ChineseGradedReader.com offers a collection of Chinese graded reader stories tailored specifically for learners at different HSK levels. Each story exclusively contains only vocabulary words from the HSK level it's written for. Unlike other graded readers, we strictly exclude any vocabulary from higher HSK levels, ensuring that you focus only on the words appropriate for your current level. All the stories are free, providing a fun and easy way to practice reading Mandarin.

How to Use Our Graded Reader Stories to Learn Chinese

  1. Read with Pinyin and Translation: Begin by reading the story with the pinyin and English translations (bottom of the page). Read aloud to help with memorization of the vocabulary. Your primary focus at this stage is to become more proficient with recognizing and reading Chinese words and building your vocabulary.
  2. Read Chinese without Pinyin: Next, read aloud the Chinese section at the top of the page without pinyin and English assistance. As you progress with your reading proficiency focus on getting the tones right and reading/speaking sentences with a good flow.
  3. Listen: For listening practice, focus on one line at a time. Play the audio version repeatedly until you can clearly understand each word. Start out by following the audio by reading the text. Once you have mastered that line, move on to the next one in the story. Your goal is to be able to listen to and understand each line without reading the Chinese words.
  4. Practice Speaking: Practice speaking using mirroring (also called parroting). As you play each line speak that line aloud afterwards. This will build confidence in speaking what you're learning. Your goal should be to mirror the audio, line by line, without looking at the Chinese characters.

Official HSK 2 Vocabulary List for Graded Reader Stories

HSK 2 Vocabulary List

Practice reading HSK 2 vocabulary through simple, easy-to-read graded stories. This page includes the complete official HSK 2 vocabulary list, with related stories for each word. Find the words you need more practice with and read the associated story to reinforce your understanding.

The Egg (鸡蛋) - an HSK 2 Graded Chinese Reader Story

The Egg (鸡蛋)

In this basic HSK 2 story, Xiaoming finds an egg (鸡蛋, jīdàn) on the table and asks his mom about it. Using only beginner-friendly vocabulary, this story helps learners practice 鸡蛋 while reinforcing basic Chinese sentence structures. Perfect for those looking to build confidence in reading Chinese!

HSK 3 Vocabulary List - For Graded Reader Stories

HSK 3 Vocabulary List

Expand your HSK 3 vocabulary through engaging and structured graded reader stories. This list provides the full HSK 3 vocabulary set, linking each word to a tailored story that you can read to become proficient in that word. Identify the words you want to master and read the linked stories to build your HSK 3 vocabulary.

小心! (Careful!) - An HSK 3 Chinese Graded Reader Story

小心! (Careful!)

Read this suspenseful story to learn the word 小心!” (xiǎoxīn), which means “to be careful.” Follow Xiao Fang as she navigates a mysterious and unsettling nighttime walk in the park, using caution at every turn to handle the unexpected sounds and shadows that emerge.

Don’t! (别) - HSK 2 Graded Chinese Reader Story

Don’t! (别)

This narrative focuses on the versatile Chinese word ” (bié), which means “don’t,” demonstrating its use in everyday commands and prohibitions. Readers are encouraged to read the story aloud and repeatedly to master “,” making it a natural part of their conversational Chinese.

New Clothes (新 衣服, 裤子) - HSK 3 Chinese Graded Reader

New Clothes (新 衣服)

Boost your Chinese skills with “ 衣服” (New Clothes), an HSK 3 story focusing on clothing vocabulary. Master terms like 衬衫 (chènshān) “shirt,” 裤子 (kùzi) “pants,” 帽子 (màozi) “hat,” and 皮鞋 (píxié) “leather shoes,” while also learning common descriptors such as 舒服 (shūfu) “comfortable” and (duǎn) “short.”

Fresh Fruit (新鲜 的 水果) - HSK 3 Graded Reader Story

Fresh Fruit (新鲜 的 水果)

In this HSK 3 graded reader story, 新鲜 (xīnxiān), meaning “fresh”, is introduced through a simple narrative. The story provides context for this key vocabulary word, helping learners understand and remember its usage effectively.

