The HSK 3.0 handwriting list
Published 2026-10-31 · sources last checked 31 October 2026 · counts read from the official HSK 3.0 syllabus data
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Recognizing a character means knowing it when you read it. Writing it means producing it yourself, stroke by stroke. The syllabus asks for the second skill on fewer characters, which makes the handwriting list a useful place to focus practice.
How many at each level
| HSK 3.0 | New to recognize | New to write | To write, in total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 246 | — (see level 2) | 0 |
| Level 2 | 125 | 100 | 100 |
| Level 3 | 284 | 150 | 250 |
| Level 4 | 441 | 150 | 400 |
| Level 5 | 431 | 150 | 550 |
| Level 6 | 413 | 150 | 700 |
| Levels 7–9 | 1,148 | 500 | 1,200 |
The syllabus prints the first handwriting list as "HSK（一级）~（二级）书写字", one list for both levels, so this site shows it on the level 2 page.
How to practice the list
Each level page lists its characters to write; tap one to open its dictionary entry, which animates the stroke order. Print the characters on 田字格 practice sheets, and check your stroke order on the handwriting tool, which also has a stroke-order drill. A few characters a day, written from memory, goes further than copying a long list once.
Check yourself: 5 questions
Pick an answer to see the explanation. Nothing is saved or sent.
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By the end of HSK 3.0 level 2, is this character one to write by hand, or to recognize only?不It is on the levels 1–2 handwriting list, so you should be able to write it.
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By the end of HSK 3.0 level 2, is this character one to write by hand, or to recognize only?床It is a level 1–2 character to recognize; it is not on the levels 1–2 handwriting list.
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By the end of HSK 3.0 level 2, is this character one to write by hand, or to recognize only?本It is a level 1–2 character to recognize; it is not on the levels 1–2 handwriting list.
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By the end of HSK 3.0 level 2, is this character one to write by hand, or to recognize only?爸It is on the levels 1–2 handwriting list, so you should be able to write it.
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By the end of HSK 3.0 level 2, is this character one to write by hand, or to recognize only?的It is on the levels 1–2 handwriting list, so you should be able to write it.
Next step
Open the HSK 3.0 Level 2 word list: every word with pinyin, English and audio, plus that level's characters and grammar points.
Studied for HSK 2.0? Paste your word list into the HSK 3.0 level checker to see which words moved up, moved down or left the syllabus.
More on HSK 3.0
Sources
- 中文水平考试 HSK 考试大纲 (Syllabus for the Chinese Proficiency Test), Center for Language Education and Cooperation, published 2025-11, in effect 2026-07 (PDF), accessed 2026-10-31.
Word, character and grammar counts are read from our copy of the syllabus data every time this page is built. Explanations are our own. ThePureLanguage is an independent learning site, not affiliated with or endorsed by CLEC, CTI or any exam body; HSK is a trademark of its owner.
Every HSK page on this site
The new HSK 3.0 standard, the HSK 2.0 lists, practice tests and study tools, all free.
HSK 3.0 (new standard)
- HSK hub: old and new lists
- HSK 3.0 level 1 words
- HSK 3.0 level 2 words
- HSK 3.0 level 3 words
- HSK 3.0 level 4 words
- HSK 3.0 level 5 words
- HSK 3.0 level 6 words
- HSK 3.0 levels 7–9 words
- HSK 3.0 level checker
- My level, new list (2.0 → 3.0)
- HSK exam countdown planner