As you prepare for the HSK3 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 3) exam, one of the most important things you can do is build a strong vocabulary. HSK3 introduces more intermediate-level words and expressions, requiring learners to recognize and understand a wider variety of terms. Mastering high-frequency words will not only help you pass the exam but also improve your ability to communicate in everyday situations.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive list of high-frequency words that frequently appear in HSK3. Along with each word, you’ll find new example sentences and explanations to help you grasp their meaning and usage. If you’re interested in furthering your Chinese language studies, consider joining the flexible Chinese classes at LC Chinese School in Oslo, where you can receive expert guidance on HSK preparation and language learning.
1. Essential HSK3 Vocabulary
Below is a list of common HSK3 vocabulary words with new example sentences that will help you familiarize yourself with key terms for the exam.
1.1 或者 (huòzhě) – Or (in statements)
Example:
我们可以吃面条，或者吃饺子。
(Wǒmen kěyǐ chī miàntiáo, huòzhě chī jiǎozi.)
Translation: We can eat noodles or dumplings.
Explanation: 或者 is used in declarative sentences to offer choices. It is commonly seen in discussions about options or possibilities.
1.2 应该 (yīnggāi) – Should, ought to
Example:
你应该早点睡觉。
(Nǐ yīnggāi zǎodiǎn shuìjiào.)
Translation: You should go to bed earlier.
Explanation: 应该 expresses obligation or advice, similar to “should” in English. It’s often used when giving suggestions or recommendations.
1.3 终于 (zhōngyú) – Finally
Example:
我终于找到钥匙了。
(Wǒ zhōngyú zhǎodào yàoshi le.)
Translation: I finally found the keys.
Explanation: 终于 is used to indicate that something happened after a long wait or effort. It’s perfect for expressing relief after a task is completed.
1.4 带 (dài) – To bring, to take
Example:
请记得带你的护照。
(Qǐng jìde dài nǐ de hùzhào.)
Translation: Please remember to bring your passport.
Explanation: 带 is a verb meaning “to bring” or “to take.” It’s very useful in everyday conversations when talking about items that need to be carried or brought somewhere.
1.5 比较 (bǐjiào) – Relatively, comparatively
Example:
这本书比较难读。
(Zhè běn shū bǐjiào nán dú.)
Translation: This book is relatively difficult to read.
Explanation: 比较 is often used to express a comparison between two things or to say that something is more or less in a certain way compared to others.
1.6 其他 (qítā) – Other, others
Example:
我没有其他问题了。
(Wǒ méiyǒu qítā wèntí le.)
Translation: I have no other questions.
Explanation: 其他 is used to refer to people or things other than those already mentioned. It is commonly used when discussing alternatives or additional points.
1.7 除了 (chúle) – Except, besides
Example:
除了苹果，我还喜欢香蕉。
(Chúle píngguǒ, wǒ hái xǐhuān xiāngjiāo.)
Translation: Besides apples, I also like bananas.
Explanation: 除了 introduces exceptions or additional items. It’s an essential word for listing preferences or discussing exclusions.
1.8 一边…一边… (yībiān…yībiān…) – Doing two things at the same time
Example:
她喜欢一边听音乐，一边做作业。
(Tā xǐhuān yībiān tīng yīnyuè, yībiān zuò zuòyè.)
Translation: She likes to listen to music while doing homework.
Explanation: 一边…一边… is used to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously. It’s great for talking about multitasking.
1.9 然后 (ránhòu) – Then, afterwards
Example:
我们先去超市，然后去餐厅。
(Wǒmen xiān qù chāoshì, ránhòu qù cāntīng.)
Translation: We’ll go to the supermarket first, and then to the restaurant.
Explanation: 然后 is a time conjunction used to indicate that one action follows another. It’s very common in conversations that describe sequences of events.
1.10 关心 (guānxīn) – To care, to be concerned about
Example:
妈妈很关心我的学习。
(Māma hěn guānxīn wǒ de xuéxí.)
Translation: My mom is very concerned about my studies.
Explanation: 关心 means to show care or concern. It’s typically used when discussing someone’s well-being or interests.
2. Daily Life Vocabulary
HSK3 also focuses on vocabulary that helps learners engage in conversations about daily life and common activities.
2.1 打算 (dǎsuàn) – To plan
Example:
你打算什么时候去旅行？
(Nǐ dǎsuàn shénme shíhòu qù lǚxíng?)