办公室 的 一天 (A Day in the Office) - HSK 3 Story

A Day at the Office (办公室 的 一天)  

With this HSK 3 story, you’ll get practice with the Chinese word 办公室 (bàngōngshì), which means “office.” Using it in different contexts in the story will reinforce its meaning. Seeing the word repeatedly in a natural setting strengthens vocabulary retention and comprehension.

What are You Doing? (在做什么) - HSK 2 Story

What are You Doing? (正在做什么)

In this HSK 2 graded reader, you will learn how to use the word 正在 (zhèngzài), which means “currently” or “in the process of.” This story provides simple examples to help you grasp how 正在 is used to describe ongoing actions in Chinese.

Let’s Go (走吧) - An HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Let’s Go (走吧)

走吧 (zǒu ba), meaning “let’s go,” is a key phrase for HSK 2 students learning Chinese. It’s commonly used to suggest leaving or moving on, helping you sound more natural in conversation. Mastering **走吧** is a great way to improve your everyday Chinese.

It's Near, So Enter (近了,就进) - An HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

It’s Near, So Enter (近了,就进)

This HSK 2 story helps you learn two key words in Chinese: (jìn), meaning “near,” and (jìn), meaning “to enter.” Pay attention to how they are used, and strengthen your understanding as you read. Enjoy the story and enhance your Chinese language skills!

I Don't Understand (我不懂) - an HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

I Don’t Understand (我不懂)

In this story, a guy struggles to understand why his girlfriend is upset. It’s a fun way to see how the word (dǒng), meaning “to understand,” is used in everyday situations when communication breaks down!

Who Knows? (谁 知道) - An HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Who Knows? (谁 知道)

In this HSK 2 story, you’ll practice using the word 知道 (zhīdào), which means “to know.” It’s a key word for daily conversations. Focus on how it’s used in simple questions and answers. Enjoy reading!

Got Milk? (有 牛奶 吗?) - An HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Got Milk? (有 牛奶 吗?)

This short story helps HSK 2 students learn the word 牛奶 (niúnǎi), meaning milk. Inspired by the famous “Got Milk?” commercial, it offers a fun and simple way to practice Chinese.

What Are You Asking? (你 问 什么?) - HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

What Are You Asking? (你 问 什么?)

In this HSK 2 story, you’ll practice the word (wèn), which means “to ask.” You’ll see how is used in different ways, from asking questions to making requests. Follow along as 李明 (Lǐ Míng) tries to ask 小红 (Xiǎo Hóng) to lunch.

Thank You (谢谢 你) - HSK 1 Graded Reader Story

Thank You (谢谢 你)

This HSK 1 graded reader story is designed to help you practice the word 谢谢 (xièxie), which means “thank you.” As a beginner Chinese language student, you’ll see this word used in different situations, making it a great way to reinforce your understanding and improve your vocabulary.

My Hobby (我的 爱好) - HSK 3 Graded Reader Story

My Hobby (我的 爱好)

In this story, 我的爱好 (My Hobby), you’ll practice the word 爱好 (àihào) which means “hobby” while learning Chinese through a simple narrative. The story introduces key HSK 3 vocabulary related to nature and activities, helping you gradually learn Chinese step by step.

The Menu (菜单) - an HSK 3 Graded Reader Story

The Menu (菜单)

In this story, you’ll learn the important HSK 3 word 菜单 (càidān), meaning “menu.” Knowing how to read and say this word is key when visiting restaurants in Chinese-speaking areas. As you follow the characters ordering food, you’ll see how 菜单 is used naturally in conversation.

Saturday in the Park (公园 里 的 星期六) - HSK 3 Graded Reader Story

Saturday in the Park (公园 里 的 星期六)

This story helps HSK 3 students expand their Chinese vocabulary with two key words: 公园 (park) and 洗手间 (restroom). The sentences are simple, making it easy to practice reading while reinforcing these new terms. Enjoy this fun story as you continue to improve your Chinese skills!

