HSK3: learn ten words at a time
When a word is new, open its help and listen to the example. On later visits, try recalling before opening help. Start with five to ten words and revisit tomorrow.
From the new HSK 3.0 word list. Every word here has an original Chinese example, English translation and pinyin. Try reading the example after recalling the word.
3 word entries · Batch 1 of 1
才
才 · cái
only then; not until, often suggesting later than expected
他九点才到学校。
tā jiǔ diǎn cái dào xué xiào。
Show English meaning
He did not arrive at school until nine.
Here, 才: only then; not until, often suggesting later than expected.
More course examples (may introduce later-level language)
我昨天十一点才到家。
Here, 才: not until. Learn this use in its lesson.
你才二十岁？
Here, 才: only. Learn this use in its lesson.
Dictionary senses and source
- only then; not until, often suggesting later than expected
- ability
- talent
- sb of a certain type
- a capable individual
- then and only then
- just now
- (before an expression of quantity) only
- (variant of 才[cai2]) just now
- (variant of 才[cai2]) (before an expression of quantity) only
Original teaching usage; additional dictionary senses from CC-CEDICT; official sense numbers are not assigned automatically. Official entry 544, syllabus PDF page 93. Dictionary reading comparison: exact. Numbered senses in the official inventory are not assigned from the dictionary automatically.
Try saying or writing a short sentence with this word. Check the intended meaning, its position and the surrounding words; recall alone does not establish correct usage.
Rate the attempt you made before opening help. For a new word, choose “Review again” and try recalling it later.
刚才
刚才 · gāngcái
just now; a short time ago
刚才是谁给你打电话？
gāng cái shì shuí gěi nǐ dǎ diàn huà？
Show English meaning
Who called you just now?
Here, 刚才: just now; a short time ago.
More course examples (may introduce later-level language)
刚才我在车站。
Here, 刚才: a moment ago. Learn this use in its lesson.
刚才他在这儿。
Here, 刚才: a moment ago. Learn this use in its lesson.
Dictionary senses and source
- just now; a short time ago
- just now
- a moment ago
- just now (variant of 剛才|刚才[gang1 cai2])
Original teaching usage; additional dictionary senses from CC-CEDICT; official sense numbers are not assigned automatically. Official entry 642, syllabus PDF page 96. Dictionary reading comparison: exact. Numbered senses in the official inventory are not assigned from the dictionary automatically.
Try saying or writing a short sentence with this word. Check the intended meaning, its position and the surrounding words; recall alone does not establish correct usage.
Rate the attempt you made before opening help. For a new word, choose “Review again” and try recalling it later.
只有
只有 · zhǐyǒu
only; introduces a necessary condition in 只有……才…… statements
只有多练习，才能提高水平。
zhǐ yǒu duō liàn xí， cái néng tí gāo shuǐ píng。
Show English meaning
Only by practising more can you improve your level.
Here, 只有: only; introduces a necessary condition in 只有……才…… statements.
More course examples (may introduce later-level language)
只有努力，才能成功。
Here, 只有: only if. Learn this use in its lesson.
Dictionary senses and source
- only; introduces a necessary condition in 只有……才…… statements
- only have ...
- there is only ...
- (used in combination with 才[cai2]) it is only if one ... (that one can ...) (Example: 只有通過治療才能痊愈|只有通过治疗才能痊愈[zhi3 you3 tong1 guo4 zhi4 liao2 cai2 neng2 quan2 yu4] "the only way to cure it is with therapy")
- it is only ... (who ...) (Example: 只有男性才有此需要[zhi3 you3 nan2 xing4 cai2 you3 ci3 xu1 yao4] "only men would have such a requirement")
- (used to indicate that one has no alternative) one can only (do a certain thing) (Example: 只有屈服[zhi3 you3 qu1 fu2] "the only thing you can do is give in")
Original teaching usage; additional dictionary senses from CC-CEDICT; official sense numbers are not assigned automatically. Official entry 980, syllabus PDF page 104. Dictionary reading comparison: exact. Numbered senses in the official inventory are not assigned from the dictionary automatically.
Try saying or writing a short sentence with this word. Check the intended meaning, its position and the surrounding words; recall alone does not establish correct usage.
Rate the attempt you made before opening help. For a new word, choose “Review again” and try recalling it later.
About this word list
The index includes all 5,400 official HSK 3.0 entries across six levels. Different readings and official entries remain separate. Original teaching examples illustrate particular uses; additional dictionary senses are reference support. This does not establish complete syllabus teaching or exam readiness.
Use example pinyin with the audio. 一 and 不 can change tone in ordinary speech; revisit tone changes if these sound different. 儿 can join the preceding syllable, as in huìr.
Definitions adapted from CC-CEDICT, CC BY-SA 4.0. Original teaching examples retain their course-reference attribution. Self-review is saved on this device; writing is not uploaded.