Read Mandarin at your level
Chinese reading practice
Short original passages from HSK 1–7, with pinyin above every word, a translation and a vocabulary list. Turn the supports off whenever you want to test yourself.
124original passages
HSK 1–7HSK levels
7reading levels
2study supports: pinyin + translation
Find your next reading
Filter by level, subject, format and reading history. Your read state stays in this browser.
HSK 1 20 passages
- 我的一天My dayEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about an ordinary day: getting up, school, and going home.
- 我的家My familyEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage introducing a family of four and what they do.
- 去商店Going to the shopEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about buying a cup and some fruit with Mum.
- 今天的天气Today's weatherEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about the weather, a walk, and rain in the afternoon.
- 我的学校My schoolEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage describing a big school with a library and a shop.
- 我的朋友My friendRelationshipsEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about a good friend called Xiaoming.
- 我的房间My roomEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage describing a small but tidy room.
- 去饭店At the restaurantEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about lunch at a restaurant with Dad.
- 我的老师My teacherWork and studyEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about a Chinese teacher the class likes.
- 坐车去机场To the airportTravelEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about a bus ride to the airport.
- 我的手机My phoneTechnologyEveryday accountA short HSK 1 passage about a new phone and how it is used.
- 我想找房子Finding a new homeTravelGuideFinding a home 1/3A beginner passage about looking for a new home near school, with the words you need for rent and moving.
- 自我介绍Introducing myselfEveryday lifeEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 1/8A first HSK 1 passage: name, school and friends — the sentences you need on day one.
- 我的猫和狗My cat and dogEveryday lifeEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 2/8A very short HSK 1 passage about the two animals at home and what they do all day.
- 我的汉语课My Chinese classWork and studyEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 3/8A first-week HSK 1 passage about a Chinese lesson: listening, writing characters and lunch.
- 我买衣服Buying clothesEveryday lifeEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 4/8A simple HSK 1 shopping passage: sizes, prices, and picking one piece of clothing.
- 我的一个星期My weekWork and studyEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 5/8An HSK 1 passage about a week: classes on weekdays, friends and sleep at the weekend.
- 我们班Our classWork and studyEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 6/8An HSK 1 passage from the classroom: how many students, where they come from, and lunch.
- 我爱吃水果I love fruitEveryday lifeEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 7/8A short HSK 1 passage about fruit at home: what is good, what is expensive, and who likes it.
- 我家的饭Dinner at homeEveryday lifeEveryday accountYour first weeks in Chinese 8/8An HSK 1 passage about dinner at home: rice, eggs, tea and the things a family says.
HSK 2 30 passages
- 周末The weekendEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about a weekend trip to the park and a meal at a restaurant.
- 学汉语Learning ChineseWork and studyEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about learning Chinese for a year and what helped most.
- 我的工作My jobWork and studyEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about commuting to the office, meetings and busy but happy days.
- 一件小事A small thingRelationshipsStoryA short HSK 2 passage about a phone that seemed lost and turned up in the room.
- 天气变冷了The weather turned coldEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about the first really cold days of winter.
- 我的爱好My hobbyEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about taking photos at the weekend.
- 去医院At the hospitalHealthStoryA short HSK 2 passage about feeling unwell and seeing a doctor.
- 送礼物A birthday presentRelationshipsStoryA short HSK 2 passage about choosing a present for a friend's birthday.
- 电脑坏了The computer brokeTechnologyStoryA short HSK 2 passage about a computer that stopped working.
- 周末的计划Weekend plansTravelEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about making plans to climb a mountain.
- 学做中国菜Cooking Chinese foodCultureEveryday accountA short HSK 2 passage about learning to cook a simple Chinese dish.
- 我想点外卖Ordering takeoutTechnologyStoryOrdering takeout 1/3A beginner passage about ordering food on your phone on a rainy day instead of going out.
- 我和朋友去银行A trip to the bankTravelStoryAt the bank 1/3A beginner passage about queueing at a busy bank with a friend and then going to eat together.
