HSK Flavor Vocabulary List

The following vocabulary list features vocabulary words from the HSK centered around the topic of flavor. In some cases the HSK vocabulary might be a bit lacking, and we may follow it will additional vocabulary we recommend for a fuller discussion on the topic.

Chinese Pinyin English HSK Level
tián sweet HSK 3
suān sour; sore; acid HSK 4
bitter, hardship HSK 4
spicy HSK 4
xián salty HSK 4
dàn diluted, weak, light in color or taste HSK 5
nóng concentrated, dense, strong HSK 5
chòu stinky, smelly HSK 5
清淡 qīngdàn light (of food, not greasy or strongly flavored) HSK 5
xīng fishy-smelling HSK 6

Additional flavor Vocabulary

These words are not on the current official HSK list, but you may find them useful for your discussions on this topic.

Chinese Pinyin English Level
yóu oily B1
xiǎn B1
numb; numbing B2


See also

  • HSK Nouns (all HSK levels' noun lists together)