Hurry Up! (快点) - HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Hurry Up! (快点)

In this story, you’ll learn how to use the phrase (kuài diǎn), which means “hurry up,” in everyday situations. It’s a simple yet useful expression that will help you sound more natural as you learn Chinese.

Wait a Moment (等 一下) - HSK 2 Chinese Graded Reader Story

Wait a Moment (等 一下)

In this HSK 2 story, you’ll practice using 一下 (děng yīxià), which means “wait a moment.” Notice how it’s used in different contexts, and by the end, you’ll feel confident using it in your own conversations!

Just One (就 一个) - An HSK 2 Story

Just One (就 一个)

Just One (就一个) is a story about a girl who finds happiness from within. Through simple daily moments, the story helps you learn the versatile Chinese word (jiù), which means “just” or “then.” The story uses simple, repeated phrases to help you naturally strengthen your understanding of . Perfect for HSK 2 students looking to strengthen their Chinese skills.

The Beginning (开始) - Chinese HSK 2 Reader Story

The Beginning (开始)

In “The Beginning (开始)”, you’ll follow someone starting a new chapter in life and learn the word 开始 (kāishǐ), meaning “beginning” and “to start.” The story uses simple, repeated phrases to help you strengthen your understanding of this key word in a natural way.

No Problem (没 问题) - HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

No Problem (没 问题)

The phrase 问题 (méi wèntí), meaning “No Problem,” is common in everyday Chinese conversations. As you learn Chinese at the HSK 2 level, this story will help you see how it’s used in different situations, making you more confident in using it in conversation.

She's Wrong - HSK 2 Story for 希望 (xīwàng)

She’s Wrong (她 错了)

This story helps you practice the word 希望 (xīwàng), meaning “to hope.” As an HSK 2 learner, you’ll see 希望 used throughout the text. The title, “She’s Wrong,” is a fun way to remind you of the word’s pronunciation, as 希望 sounds a bit like “she’s wrong”.

Fast and Slow (快 和 慢) - HSK 2 Story

Fast and Slow (快和慢)

In this story, you’ll work with the HSK 2 words (kuài) meaning “fast” and (màn) meaning “slow,” along with key verbs 跑步 (pǎobù) for “to run” and (zǒu) for “to walk.” It shows how these common words are used in daily situations. By practicing with this story, you’ll become more confident in using them as you continue learning Chinese.

Buy and Sell (买 和 卖): HSK 2 Reader

Buy and Sell (买 和 卖)

These two words, (mǎi) and (mài), look and sound alike but have different tones and meanings. In this HSK 2 story, you’ll train your ears to hear the tone difference and your eyes to recognize the subtle difference between the Simplified Chinese characters, helping you improve your reading and pronunciation.

Happy Birthday (生日 快乐) - HSK 2 Mandarin Graded Reader Story

Happy Birthday (生日 快乐)

Learn to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese with this simple story. You’ll practice two key words: 快乐 (kuàilè) for “happy” and 生日 (shēngrì) for “birthday.” Read it a few times, then listen to the audio until you can confidently say and understand these words. Enjoy building your Chinese skills as you go!

The Exam (考试) - HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

The Exam (考试)

In this story, you’ll focus on the word 考试 (kǎoshì), which means both “exam” and “test.” It’s an important word in HSK 2 vocabulary and is commonly used in everyday situations. By reading this story, you’ll see how 考试 fits naturally into sentences, helping you remember and use it with confidence in your own conversations.

I'm Very Busy (我 很 忙) - An HSK 2 Reader Story

I’m Very Busy (我 很 忙)

In this story, you’ll learn the word (máng), which means “busy.” As an HSK 2 student, it’s an important word for describing your day and asking about others. Phrases like are useful in daily conversations, helping you sound more natural as you learn Chinese.

The New Airport (新 机场) - HSK 2 Reader Story

The New Airport (新 机场)

This story helps you practice key travel words like 机场 (jīchǎng), 公共汽车 (gōnggòng qìchē), and 火车站 (huǒchēzhàn). With simple sentences, it’s easy to follow and perfect for building vocabulary while keeping learning fun. Great for HSK 2 or just improving your Chinese!