- 坐地铁去上班The metro to workTravelEveryday accountTaking the metro 1/3A beginner passage about the daily metro commute: the walk, the crowds and the music on the way.
- 我在网上买东西Buying things onlineTechnologyEveryday accountShopping online 1/3A beginner passage about ordering clothes online, waiting for the parcel and being happy with the size.
- 我去看病A visit to the doctorHealthEveryday accountGoing to the doctor 1/3A beginner passage about feeling unwell, going to hospital with your mother and getting some medicine.
- 我打车去机场A taxi to the airportTravelEveryday accountGetting to the airport 1/3A beginner passage about calling a car on your phone to catch a flight when time is short.
- 我早上运动Morning exerciseHealthEveryday accountBuilding an exercise habit 1/3A beginner passage about running in the park before work, playing basketball with friends and sleeping well.
- 我的新朋友My new friendRelationshipsStoryMaking and keeping friends 1/3A beginner passage about meeting someone new, eating together every day and spending weekends in the park.
- 我去理发A haircutCultureEveryday accountAt the barber’s 1/3A beginner passage about telling the barber you want it shorter, and being happy with the result.
- 我请朋友吃饭Dinner is on meCultureEveryday accountInviting and paying 1/3A beginner passage about taking a friend out for a birthday meal and who pays at the end.
- 我给妈妈打电话Calling my motherTechnologyEveryday accountEveryday phone calls 1/3A beginner passage about a phone that nobody answers, a dead battery and a long call afterwards.
- 我迷路了I got lostTravelEveryday accountFinding the way 1/3A beginner passage about getting lost without a map, asking an old man the way and finding the station.
- 春夏秋冬The four seasonsEveryday lifeEveryday accountSeasons and weather 1/3A beginner passage about the four seasons: warm flowers, hot parks, cool leaves and cold snow.
- 洗衣机坏了Broken machineTechnologyStoryWhen something breaks 1/3A beginner passage about a washing machine that stops mid-load, a phone call and a cheap repair.
- 在图书馆At the libraryWork and studyEveryday accountEveryday errands 1/5An HSK 2 passage about borrowing a book: a quiet room, a helpful stranger and reading at home.
- 订酒店Booking a hotelTravelStoryEveryday errands 2/5An HSK 2 travel passage: booking a hotel by phone, the price, and where it is.
- 买火车票Buying a train ticketTravelStoryEveryday errands 3/5An HSK 2 station passage: asking about times, prices, and getting the ticket you wanted.
- 用手机付钱Paying by phoneTechnologyEveryday accountEveryday errands 4/5An HSK 2 passage about everyday life in China: paying with a phone instead of cash.
- 请人帮忙Asking for helpRelationshipsEveryday accountEveryday errands 5/5An HSK 2 passage about a broken bike, a helpful friend and a cup of tea in return.
HSK 3 22 passages
- 搬家Moving houseSociety and cityStoryA short HSK 3 passage about moving to a new home that is closer to the office.
- 旅行的计划Travel plansTravelStoryA short HSK 3 passage about a trip south, a train ticket and plans to climb a mountain.
- 帮助别人Helping othersRelationshipsStoryA short HSK 3 passage about helping an elderly man at the station carry heavy things.
- 第一次坐飞机My first flightTravelEveryday accountA short HSK 3 passage about a first plane trip and the clouds outside.
- 我的新工作My new jobWork and studyEveryday accountA short HSK 3 passage about changing jobs and liking the new office.
- 丢了钱包Losing my walletEveryday lifeStoryA short HSK 3 passage about a wallet that went missing and turned up in the library.
- 看电影的晚上At the cinemaEveryday lifeStoryA short HSK 3 passage about a film about a cat and a quiet cinema.
- 学骑自行车Learning to ride a bikeEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 3 passage about learning to ride a bicycle as a child.
- 一个小误会A misunderstandingRelationshipsStoryA short HSK 3 passage about a message that got no reply — and why.