Translation: When do you plan to travel?
Explanation: 打算 is used when talking about plans or intentions. It’s an essential word for discussing future events.
2.2 解决 (jiějué) – To solve, to resolve
Example:
我们需要找到解决问题的办法。
(Wǒmen xūyào zhǎodào jiějué wèntí de bànfǎ.)
Translation: We need to find a way to solve the problem.
Explanation: 解决 is a verb that means to resolve or fix something. It is useful when discussing how to overcome challenges.
2.3 冰箱 (bīngxiāng) – Refrigerator
Example:
你可以把牛奶放在冰箱里。
(Nǐ kěyǐ bǎ niúnǎi fàng zài bīngxiāng lǐ.)
Translation: You can put the milk in the refrigerator.
Explanation: 冰箱 is the word for refrigerator, a common household item, which is essential for conversations about food storage.
2.4 安静 (ānjìng) – Quiet
Example:
图书馆里很安静。
(Túshūguǎn lǐ hěn ānjìng.)
Translation: It’s very quiet in the library.
Explanation: 安静 is an adjective meaning quiet or peaceful. It’s frequently used to describe environments where noise is minimal.
2.5 放 (fàng) – To put, to place
Example:
请把书放在桌子上。
(Qǐng bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.)
Translation: Please put the book on the table.
Explanation: 放 is a verb meaning to place or put something. It’s a commonly used verb in daily instructions or requests.
2.6 会议 (huìyì) – Meeting
Example:
今天下午有一个重要的会议。
(Jīntiān xiàwǔ yǒu yīgè zhòngyào de huìyì.)
Translation: There is an important meeting this afternoon.
Explanation: 会议 means “meeting” or “conference.” It’s a necessary word for discussing work-related or formal gatherings.
2.7 忙 (máng) – Busy
Example:
最近我很忙，没时间出去玩。
(Zuìjìn wǒ hěn máng, méi shíjiān chūqù wán.)
Translation: I’ve been very busy lately, and I haven’t had time to go out.
Explanation: 忙 is an adjective used to describe a person who is busy or occupied with tasks. It’s common in discussions about work or daily schedules.
2.8 奇怪 (qíguài) – Strange, odd
Example:
今天的天气很奇怪，一会儿冷，一会儿热。
(Jīntiān de tiānqì hěn qíguài, yīhuìr lěng, yīhuìr rè.)
Translation: Today’s weather is strange; it’s cold one moment and hot the next.
Explanation: 奇怪 is used to describe something unusual or out of the ordinary. It’s often used in everyday conversation to express surprise.
2.9 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) – Bathroom, restroom
Example:
请问，洗手间在哪里？
(Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)
Translation: Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Explanation: 洗手间 is a formal word for bathroom or restroom. It’s essential for traveling or when asking for directions in public places.
2.10 司机 (sījī) – Driver
Example:
司机已经在楼下等你了。
(Sījī yǐjīng zài lóuxià děng nǐ le.)
Translation: The driver is already waiting for you downstairs.
Explanation: 司机 is the word for driver, commonly used when discussing transportation or rides.
3. Expanding Your HSK3 Vocabulary
To succeed in the HSK3 exam, it’s crucial to consistently expand your vocabulary and practice using new words in sentences. Here are some tips to help you grow your word bank:
3.1 Make Flashcards
Flashcards remain one of the best ways to memorize vocabulary. Create flashcards for each new word with both the Chinese character and pinyin, and practice reviewing them regularly.
3.2 Write Sample Sentences
Writing out sample sentences is a great way to practice both vocabulary and sentence structure. Use the words you’re learning in different contexts to solidify their meanings.
3.3 Engage in Conversations
Try speaking with native Chinese speakers or language partners to practice the new vocabulary in real-life situations. Conversations help you internalize the meaning and use of words more effectively.
3.4 Enroll in Structured Classes
If you want more structured learning, join a language course. The LC Chinese School in Oslo offers flexible classes that can help you improve your vocabulary and prepare for HSK3.
4. Conclusion
Mastering high-frequency words is key to success in the HSK3 exam. The vocabulary list provided in this article offers a strong foundation for the exam and for everyday conversations in Chinese. By continuously practicing these words and applying them in context, you’ll be well on your way to achieving greater fluency.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of Chinese and prepare for HSK exams, structured learning through the LC Chinese School in Oslo can provide the support you need.