My Family 我的家人 - An HSK 2 Reader Story

My Family (我的家人)

This story, titled 我的 家人 (Wǒ de jiārén), is designed to help you practice important family vocabulary. With common words at the HSK 2 level and simple sentence structures, it’s an easy and effective way for you to improve your Chinese reading skills.

Hello (你好, Nǐ hǎo) - Chinese Graded Reader Story HSK 1

Hello (你好)

This should be your first graded reader story if you’re a beginner learning Chinese. It focuses on essential HSK 1 vocabulary, introducing the key phrase 你好 (Nǐ hǎo), which means “hello.” This simple and common expression makes this story an ideal starting point for your Chinese learning journey.

Hotel Stay (住宾馆): HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Hotel Stay (住宾馆)

This HSK 2 story helps you learn key words like 宾馆 (bīnguǎn) for “hotel,” 房间 (fángjiān) for “room,” 右边 (yòubiān) for “right side,” and 左边 (zuǒbiān) for “left side.” Follow a fun story about a cat and a dog staying in a hotel to practice these words.

Black and White (黑和白) - Chinese HSK 2 graded reader song.

Black and White (黑和白)

This easy-to-read song, inspired by “Black & White” by Three Dog Night, is designed specifically to help you learn the words (hēi) and (bái). Its simple structure makes practicing these key HSK 2 words fun and effective. Singing along will strengthen your vocabulary and boost your confidence in reading Chinese.

How to read HSK graded reader stories.

How to Read Chinese Graded Reader Stories

This guide helps you approach reading Chinese graded reader stories by defining six levels for reading, each with its own purpose. Starting with character recognition and progressing to sentence mastery, you’ll build your skills step-by-step, ensuring consistent progress and a solid foundation in the language.

Too Expensive 太贵了! HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

Too  Expensive (太贵了)

This story is ideal for HSK 2 students to practice the word “ (guì),” which means “expensive,” and the phrase “太贵了 (tài guì le),” meaning “too expensive.” By seeing “” in different contexts, you’ll become more familiar with discussing prices and understanding when something costs too much, helping you gain confidence in everyday conversations.

Nice to Meet You! HSK 1 Chinese Reader Story

See You Tomorrow (明天见)

This story introduces two essential phrases: 高兴 认识 (wǒ hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ), meaning “nice to meet you,” and the phrase 明天 (míngtiān jiàn), meaning “see you tomorrow.” These are phrases you’ll often hear in daily conversations, making them great to start using right away. Take the time to learn them and start using them in your own conversations!

This Year (jīnnián) - An HSK 1 Graded Reader Story

This Year (今年)

Practice reading time-related words and daily routines with this HSK 1 reader story, 今年 (jīnnián) or “This Year”. This story is designed to help you practice reading essential vocabulary through practical examples and common time-related words like 今天 (jīntiān) and 昨天 (zuótiān), as well as daily routines such as 吃饭 (chīfàn) and 回家 (huíjiā).

Excuse Me, Qǐng wèn - HSK 1 Reader Story

Excuse Me (请问)

请问 (qǐng wèn) is one of the first phrases every Chinese language student should master. This HSK 1 level story provides an easy and engaging way to practice using 请问, which means “excuse me.” Designed for beginners, this short read will help you build confidence in basic Chinese conversation and reinforce essential vocabulary.

Learn Chinese characters like you learn people's faces.

Recognize Chinese Characters Like Faces

When learning Chinese, recognize characters as whole units, similar to recognizing faces. Native speakers identify characters quickly and effortlessly using this method. This approach makes recognition intuitive and natural, speeding up your reading process and enhancing fluency.

Really? 真的吗? A Mandarin HSK 2 Story

Really? Really! (真的吗? 真的!)

