HSK 3 · For those with foundation
HSK 3 Vocabulary
Crossing the intermediate threshold
After becoming familiar with the most basic words and expanding vocabulary to familiar situations, Chinese learners will reach another stage: where vocabulary not only helps you name things, but also helps you express thoughts, emotions, and more complex ideas. The HSK 3 vocabulary is positioned at exactly this transition point.
Who is this set for?
For those who have passed the familiarization phase and are ready to go further
You can recognize the characters of hundreds of common words. You can read simple sentences and understand the main points of short conversations. But when you want to say something a bit deeper—an emotion, a viewpoint, a story with a beginning and end—you realize your vocabulary is still insufficient.
You may be at a stage where learning new words is no longer the biggest challenge, but connecting them into natural expressions is. Or perhaps you've completed HSK 2 but feel like you're still hovering around very basic topics, unable to enter real conversations.
This vocabulary collection is for those who have a foundation and are looking to expand their expressive abilities, so that Chinese becomes not just a minimal communication tool but begins to become a means of self-expression.
进阶
About this learning set
What does HSK 3 mark in your Chinese learning journey?
HSK 3 is the third level in the HSK system, marking the transition from beginner to intermediate. With 968 vocabulary entries, this collection covers a significantly broader range than the previous two levels, including words related to work, study, health, environment, emotions, and more complex social relationships.
The position of HSK 3 is at the threshold where learners begin to approach longer texts, in-depth conversations, and situations requiring more nuanced expression. This is no longer the stage of learning words to survive in basic situations, but learning words to participate more actively in the language of daily life.
The content of this vocabulary reflects this expansion: alongside concrete and familiar words, learners will encounter more abstract words, words describing psychological states, more complex concepts of time and space, along with verbs and adjectives that allow for more detailed and precise descriptions of the world.
After completing this vocabulary collection, learners will have sufficient vocabulary to read and understand short articles, participate in conversations about daily life and work topics, and more importantly, have a solid foundation to continue advancing to HSK 4—where Chinese truly opens up rich and nuanced expressive possibilities.
What is special about the Matrix Hanzi dataset?
How Matrix Hanzi expands HSK 3
In Matrix Hanzi, each word in HSK 3 Vocabulary expands beyond Hanzi, pinyin, and meaning into a structured learning object.
One learning set, three experiences
Understand, revisit, and recall
The same five items appear across the three demos below.
01
First, look closely
Learn & Analyze
The first five words appear in a detailed list before memorization begins.
Meet the content differently
Let the explanation step aside
Understanding an item does not yet make it memorable.
Now recall it yourself
Recognition is not yet recall
Recognition differs from recalling without the answer in view.
One dataset, six learning modes
The three demos are only the doorway
The three embedded modes are only the direct preview of a six-mode system.
01Learn & Analyze
Observe and manage the dataset.
Explore → 02Flashcards & WritingLearn with images, Hanzi, pinyin, and audio.
Explore → 03Deep MemoryPractice focused recall.
Explore → 04Fast ReflexTrain retrieval speed.
Explore → 05Hanzi TypingType in longer contexts.
Explore → 06SpeakingListen, speak, and receive feedback.
Explore →Continue when you are ready
Five items are only a small doorway
Five items do not represent the whole HSK 3 Vocabulary, but they reveal how Matrix Hanzi turns one dataset into multiple learning paths.
Continue with HSK 3 Vocabulary when you are ready
You do not need to complete HSK 3 Vocabulary in one sitting.
A large learning set still begins with a few items worth meeting again.
Data preview
First 5 words in HSK 3 Vocabulary
These are the first 5 words of this dataset — exactly the entries the learning modes below will load.
1
安心
Reassured
Verb · HSK 3
Having a roof (安) and a heart (心) at peace means feeling reassured.
Compounds: 安安心心 (Reassured, comfortable) · 不安心 (Not reassured)
你放心吧，我会安心工作的。Rest assured, I will work with peace of mind.
2
安排
Arrange, set up
Verb · HSK 3
Use your hands (排) to arrange everything so it is peaceful (安).
Compounds: 安排时间 (Arrange time) · 工作安排 (Work arrangement)
老师安排我们明天考试。The teacher arranged for us to take an exam tomorrow.
3
安装
Install, mount
Verb · HSK 3
Install (装) to make it secure and stable (安) in place.
Compounds: 安装软件 (Install software) · 安装空调 (Install air conditioning)
他正在安装新的电脑系统。He is installing a new computer system.
4
按
Press, push, click
Verb · HSK 3
Use your hand (扌) to press down to make it calm (安).
Compounds: 按钮 (Button) · 按时 (On time)
请按这个按钮。Please press this button.
5
按照
According to, based on
Preposition · HSK 3
Press (按) according to the light (照) to follow correctly.
Compounds: 按照规定 (According to regulations) · 按照计划 (According to plan)
请按照说明书操作。Please operate according to the instruction manual.