Top HSK Grammar Points You Must Know for Each Level
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Time to read 4 min
When preparing for the HSK exam, most learners start with vocabulary lists. But what really makes a difference in communication is grammar. Without it, you can only throw words together and hope someone understands. With it, you can express yourself clearly and pass every section of the exam with confidence.
This guide will walk you through the most important HSK grammar points for each level. You’ll see how grammar patterns grow in complexity as you move from HSK 1 through HSK 6, along with examples to help you remember them.
Why Grammar Matters in the HSK Exam
Vocabulary helps you recognize words, but grammar is what allows you to build sentences, understand reading passages, and write short essays. The listening section also relies heavily on grammar awareness—if you miss a particle or structure, you may misunderstand the whole sentence.
As Linguapath explains, focusing on grammar patterns makes the HSK easier because the test recycles the same structures at every level. Once you learn them, you’ll see them everywhere.
Key HSK Grammar Points by Level
HSK 1 – Building Simple Sentences
At the first level, grammar focuses on the absolute basics.
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Word order (SVO): Subject + Verb + Object.
我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) – I love you.
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Using 是 (shì): To be.
他是老师 (tā shì lǎoshī) – He is a teacher.
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Negation with 不 (bù):
我不是学生 (wǒ bú shì xuéshēng) – I am not a student.
These simple structures are the foundation of all future grammar.
HSK 2 – Describing Time and Ability
By HSK 2, you start using tenses and modal verbs.
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Expressing ability with 会 (huì):
我会说汉语 (wǒ huì shuō hànyǔ) – I can speak Chinese.
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Aspect particle 了 (le): Indicates a completed action.
我买了书 (wǒ mǎi le shū) – I bought a book.
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Comparisons with 比 (bǐ):
今天比昨天冷 (jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng) – Today is colder than yesterday.
For a useful practice list, check out HSK Academy’s grammar guide, which explains beginner structures step by step.
HSK 3 – Expanding Sentences
At this level, sentences become longer and more descriptive.
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Progressive action with 着 (zhe):
他笑着说 (tā xiào zhe shuō) – He said while smiling.
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Resultative complements: Show the result of an action.
我听懂了 (wǒ tīng dǒng le) – I understood (from listening).
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Expressing experiences with 过 (guò):
我去过中国 (wǒ qù guò Zhōngguó) – I have been to China.
The Chinese Zero to Hero HSK 3 grammar course provides interactive examples of these points.
Want to dive deeper into intermediate structures? This 19-minute lesson covers nine essential HSK 3 grammar points, with practical examples to keep it memorable.
HSK 4 – Expressing Conditions and Results
This level is where sentences begin to sound more natural and nuanced.
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如果…就 (rúguǒ…jiù): If… then.
如果下雨，我就不去 (rúguǒ xiàyǔ, wǒ jiù bú qù) – If it rains, I won’t go.
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把 (bǎ) construction: Emphasizes how an object is handled.
请把书给我 (qǐng bǎ shū gěi wǒ) – Please give me the book.
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Expressing frequency with 次 (cì):
我去过三次 (wǒ qù guò sān cì) – I’ve been there three times.
For deeper explanations, Yoyo Chinese has excellent breakdowns with videos and quizzes.
HSK 5 – Complex Clauses and Emphasis
At this level, you’re expected to read essays, short stories, and news articles. Grammar becomes more advanced.
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Passive voice with 被 (bèi):
他被老师批评了 (tā bèi lǎoshī pīpíng le) – He was criticized by the teacher.
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Even if… with 即使…也 (jíshǐ…yě):
即使很难，我也要试一试 (jíshǐ hěn nán, wǒ yě yào shì yī shì) – Even if it’s hard, I will try.
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Expressing “only if” with 只有…才 (zhǐyǒu…cái):
只有努力学习，才能成功 (zhǐyǒu nǔlì xuéxí, cáinéng chénggōng) – Only if you study hard can you succeed.
The Purple Culture HSK resources include full grammar lists for HSK 5 with examples.
HSK 6 – Advanced Conjunctions and Formality
At the top level, grammar points reflect academic and professional usage.
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Not only…but also with 不但…而且 (bùdàn…érqiě):
不但学生学习，而且老师也在学习 (bùdàn xuéshēng xuéxí, érqiě lǎoshī yě zài xuéxí) – Not only are the students studying, but the teachers are too.
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In order to with 为了 (wèile):
为了成功，他每天学习十个小时 (wèile chénggōng, tā měitiān xuéxí shí gè xiǎoshí) – In order to succeed, he studies ten hours a day.
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Advanced connectors like 尽管 (jǐnguǎn): “although.”
尽管很累，他还是继续工作 (jǐnguǎn hěn lèi, tā háishi jìxù gōngzuò) – Although tired, he kept working.
For structured lessons, GoEast Mandarin offers detailed guides for advanced grammar.
How to Master HSK Grammar Points
Focus on Patterns, Not Just Rules
Don’t just memorize—practice sentences until the patterns feel natural.
Write Daily Sentences
Pick one structure per day and write three sentences with it. This reinforces memory through active use.
If you want ready-made study tools to speed up your review, check out our VerbaCard Flashcards on Amazon. They’re designed to make vocabulary easier to remember with clear layouts and durable cards.
Listen and Repeat
The listening section becomes easier if you repeat sentences out loud. Hearing grammar structures builds familiarity.
Mix With Vocabulary Practice
Combine flashcards with grammar patterns. Example: make a card that says:
如果…就 – If… then.
Front: 如果下雨，我…
Back: 就不去.
This integration helps vocabulary stick in context.
From Grammar Rules to Real Communication
Mastering HSK grammar points isn’t just about passing an exam. It’s about gaining the ability to connect thoughts, tell stories, and communicate clearly in Chinese.
At first, structures may feel rigid. But as you move up levels, you’ll notice how patterns stack on each other—what you learned in HSK 1 is still there in HSK 6, only expanded.
With steady practice, grammar transforms from a set of rules into a natural rhythm of expression. That’s when you’ll see your Chinese fluency truly take off.
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