This HSK 2 story helps students practice using essential vocabulary and expressions like 真的 (zhēn de) and 真的吗 (zhēn de ma) in context. By exploring simple scenarios and common activities, learners can improve their reading comprehension and confidence in using Mandarin in everyday situations. The story encourages active engagement, helping students enjoy learning Mandarin.

Help Me (帮助 我) - an HSK 2 Reader Story

Help Me (帮助 我)

This HSK 2 story will help you learn the words 帮助 (bāngzhù) and (bāng) in both their noun and verb forms. It shows how these words function as verbs, like in “朋友 帮助 ” (the friend helps her), and as nouns, like in “谢谢 帮助” (thank you for your help). This story offers a practical context for applying these words in everyday situations.

I Don't Like Rice - (我 不 喜欢 米饭) HSK 2 Reader Story

I Don’t Like Rice (我不喜欢米饭)

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham,” this story is a fun way to practice Chinese at the HSK 2 level. With its simple vocabulary and repetition, it helps improve reading and speaking skills. Memorize it, and next time you’re at a Chinese restaurant, surprise your waitress with your newfound language skills!

Good Morning (早上好) Mandarin HSK 1 Story

Good Morning (早上好)

This dialogue is perfect for practicing the phrase 早上好 (zǎoshang hǎo), meaning “Good morning”, and the more casual version (zǎo), meaning “morning,” similar to English. With mostly HSK 1 vocabulary and a few HSK 2 words, this simple story is ideal for beginners to learn and practice common greetings.

14 Times (十 四 次) An HSK 2 Reader Story

14 Times (十四次)

In this story, you will explore 14 different uses of , such as , , and 下次. Each instance is crafted to help you understand the diverse applications of . Written entirely with HSK 2 vocabulary, this story is ideal for beginners looking to expand their Chinese language skills. By seeing how fits into various sentences, you will gain confidence and fluency in your everyday conversations.

Goodbye, My Love (再见,我的爱人) - HSK 2 Graded Reader Song

Goodbye, My Love (再见,我的爱人)

Inspired by Teresa Teng’s iconic song 再见我的 爱人 (Zàijiàn, wǒ de àirén ), our version is written using HSK 2 vocabulary. It’s crafted as a graded reader song, so it’s an easy read. Sing along to improve your vocabulary and enjoy a heartfelt tale of love and parting.

Sorry (不好意思) - HSK 2 Reader Story

Sorry (不好意思)

If you’re a fan of Chinese language dramas, you’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si). 不好意思 translates to “sorry” or “excuse me” and is often used to express apology or polite interruption. This HSK 2 story showcases various practical ways 不好意思 can be used in everyday conversations.

I Don't Want to Talk - 我不想说

I Don’t Want to Talk (我不想说)

The phrase (wǒ bù xiǎng shuō) is a helpful phrase to learn. This HSK 2 graded reader story helps you practice this phrase in different contexts, making it easier to use in conversations. Repeated exposure to “ ” will solidify your understanding and use of this phrase.

I speak a little Chinese HSK 2 story.

I Speak a Little Chinese (我会说一点汉语)

Practice speaking to others using your HSK 2 vocabulary. Engage with native Chinese speakers and start with greetings like 你好 (nǐ hǎo). This dialog showcases a beginner practicing their Chinese. Use the Pinyin and English translations to build confidence.

Somebody to Love - Free HSK 2 Story

Somebody to Love (去爱一个人)

We had some fun with this HSK 2 graded story, taking inspiration from Queen’s song, “Somebody to Love” ( 一个人). Practice your Chinese reading and speaking by reading this story aloud. It’s written to include only words from the HSK 2 reading level, perfect for beginner learners. Enjoy the story and improve your skills!

Very Good! (很好!) Graded Chinese Reader Story for 很好!

Very Good (很好)

Become proficient with the phrase 很好 with this story. 很好 (hěn hǎo) means “very good” and is used often in conversations. We’ve written this short story using only basic HSK 1 vocabulary, so it is a very easy read. You should practice saying 很好 aloud and work it into your daily conversations – it’s a good first phrase to learn. With a little practice, you’ll find yourself unconsciously saying 很好!

