Flippio study guide illustration

Your HSK 1 Study Guide

Everything you need to know about the exam, how to use Flippio, and how to pass with Luna's help!

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What is HSK?

The HSK (汉语水平考试) is the official standardised Mandarin Chinese proficiency test. It is internationally recognised for university admissions, jobs, and visas.

There are 6 levels, from complete beginner (HSK 1) to near-native (HSK 6). Flippio currently covers HSK 1 in full.

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HSK Levels

LevelWordsLevelStatus
HSK 1500Beginner✓ Live
HSK 21,272ElementarySoon
HSK 32,245Pre-Int.Soon
HSK 41,000+IntermediateSoon
HSK 51,500+Upper Int.Soon
HSK 65,000+AdvancedSoon
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HSK 1 Exam Format

🎧 Listening — 100 pts

Part I · True/False5 Q
Part II · Word meaning5 Q
Part III · Match sentence5 Q
Part IV · Best response5 Q

📖 Reading — 100 pts

Part I · True/False5 Q
Part II · Match meaning5 Q
Part III · Fill blank10 Q
Total questions40
Pass score120 / 200
Time limit35 minutes
Pinyin shown?Yes — all chars
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How to Use Flippio

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Start with Flashcards. Learn all 500 characters. Tap 🔊 to hear them, reveal translation, mark ✓ or ✗ honestly.
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Practice by Topic. Use categories to focus on one area — Family, Food, Numbers etc. Both flashcard and quiz mode available.
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Listening. The word plays — pick the correct pinyin from 3 choices. Tests your ear.
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Speaking. See the character, say it aloud, record yourself. The app transcribes and you self-mark.
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Take the Exam. Full 35-minute simulation. Aim for 120+/200. Retake until you're confident!
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30-Day Study Plan

1

Days 1–7: Foundations

10–15 flashcards per day. Start with greetings, numbers and basic verbs.

2

Days 8–14: Listening

Add listening practice. Do topic categories by theme (Family, Food etc).

3

Days 15–21: Reading & Speaking

Add reading and speaking. Build confidence pronouncing characters aloud.

4

Days 22–30: Exam Prep

Review weak words. Take the full exam simulation. Aim for consistent 130+.

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Audio Setup

Flippio uses your device's text-to-speech for audio. Open in Google Chrome on Android for best results.

Android: Settings → General Management → Language → Text-to-speech → install Google Chinese voice.

iOS: Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content → Voices → Chinese (China).

Ready? 加油!

Start with flashcards, build your streak, and work up to the full exam. Luna believes in you!

Start Studying →