- 冬天的早晨A winter morningEveryday lifeEveryday accountA short HSK 3 passage about a cold morning on the way to class.
- 朋友的生日A birthday partyRelationshipsStoryA short HSK 3 passage about a birthday party with many guests.
- 看房子Looking at an apartmentTravelStoryFinding a home 2/3An HSK 3 passage about answering an ad, meeting the landlord and deciding whether to take the place.
- 中国人请客Being hostedCultureStoryInviting and paying 2/3An HSK 3 passage about tables full of dishes, hosts who worry you are not full and the fight over the bill.
- 修还是买新的Repair or replace?TechnologyStoryWhen something breaks 2/3An HSK 3 passage about an old phone that keeps running out of battery, and the decision to repair it.
- 我的室友My roommateRelationshipsStoryA busy week 1/6An HSK 3 passage about living with a roommate: different habits, shared cooking and small quarrels.
- 加班Working overtimeWork and studyStoryA busy week 2/6An HSK 3 passage about a busy week at work: overtime, a late morning and a tired body.
- 考试前Before an examWork and studyStoryA busy week 3/6An HSK 3 passage about exam week: revising, sleeping late and a classmate's encouragement.
- 改时间Changing plansEveryday lifeStoryA busy week 4/6An HSK 3 passage about rearranging a cinema plan, and why a small change is not a problem.
- 我的邻居My neighbourCultureStoryA busy week 5/6An HSK 3 passage about an elderly neighbour: tea, a forgotten key and lessons in cooking.
- 找东西Finding a lost thingEveryday lifeStoryA busy week 6/6An HSK 3 passage about a lost phone: searching the room, calling the library, and where it was.
- 追电视剧Watching a TV dramaTechnologyStoryPeople around us 1/7NewAn HSK 3 passage about a drama everyone is following and the half hour it adds to the week.
- 当一天志愿者A day as a volunteerSociety and cityStoryPeople around us 2/7NewAn HSK 3 passage about a school volunteer day: groups, streets, rain, and one bottle of water.
HSK 4 19 passages
- 外卖迟到了The takeout was lateTechnologyStoryOrdering takeout 2/3An HSK 4 passage about an order that takes far longer than promised, and what the rider says.
- 在银行换钱Changing moneyTravelStoryAt the bank 2/3An HSK 4 passage about changing money before a trip abroad, including the form you have to fill in.
- 坐错了方向The wrong directionTravelStoryTaking the metro 2/3An HSK 4 passage about boarding the metro while looking at your phone and ending up at work late.
- 买错了尺码The wrong sizeTechnologyStoryShopping online 2/3An HSK 4 passage about an online order that looked good in the photos but arrived the wrong size.
- 发烧了A feverHealthStoryGoing to the doctor 2/3An HSK 4 passage about registering online, waiting at the hospital and getting an injection.
- 路上堵车了Stuck in trafficTravelStoryGetting to the airport 2/3An HSK 4 passage about a taxi that stops moving in the morning rush, and the metro ride that saves the day.
- 我家的小狗Our little dogRelationshipsStoryLiving with pets 1/2An HSK 4 passage about bringing home a puppy, walking and washing it, and learning to take responsibility.
- 春节回家Spring FestivalCultureEveryday accountChinese festivals 1/2An HSK 4 passage about the hardest ticket of the year, dumplings, red envelopes and a tiring holiday.
- 我去寄快递Sending a parcelTechnologyEveryday accountSending and receiving parcels 1/2An HSK 4 passage about packing a birthday present, weighing it at the post office and filling in the address.
- 第一次面试My first interviewWork and studyStoryGetting a job 1/2An HSK 4 passage about preparing a CV, wearing a white shirt and answering questions at a first interview.
- 开始健身Getting fitHealthStoryBuilding an exercise habit 2/3An HSK 4 passage about starting at the gym, listening to the coach and losing six kilos in three months.
