Chinese in Flow

Chinese In Flow is a free online game for learning simplified Chinese characters. Practice HSK vocabulary through a fast click-and-match game — match 汉字 (Chinese characters) with pinyin, English meanings, or audio in any combination.

The game is organized by HSK level (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), the standard Chinese proficiency test. Whether you are preparing for HSK 1 as a complete beginner or reviewing thousands of characters for HSK 5, you can select the vocabulary set that matches your level and start practicing immediately in your browser.

How to practice Chinese characters

Click Characters, English, or Review above to start. Choose an HSK level and a character set, then match the target with the correct option before the timer runs out. Open the in-game settings to switch between studying characters, pinyin, English, or audio — or turn off the timer for relaxed review.

HSK vocabulary levels

Chinese In Flow includes content for all five HSK levels. Each level page lists sample vocabulary with pinyin and English:

HSK 1 — 150 beginner characters (CEFR A1)
HSK 2 — 300 elementary characters
HSK 3 — 600 intermediate-beginner characters (CEFR A2)
HSK 4 — 1,200 intermediate characters (CEFR B1)
HSK 5 — 2,500 advanced characters (CEFR B2)

See the about page for the ideas behind the learning approach, the Android app for spaced-repetition practice on mobile, or the changelog for release history.