What do you mean? (你 什​​么 意思) An HSK 2 Graded Reader Story.

What Do You Mean? (你什​​么意思)

Using common phrases in conversations is key for learning a new language. For HSK 2 level students, phrases like 什么 意思 (nǐ shénme yìsi), meaning “What do you mean?”, are essential. This story helps you practice 什么 意思 by showing its usage in different contexts and providing plenty of practice.

When? (什么 时候?) Aa HSK 1 graded reader story.

When? (什么 时候)

This HSK 1 story teaches beginners how to ask when using 什么 时候 (shénme shíhou). It follows a simple narrative with a mother and her son, frequently using essential words like 学校 (xuéxiào), 妈妈 (māma), and 儿子 (érzi). This engaging context helps students master basic vocabulary and apply it in daily conversations. Soon, you’ll confidently use 什么 时候 and other key terms in your own conversations.

New Cell Phone (新 手机) - A HSK 2 Graded Reader Story

New Cell Phone (新 手机)

Building a strong vocabulary foundation with essential words like 手机 (shǒujī), meaning “cell phone,” is important. This word is frequently encountered in daily interactions, making it vital for effective communication. This story is designed for HSK 2 learners, using only vocabulary from the HSK 2 level to provide an enjoyable and practical way to enhance your language skills.

Good Afternoon (下午 好) - HSK 1 Mandarin Story

Good Afternoon (下午 好)

This story will help you learn and practice the phrase 下午 (xiàwǔ hǎo), meaning “Good afternoon” in Mandarin. Often used in the afternoon to greet friends or colleagues, it’s a useful phrase for daily conversations. The story uses simple HSK 1 vocabulary, including 学生 (xuéshēng), 学校 (xuéxiào), and 朋友 (péngyǒu). Mastering 下午 will help you confidently greet others and make a positive impression in various settings.

Thank You - HSK 1 Story in Mandarin Chinese

Thanks (谢谢)

This story will help you learn to read 谢谢 (xièxiè), which means “Thanks” in Mandarin. It uses only basic HSK 1 vocabulary, including words like 男孩 (nánhái), 老师 (Lǎoshī), and 不客气 (bù kèqi). By reading this story, you will see how these common words are used in everyday situations. Practice reading the story multiple times to become familiar with the vocabulary and sentence structure. Enjoy the graded reader story and keep practicing to improve your Mandarin skills!

It Doesn't Matter - HSK1 Story

It Doesn’t Matter (没关系)

This HSK 1 story will help you learn and use the phrase 没关系 (méiguānxi), meaning “it doesn’t matter.” Written for beginner-level students, this story uses only HSK 1 vocabulary, ensuring it’s an easy read for HSK 1 level learners. Practice reading this story frequently to build your confidence in reading and understanding. Then, play the audio line by line to practice your listening skills. You’ll see how 没关系 and other essential words such as “学习” (xuéxí), “朋友” (péngyou), and “老师” (lǎoshī) are used in context.

Ten Minutes - Chinese HSK 1 Story

Ten Minutes (十 分钟)

This HSK 1 story is written to help you learn and use the word “分钟” (fēnzhōng), meaning “minute.” Aimed at beginner-level students, it uses only HSK 1 vocabulary, making it ideal for practicing reading without introducing advanced words. By following the characters through their daily routines, including meal times, drinking tea, and spending time with friends, you will see how “分钟” and other time-related words such as “” (diǎn), “时候” (shíhòu), and “中午” (zhōngwǔ) are used.

What Day is it? (今天 星期 几)? An HSK 1 Story

What Day is it? (今天 星期 几)

This HSK 1 story will help you with understanding and using the word 星期” (xīngqī). Aimed at beginner-level students, this graded reader story is written using only HSK 1 vocabulary, making it an ideal educational tool for practicing your reading without introducing words above the HSK 1 level. By following a student’s day at school and his interactions with his teacher about the days of the week, you can familiarize yourself with basic conversational structures and the practical application of “星期,”.