- 一次误会A misunderstandingRelationshipsStoryMaking and keeping friends 2/3An HSK 4 passage about a message that was not answered in time, hurt feelings and talking it through.
- 理发店里的故事At the barber'sCultureStoryAt the barber’s 2/3An HSK 4 passage about a barber who talks too much, a silent customer and a very good haircut.
- 手机没有信号No signalTechnologyStoryEveryday phone calls 2/3An HSK 4 passage about three missed calls during a meeting, and a courier who went to the wrong building.
- 问路的说法Asking the wayTravelStoryFinding the way 2/3An HSK 4 passage on the phrases that work when asking directions in Chinese, and the three answers you will hear.
- 北京的四季Seasons in BeijingEveryday lifeEveryday accountSeasons and weather 2/3An HSK 4 passage on what each Beijing season feels like, and the one piece of clothing you always need.
- 我想退货I want to return itTechnologyStoryReturns and repairs 1/2An HSK 4 passage about a faulty pair of earphones, photos for the support agent and a refund in three days.
- 校运动会The school sports meetWork and studyStoryPeople around us 3/7NewAn HSK 4 passage about a sports meet: a month of training, a close final, and two first places.
- 小吃街The snack streetCultureStoryPeople around us 4/7NewAn HSK 4 passage about a snack street: cheap food, a generous owner, and a move nobody wants.
HSK 5 15 passages
- 外卖为什么这么快Why so fastTechnologyGuideOrdering takeout 3/3An HSK 5 passage on how takeout gets to your door so quickly in a Chinese city, and what it costs the riders.
- 地铁里的安静The quiet on the metroSociety and cityGuideTaking the metro 3/3An HSK 5 passage about rush hour on a Chinese metro: packed carriages, earphones and the seat announcement.
- 生病了不要自己乱吃药No self-medicatingHealthGuideGoing to the doctor 3/3An HSK 5 passage on why guessing your own medicine is risky, and when to go to hospital instead.
- 养宠物以前要想清楚Think firstRelationshipsGuideLiving with pets 2/2An HSK 5 passage on the decade-long commitment behind a cute kitten, and what it really costs.
- 为什么坚持运动这么难Sticking with itHealthGuideBuilding an exercise habit 3/3An HSK 5 passage on why good intentions about exercise fail, and how to build the habit instead.
- 怎么交中国朋友Making friendsRelationshipsGuideMaking and keeping friends 3/3An HSK 5 passage on making Chinese friends: starting with colleagues, eating together and joining activity groups.
- 季节和心情Weather and moodHealthEveryday accountSeasons and weather 3/3An HSK 5 passage on how sunshine, rainy spells and humid summers change the way people feel.
- 沟通Talking it throughWork and studyGuideLiving in the city 1/5An HSK 5 passage about a disagreement at work and a coffee that solved more than a meeting did.
- 城市生活成本Cost of city lifeSociety and cityGuideLiving in the city 2/5An HSK 5 passage about living costs in a big city and finding out where the money really goes.
- 环保习惯Green habitsRelationshipsGuideLiving in the city 3/5An HSK 5 passage about small environmental habits that add up, and why one person still matters.
- 网上的争论Online argumentsTechnologyGuideLiving in the city 4/5An HSK 5 passage about an argument in a comment section and what changed after one question.
- 一个人住Living aloneEveryday lifeEveryday accountLiving in the city 5/5An HSK 5 passage about the freedom and the chores of living alone, and the rules that helped.
- 机器人进工厂Robots in the factoryTechnologyGuidePeople around us 5/7NewAn HSK 5 passage about robots on a production line: how they learn a task, and what they cannot do.
- 夜里拍照Shooting at nightCultureStoryPeople around us 6/7NewAn HSK 5 passage about photographing a city at night: light, posture, and the patience it teaches.
- 小区的安全Neighbourhood safetySociety and cityGuidePeople around us 7/7NewAn HSK 5 passage about a dark corridor, cameras, and the small gesture that fixed a whole building.
