Learning system

Master Chinese with HSK 3.0 (2021)

Follow the influential three-stage, nine-level framework preserved in Dot Languages

9 Proficiency Levels
11,092 Vocabulary Items
3,000 Recognition Characters

The 2021 proficiency framework

China’s Ministry of Education and State Language Commission issued GF 0025-2021 in March 2021, and it took effect on 1 July 2021. It defined standards for learning, teaching, assessment, and test development; it did not replace every HSK 1–6 examination on that date. The combined HSK 7–9 examination was the first operational HSK examination built around the new advanced levels.

Dot Languages keeps the complete 2021 vocabulary inventory available as a separate learning system, so learners can continue following its original progression.

  • Three
    Stages    Elementary, intermediate, and advanced stages divide proficiency into nine levels
  • Four
    Baselines    Syllables, character recognition, vocabulary, and grammar have measurable staged targets
  • Practical
    Abilities    Descriptors connect language knowledge to real communication tasks and cultural awareness
  • Two Character
    Targets    Recognition and handwriting are tracked as related but distinct abilities

HSK 3.0 (2021) Components

The 2021 framework combines measurable targets for syllables, character recognition, vocabulary, and grammar with practical communication tasks across elementary, intermediate, and advanced stages. Translation is included from the intermediate stage onward.

hearing

Listening

Progress from clear everyday exchanges to natural-speed professional material

  • Understand increasingly long conversations, reports, lectures, and news
  • Identify detail, speaker intention, relationships, and implied meaning
  • Work with daily, academic, social, and professional subject matter
chrome_reader_mode

Reading

Build from signs and notes to literary, academic, and professional texts

  • Develop staged character recognition alongside vocabulary and grammar
  • Progress through practical, narrative, explanatory, and argumentative texts
  • Read increasingly specialised material with greater speed and precision
edit

Writing

Develop character formation into structured practical and academic writing

  • Follow a separate staged handwriting inventory
  • Move from messages and forms to reports, essays, and practical documents
  • Organise increasingly complex ideas accurately and appropriately
record_voice_over

Speaking

Move from basic exchanges to formal presentation, debate, and negotiation

  • Develop pronunciation, fluency, organisation, and context-appropriate expression
  • Explain experiences and viewpoints with increasing depth
  • Handle academic, professional, formal, and intercultural communication

Master HSK 3.0 (2021) with Dot Languages

Continue learning with the complete 2021 vocabulary progression

hearing Listening

Master Listening

Train with native audio as the 2021 framework progresses from clear everyday exchanges to longer, natural-speed material.

  • checkNative narration on every article with adjustable speed
  • checkAudio-first vocabulary exercises for tone recognition
  • checkComprehension questions after level-aligned articles
  • checkAI adapts difficulty to target your weak areas
Master Listening
Build listening stamina with native audio at every level
chrome_reader_mode Reading

Master Reading

Build character recognition and reading fluency with texts aligned to the 2021 vocabulary classification.

  • checkThousands of articles and dialogues matched to your level
  • checkTap any word for an instant definition with pinyin and tones
  • checkSentence creation, recognition, and comprehension exercises
  • checkFresh content added daily with adaptive difficulty
Master Reading
Read level-aligned Chinese content with integrated tools
draw Writing

Master Writing

Strengthen character recall and connected writing while following the framework's staged language goals.

  • checkStroke-by-stroke character writing with guided feedback
  • checkSentence writing exercises for vocabulary and structure
  • checkVocabulary exercises reinforce character recall in context
  • checkSpaced repetition strengthens long-term memory
Master Writing
Master stroke order with guided character writing practice
record_voice_over Speaking

Master Speaking

Build confidence from precise word-level pronunciation to fluent, connected expression.

  • checkWord-level speaking exercises for precise pronunciation
  • checkSentence-level speaking practice for natural fluency
  • checkSpaced repetition targets words you find hardest to say
  • checkProgress from isolated sounds to connected speech
Master Speaking
Practice speaking with structured pronunciation exercises

Complete HSK 3.0 (2021) Learning Ecosystem

Progress Analytics

Progress Analytics

Track your progress through the 2021 framework with detailed metrics and insights.

Custom HSK Materials

Custom HSK Materials

Practise with your own textbooks and study materials using our AI exercises.

Level-Aligned Exercises

Level-Aligned Exercises

Practise with exercises aligned to the HSK 3.0 (2021) vocabulary classification.

HSK 3.0 (2021) Proficiency Levels

Choose a level to explore its cumulative vocabulary and practical outcomes

HSK 1

Personal information, daily routines, and simple social exchanges

book 500 words

What You Can Work Toward

  • checkExchange basic greetings and personal information
  • checkRecognise common signs and simple public information
  • checkAsk and answer short questions about familiar needs

Official 2021 Inventory Examples

朋友 péngyǒu friend
谢谢 xièxie thank you
学生 xuéshēng student

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Continue with the HSK 3.0 (2021) framework.

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