天太大聲。	Xiūxí shíjiān búyào liáotiān tài dàshēng.	Don’t talk too loudly during the break.
成績單	chéngjìdān	score report	我需要成績單來申請。	Wǒ xūyào chéngjìdān lái shēnqǐng.	I need a score report for my application.
證書	zhèngshū	certificate	通過以後會拿到證書。	Tōngguò yǐhòu huì ná dào zhèngshū.	After passing, you’ll receive a certificate.

Test Parts And Question Types (10)

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
聽力	tīnglì	listening	我的聽力比閱讀弱。	Wǒ de tīnglì bǐ yuèdú ruò.	My listening is weaker than my reading.
閱讀	yuèdú	reading	閱讀部分要注意時間。	Yuèdú bùfèn yào zhùyì shíjiān.	Watch the time on the reading section.
口說	kǒushuō	speaking	我每天練口說十分鐘。	Wǒ měitiān liàn kǒushuō shí fēnzhōng.	I practice speaking for 10 minutes daily.
寫作	xiězuò	writing	寫作要用比較正式的詞。	Xiězuò yào yòng bǐjiào zhèngshì de cí.	Writing uses more formal words.
題型	tíxíng	question type	先熟悉題型再刷題。	Xiān shúxī tíxíng zài shuā tí.	Learn the question types, then drill.
選擇題	xuǎnzétí	multiple-choice	選擇題先排除錯的。	Xuǎnzétí xiān páichú cuò de.	On multiple-choice, eliminate wrong options first.
填空題	tiánkòngtí	fill-in-the-blank	填空題要看前後文。	Tiánkòngtí yào kàn qiánhòuwén.	Look at context for fill-in-the-blank.
圖片題	túpiàn tí	picture-based question	圖片題常考日常場景。	Túpiàn tí cháng kǎo rìcháng chǎngjǐng.	Picture questions often test daily scenarios.
對話	duìhuà	dialogue	對話要抓重點和語氣。	Duìhuà yào zhuā zhòngdiǎn hé yǔqì.	In dialogues, catch the key points and tone.
短文	duǎnwén	short passage	短文不懂的字先跳過。	Duǎnwén bù dǒng de zì xiān tiàoguò.	In passages, skip unknown words first.

Level And Ability Words (10)

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
等級	děngjí	level / rank	我想考更高的等級。	Wǒ xiǎng kǎo gèng gāo de děngjí.	I want to test for a higher level.
級別	jíbié	level / category	這個級別對我剛剛好。	Zhège jíbié duì wǒ gānggāng hǎo.	This level is just right for me.
程度	chéngdù	proficiency	老師說我的程度進步了。	Lǎoshī shuō wǒ de chéngdù jìnbù le.	The teacher said my level improved.
基礎	jīchǔ	basic / foundation	先把基礎打好。	Xiān bǎ jīchǔ dǎ hǎo.	Build a strong foundation first.
進階	jìnjiē	advanced step / upper level	我想上進階課。	Wǒ xiǎng shàng jìnjiē kè.	I want to take an advanced class.
熟練	shúliàn	proficient	我要更熟練地使用這些句型。	Wǒ yào gèng shúliàn de shǐyòng zhèxiē jùxíng.	I want to use these patterns more fluently.
流利	liúlì	fluent	我希望說得更流利。	Wǒ xīwàng shuō de gèng liúlì.	I hope to speak more fluently.
理解	lǐjiě	understand	我能理解大意，但細節不確定。	Wǒ néng lǐjiě dàyì, dàn xìjié bù quèdìng.	I get the main idea, but details aren’t sure.
表達	biǎodá	express	我會用簡單的話表達想法。	Wǒ huì yòng jiǎndān de huà biǎodá xiǎngfǎ.	I can express ideas with simple words.
溝通	gōutōng	communicate	就算犯錯，我還是能溝通。	Jiùsuàn fàncuò, wǒ háishì néng gōutōng.	Even with mistakes, I can still communicate.

Study And Prep (10)

