HSK 1 article

HSK 1 Graded Reading

HSK 1 Graded Reading

Simple Chinese stories for absolute beginners

Start reading real Chinese from your first level. These short HSK 1 readings help you recognize basic words, follow simple sentence patterns, and build confidence through pinyin, English support, audio, and sentence-by-sentence study.

Reading goal: understand the main idea first, then use one or two simple sentences to talk about yourself.
50readings
5topic sections
1free trial reading
HSK 1 / A1absolute beginner level

Should you start HSK 1 Graded Reading?

You can start here if you know pinyin, basic greetings, numbers, family words, common verbs, and simple sentence patterns like 是, 有, 在, 喜欢, 想, 要.

If the first few readings feel difficult, read with pinyin and English first. The goal is not to understand every character immediately, but to build reading confidence step by step.

How to study HSK 1 readings

Use these readings as short, repeatable practice. Read slowly, listen carefully, and finish by saying something simple about your own life.

1

Read the title and guess the topic

Use the Chinese and English title to predict what the text is about.

2

Listen once before reading

Catch familiar words and the general situation before looking closely.

3

Read with pinyin and English support

Use support when needed, then return to the Chinese text.

4

Study each sentence slowly

Notice word order, sentence patterns, and useful beginner phrases.

5

Say one or two sentences about yourself

Use the reading as a model for your own simple Chinese.

HSK 1 reading map

Browse by topic and choose the reading that fits your needs.

A. People & Family

Read about names, family members, classmates, partners, birthdays, and people around you.

A8我的弟弟妹妹

My Younger Brother and Younger Sister

Start reading

A11去看爷爷奶奶

Visiting Grandpa and Grandma

Start reading

B. Daily Life & School

Practice simple routines, school life, phone calls, busy days, classes, and home activities.

B11学校外边的小店

The Small Shop Outside School

Start reading

C. Food, Shopping & Places

Read short texts about stores, restaurants, fruit, meals, clothes, supermarkets, and common places.

C4早饭、午饭和晚饭

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start reading

C10下午去超市

Going to the Supermarket in the Afternoon

Start reading

D. Weather, Health & Travel

Build confidence with weather, health, transportation, hospitals, routes, and simple travel scenes.

E. Objects, Media & Simple Stories

Work with phones, movies, computers, TV, books, and short beginner-friendly story situations.

Want to read with a real teacher?

Bring one reading to a private lesson and practice reading, pronunciation, and your own sentences.

Book a Private Lesson
Learn Chinese with Yuli

Start learning Chinese with confidence.

Join the membership for structured self-study, or book a private lesson for personalized guidance and speaking practice.

Become a Member Schedule Private Tutoring
Start in the way that fits you best.

Stay connected

Get weekly updates with new learning materials.

Follow me

Youtube
Instagram