HSK 6 16 passages
- 租房子要看清楚的事Reading the leaseSociety and cityGuideFinding a home 3/3An advanced passage on rental contracts: deposits, agency fees, utilities and getting your money back.
- 开一个银行账户Opening an accountSociety and cityGuideAt the bank 3/3An advanced passage on opening a local bank account, the paperwork involved and the first visit to the counter.
- 网购的评价要看清楚Read the reviewsTechnologyStoryShopping online 3/3An advanced passage on judging online listings by their reviews, photos and prices before you buy.
- 打车的时候要注意什么Taxi tipsSociety and cityGuideGetting to the airport 3/3An advanced passage on checking the plate, sharing your trip, watching the route and getting a receipt.
- 中秋节Mid-Autumn FestivalCultureStoryChinese festivals 2/2An advanced passage on the Mid-Autumn Festival: the full moon, mooncakes, lantern riddles and reunion.
- 快递送到了哪里Where's my parcel?TechnologyGuideSending and receiving parcels 2/2An advanced passage on parcels left at the door, locker pickups, and what to do when the box arrives damaged.
- 面试失败以后After a rejectionWork and studyStoryGetting a job 2/2An advanced passage about CVs that get no reply, a failed interview and what the applicant did next.
- 理发店里的沉默The quiet barberCultureGuideAt the barber’s 3/3An advanced passage on why a silent barber can be a relief, and how small talk is a cultural choice.
- AA制还是一起付Splitting the billCultureGuideInviting and paying 3/3An advanced passage on who pays in China: invitations, office lunches, AA and why asking is fine.
- 打电话的礼貌Phone mannersTechnologyGuideEveryday phone calls 3/3An advanced passage on asking whether it is a good time, keeping your voice down and replying to messages.
- 导航和问路Maps and askingTravelGuideFinding the way 3/3An advanced passage on what a map app cannot tell you, and how to ask for directions politely.
- 退货的规矩Return rulesTechnologyGuideReturns and repairs 2/2An advanced passage on seven-day no-reason returns in China: what is excluded and who pays the postage.
- 上门维修Repair at homeTechnologyGuideWhen something breaks 3/3An advanced passage on booking a repair visit, asking how you will be charged, and knowing when to replace instead.
- 品牌和设计师Brands and designersWork and studyGuideUnderstanding modern life 1/5NewAn HSK 6 passage about why brands hire designers, and the risk of changing a logo too often.
- 看懂体检报告Health check reportsHealthGuideUnderstanding modern life 2/5NewAn HSK 6 passage about what actually matters in a health report, and what a report cannot tell you.
- 网上的骗局Online scamsTechnologyGuideUnderstanding modern life 3/5NewAn HSK 6 passage about a message, a link and one rule: confirm first, transfer later.
HSK 7 2 passages
- 一块芯片的代价The cost of a chipTechnologyGuideUnderstanding modern life 4/5NewAn HSK 7 passage about what it takes to make a chip, from hundreds of steps to export rules.
- 买房前先算账Before buying a homeSociety and cityGuideUnderstanding modern life 5/5NewAn HSK 7 passage about deposits, housing-fund loans and the clauses that cost one friend 100,000 yuan.
A reading routine that sticks
How these passages work
- 01
Stay inside one level
Every passage is written to sit inside one HSK level: the build checks each word against the HSK 3.0 word list and reports how much of the text is within the level. Words above the level are listed separately as the handful of new words you are meant to pick up.
- 02
Connect words across the site
The pinyin is generated from the same data that powers the rest of the site, so the readings match the HSK word lists , the character pages and the pinyin chart . Words you do not know can be saved to your study list straight from the vocabulary list at the bottom of each passage.
- 03
Choose comfort over difficulty
Not sure where to start? Take a practice round first, or read one level below what you think you know — comfortable reading is what builds speed.
Original passages written for NihaoLearn, free to use for study with attribution.