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
準備	zhǔnbèi	prepare	我在準備下次考試。	Wǒ zài zhǔnbèi xià cì kǎoshì.	I’m preparing for the next exam.
複習	fùxí	review	今天晚上我要複習文法。	Jīntiān wǎnshàng wǒ yào fùxí wénfǎ.	Tonight I’m reviewing grammar.
練習	liànxí	practice	每天練習，進步會更快。	Měitiān liànxí, jìnbù huì gèng kuài.	Practice daily to improve faster.
模擬考	mónǐkǎo	mock test	週末我做一回模擬考。	Zhōumò wǒ zuò yì huí mónǐkǎo.	On weekends I do a mock test.
真題	zhēntí	real/past exam questions	我用真題練時間管理。	Wǒ yòng zhēntí liàn shíjiān guǎnlǐ.	I use past questions to train timing.
時間管理	shíjiān guǎnlǐ	time management	時間管理不好就會來不及。	Shíjiān guǎnlǐ bù hǎo jiù huì láibují.	Poor time management makes you run out of time.
筆記	bǐjì	notes	我把錯題寫進筆記。	Wǒ bǎ cuòtí xiě jìn bǐjì.	I write wrong answers into my notes.
單字	dānzì	vocabulary word	這些單字很常考。	Zhèxiē dānzì hěn cháng kǎo.	These words show up a lot.
文法	wénfǎ	grammar	文法懂了，句子就順了。	Wénfǎ dǒng le, jùzi jiù shùn le.	When grammar clicks, sentences flow.
聽寫	tīngxiě	dictation	我用聽寫練聽力和拼字。	Wǒ yòng tīngxiě liàn tīnglì hé pīnzì.	I use dictation to train listening and spelling.

Results And Goals (10)

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
合格	hégé	qualify / meet standard	我希望這次能合格。	Wǒ xīwàng zhè cì néng hégé.	I hope I qualify this time.
及格	jígé	pass (a test)	我差一點就及格了。	Wǒ chà yìdiǎn jiù jígé le.	I was just a bit short of passing.
目標	mùbiāo	goal	我的目標是 Level 3。	Wǒ de mùbiāo shì Level 3.	My goal is Level 3.
提升	tíshēng	improve / raise	我想提升閱讀速度。	Wǒ xiǎng tíshēng yuèdú sùdù.	I want to improve my reading speed.
弱點	ruòdiǎn	weak point	我的弱點是聽力。	Wǒ de ruòdiǎn shì tīnglì.	My weak point is listening.
強項	qiángxiàng	strength	閱讀是我的強項。	Yuèdú shì wǒ de qiángxiàng.	Reading is my strong point.
分數	fēnshù	score	我想把分數提高十分。	Wǒ xiǎng bǎ fēnshù tígāo shí fēn.	I want to raise my score by 10 points.
機會	jīhuì	chance / opportunity	這次考試是個好機會。	Zhè cì kǎoshì shì gè hǎo jīhuì.	This exam is a good opportunity.
申請	shēnqǐng	apply	我用成績來申請工作。	Wǒ yòng chéngjì lái shēnqǐng gōngzuò.	I use my results to apply for a job.
需要	xūyào	need / require	有些單位會需要證明。	Yǒuxiē dānwèi huì xūyào zhèngmíng.	Some organizations may require proof.

Optional Variants: Say It Another Way

Idea	Common Option A	Common Option B	Mini Sentence (ZH + Pinyin + EN)
“Test”	考試（kǎoshì）	測驗（cèyàn）	我明天有中文考試／測驗。 Wǒ míngtiān yǒu Zhōngwén kǎoshì / cèyàn. I have a Chinese test tomorrow.
“Register”	報名（bàomíng）	註冊（zhùcè）	我先在網路上報名／註冊。 Wǒ xiān zài wǎnglù shàng bàomíng / zhùcè. I register online first.
“Pass”	及格（jígé）	通過（tōngguò）	我希望這次能及格／通過。 Wǒ xīwàng zhè cì néng jígé / tōngguò. I hope I can pass this time.
Measure Word For “A Level”	一個等級（yí ge děngjí）	一個級別（yí ge jíbié）	我想往上提升一個等級。 Wǒ xiǎng wǎng shàng tíshēng yí ge děngjí. I want to move up one level.

Practice: Pick The Level, Say The Plan

Drill 1: You can order food, ask directions, and describe your daily routine. Target: Level 2 (A2) or Level 3 (B1).
Drill 2: You can explain pros/cons and give reasons in longer conversations. Target: Level 4 (B2).
Drill 3: You need proof for an application. Write one sentence using 需要（xūyào).
Try: 我需要 TOCFL 證書。
Wǒ xūyào TOCFL zhèngshū.
I need a TOCFL certificate.
Drill 4: Say your weak point using 弱點（ruòdiǎn).
Try: 我的弱點是聽力。
Wǒ de ruòdiǎn shì tīnglì.
My weak point is listening.
Drill 5: Make a 7-day plan using 複習（fùxí) and 模擬考（mónǐkǎo).
Try: 週一到週五複習，週末做模擬考。
Zhōuyī dào zhōuwǔ fùxí, zhōumò zuò mónǐkǎo.
Review Mon–Fri, do a mock test on the weekend.

Quick Reference Summary

Band A (Levels 1–2): survival + daily routine Chinese.
Band B (Levels 3–4): independent communication + longer topics.
Band C (Levels 5–6): advanced nuance + professional/academic range.
If you’re stuck between two levels: choose the lower one, pass confidently, then level up.

Final Box: Your “level” isn’t your identity. It’s just your current address. Move whenever you want—just bring snacks and a consistent study plan.