How many questions are on the HSK 5 exam?

The HSK 5 has 100 questions total: 45 listening, 45 reading, and 10 writing (including two short essays). The test lasts about 125 minutes.

What is a passing score for HSK 5?

You need at least 180 out of 300 points to pass. Each section (listening, reading, writing) is scored out of 100.

How long does it take to prepare for HSK 5?

Most learners need 6–12 months of consistent study after passing HSK 4. It requires about 2,500 vocabulary words and solid grammar.

Can I use a dictionary during the HSK 5 exam?

No. Dictionaries, phones, and any electronic devices are strictly prohibited. You must rely on your own knowledge.

What is the difference between HSK 4 and HSK 5?

HSK 5 requires 1,000 more vocabulary words than HSK 4. The reading passages are longer and more abstract, and the writing section includes essay writing.

Is HSK 5 accepted for university admission in China?

Yes, many Chinese universities require HSK 5 for admission to degree programs, especially for humanities and business majors. Check specific university requirements.

How often is the HSK 5 exam held in India?

HSK exams are typically held once a month in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Check the official HSK website for exact dates.

HSK 5 Sample Questions & Worked Solutions

If you're aiming for HSK 5, you already know it's a serious step up from HSK 4. The test demands 2,500 vocabulary items and the ability to read Chinese news, watch films, and discuss abstract topics. But raw vocabulary isn't enough — you need to think like the exam.

Below are 10 representative questions across all HSK 5 sections (Listening, Reading, Writing), each with a worked solution that shows the reasoning, not just the answer. Use these to calibrate your approach.

Listening Section: Short Dialogues

Question 1

Audio transcript: 男：你最近怎么总是加班？女：公司接了一个大项目，我得负责翻译部分资料。男：那你注意身体，别太累了。 Question: 女的为什么加班？ A) 她喜欢工作。 B) 公司有重要项目。 C) 她需要赚更多钱。 D) 她的同事请假了。

Worked solution: The woman says "公司接了一个大项目" (the company took on a big project) and she is responsible for translating materials. Option B matches directly. A, C, D are not mentioned. Pay attention to the keyword "项目" (project) — it's the core reason.

Question 2

Audio transcript: 女：你觉得这个电影怎么样？男：情节很吸引人，但是结局有点出乎意料。 Question: 男的对电影的看法是什么？ A) 非常喜欢。 B) 情节无聊。 C) 结局让他意外。 D) 整体很完美。

Worked solution: The man says "结局有点出乎意料" (the ending is a bit unexpected). Option C captures this exactly. He praises the plot but doesn't say he "very likes" it (A) or that it's boring (B). He also notes the ending is surprising, so not "perfect" (D).

Reading Section: Multiple Choice

Question 3

Passage: 随着互联网的发展，越来越多的人选择在线学习。这种方式不仅节省时间，还可以根据自己的进度安排学习内容。然而，在线学习也需要很强的自律能力。 Question: 根据这段话，在线学习的主要优点是什么？ A) 费用低。 B) 节省时间。 C) 不需要自律。 D) 有老师监督。

Worked solution: The passage states "这种方式不仅节省时间" (this method not only saves time). That's the explicit advantage mentioned. A, C, D are not stated — in fact, the passage says the opposite of C (it requires self-discipline).

Question 4

Passage: 科学家发现，每天走路30分钟可以显著降低患心脏病的风险。他们建议，走路的速度应该保持在每小时5公里左右。 Question: 科学家建议走路时要注意什么？ A) 走多长时间。 B) 走多快。 C) 在什么地方走。 D) 穿什么鞋。

Worked solution: The passage gives two pieces: duration (30 minutes) and speed (about 5 km/h). The question asks "要注意什么" (what to pay attention to). Both A and B are correct, but B is the specific advice about speed. In HSK 5, sometimes only one option is listed that matches. Here B is the direct answer because the speed is explicitly recommended. However, note that A is also mentioned — in the real exam, read options carefully. The passage's main point is the speed recommendation for effectiveness.

Reading Section: Fill in the Blanks

Question 5

Sentence: 他______了很多资料，终于完成了这篇论文。 A) 收集 B) 放弃 C) 忘记 D) 破坏

Worked solution: The context is completing a paper after gathering materials. "收集" (collect/gather) fits perfectly. B (give up), C (forget), D (destroy) make no sense. Always check the logical flow: the action must lead to "完成了论文" (completed the thesis).

Question 6

Sentence: 这个城市的交通问题越来越______，政府正在想办法解决。 A) 严重 B) 美丽 C) 便宜 D) 安静

Worked solution: "交通问题" (traffic problem) is typically described as "严重" (serious). B (beautiful), C (cheap), D (quiet) don't describe problems. Collocation is key here.

Writing Section: Sentence Formation

Question 7

Rearrange: 环境 / 保护 / 我们 / 必须 / 地球 / 的 Correct order: 我们必须保护地球的环境。

Worked solution: Subject "我们" (we) + auxiliary "必须" (must) + verb "保护" (protect) + object "地球的环境" (Earth's environment). Note the possessive "的" attaches to "地球".

Question 8

Rearrange: 提高 / 可以 / 阅读 / 通过 / 水平 / 大量 / 练习 Correct order: 通过大量练习可以提高阅读水平。

Worked solution: Start with "通过" (through/by) + "大量练习" (plenty of practice) + "可以" (can) + "提高" (improve) + "阅读水平" (reading level). This is a common HSK 5 structure: 通过...可以...

Writing Section: Short Essay (80 characters)

Question 9

Prompt: 请写一段话，介绍你最喜欢的运动，并说明原因。

Sample answer: 我最喜欢的运动是游泳。游泳不仅能锻炼全身肌肉，还能让我放松心情。每次游完泳，我都感觉特别舒服。

Worked solution: The answer hits all requirements: names the sport (游泳), gives reason (锻炼全身肌肉, 放松心情), and states personal feeling. Keep it simple and direct. Avoid complex grammar — HSK 5 writing rewards clarity over flair.

Question 10

Prompt: 你认为手机对人们的生活有什么影响？请写出你的看法。

Sample answer: 手机给人们的生活带来了很多方便，比如可以随时联系朋友、查找信息。但是，过度使用手机也会影响健康，我们应该合理使用。

Worked solution: This answer presents both positive (方便) and negative (影响健康) sides, then gives a conclusion (合理使用). That's a balanced structure examiners like. Use transition words like "但是" (but) and "比如" (for example).

Take a free HSK 5 demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →

How to Use These Samples for Real Progress

Listen actively: For listening questions, don't just read the transcript. Play audio (or have a partner read) and practice with the 5-second gap HSK uses.
Analyze distractors: In reading, identify why wrong options are wrong. HSK 5 often uses synonyms or partial truths to mislead.
Write under time pressure: For writing, set a timer. 80 characters in 10 minutes. Practise forming sentences without pausing to think.

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Where to next?

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HSK 5 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Sample Questions — 10 Solved With Reasoning