Why I built this
My son is studying for the HSK exam, so we tried several Chinese-learning tools together. Some worked really well, while others showed us opportunities to make the learning experience better.
I started building Study HSK by bringing together the things that worked best for him — and adding features and details we wished those tools had.
As a native Chinese speaker, I also brought in the techniques that helped me learn and remember Chinese characters when I was young. The result is an app built from both perspectives: the experience of a non-native learner and the knowledge of a native Chinese speaker.
Study HSK is perfect for
If any of these sound like you, Study HSK was made with you in mind.
- Students preparing for the HSK 1–6 exam
- Non-native Chinese learners building vocabulary from scratch
- Parents studying Mandarin alongside their children
- Heritage speakers who want to formalize their vocabulary
- Anyone learning Chinese characters and pinyin at their own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HSK 3.0?
- HSK 3.0 is the latest version of China's official Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) standardized Chinese language proficiency exam. It updated the vocabulary and level structure from the older HSK standard, and Study HSK is fully aligned with this current framework across all six levels.
- Which HSK levels does the app cover?
- Study HSK covers all six levels of HSK 3.0 — from HSK 1 (basic survival vocabulary) through HSK 6 (advanced academic and professional Chinese). You can study individual levels or mix multiple levels in a single session.
- Does the app work offline?
- Yes, completely. All vocabulary data and your progress are stored locally on your device. You can study anywhere — on a flight, subway, or anywhere without internet — without any limitations.
- How does the flashcard system work?
- Each flashcard shows you a Chinese character on the front. Tap to flip and reveal the pinyin pronunciation and English definition. You then swipe right if you remembered the word, or left if you need more practice. The app tracks your results so you always know what to review next.
- Can I see all the words without using flashcards?
- Yes. In addition to the interactive flashcard mode, Study HSK includes a full word bank where you can browse and search the entire HSK 3.0 vocabulary list, filtered by level. It's great for previewing words before a study session or reviewing ones you've already learned.