Graded readers / Mandarin Bean
Mandarin Bean
Quick answer
What HSK level is Mandarin Bean?
Mandarin Bean is graded across 3 levels (Beginner (HSK 1 to 2) to Advanced (HSK 5 to 6+)), lining up roughly with HSK 1 to 6 (3.0). Because it is graded straight to the HSK word lists, the honest way to place it is to match a sample to your own coverage rather than the label alone.
A free web graded reader whose lessons are each labelled by HSK level (1 to 6 and above) and grouped into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, with audio, a pinyin toggle and pop-up definitions. No account or payment required to read.
The levels
Each level below lists the vocabulary size it is built around and the approximate HSK fit on both schemes. Vocabulary sizes are the publisher's figures; the HSK bands are a computed line-up against the HSK word and character lists, given as ranges and approximate. The two schemes count different lists, so the same book can sit a level or two apart on each: HSK 3.0 is the closer fit for this character-graded series.
| Level | Vocabulary | HSK 3.0 | HSK 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner (HSK 1 to 2) | Beginner (HSK 1 to 2) vocabulary | HSK 1 to 2 | HSK 1 to 2 |
| Intermediate (HSK 3 to 4) | Intermediate (HSK 3 to 4) vocabulary | HSK 3 to 4 | HSK 3 to 4 |
| Advanced (HSK 5 to 6+) | Advanced (HSK 5 to 6+) vocabulary | HSK 5 to 6 | HSK 5 to 6 |
Check it against your own level
The label on a series is a starting guess, not a promise. The reliable way to place any book is to grab a sample chapter, paste it into the coverage analyzer, and see whether you clear roughly 95 percent word coverage. If you do, the reading will feel smooth; if you are well below, drop a level. Teachers can use the difficulty grader the same way to place a class text.
Other series to compare
Back to all graded-reader series
Source and neutrality: figures are Mandarin Bean's own published grading, last checked 2026-07-24 against Mandarin Bean (homepage); the HSK bands are HanziCoverage's own approximate line-up, not a publisher claim. HanziCoverage has no affiliate relationship with Mandarin Bean and earns nothing if you buy it. The only app we publish and disclose is on the recommended page.