Use this tool to add tone marks to pinyin or to convert tone number (e.g. hao3) to tone marks.

Although you can use the red buttons to add tone marks, we highly recommend you use the number method (e.g. hao3) for speed and placement of the accent above the correct vowel. [Hint: Type "v" for "ü"]
Note: You do not need to use this tool to enter pinyin in this dictionary.

Stuff You Need to Know Before Taking a YCT Exam

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WHAT IS THE YCT?

The YCT or Youth Chinese Test is similar to the HSK exam but is specifically designed for children under the age of 16 whose first language is not Chinese.

The Chinese name for the YCT is 中小学生汉语考试 (zhōng xiǎo xué shēng hàn yǔ kǎo shì) which stands for ‘Middle and Primary School Students’ Chinese Language Exam’.

There are 4 levels for writing, getting slightly more difficult with each level, and 2 for speaking (primary and intermediate levels).

Like the HSK, none of the exams has to be taken at the same time, and lists of vocabulary are available in advance so student’s know what to learn.

WHY TAKE A YCT EXAM?

If you enjoy studying Chinese, or you’re studying Chinese at school, the YCT is a great way to see what level you’re at. The YCT will also help with the following:

So if you’ve decided to take a YCT exam, let’s see what to do next:

LEARN THE VOCABULARY

Each level of the YCT has a different amount of vocabulary to learn. The vocabulary addresses everyday words from numbers to body parts.

The great thing is if you’re going to take another test, you’ll have already learned over half the vocabulary for the test! Each level builds on the existing words you know, for example, YCT has 159 words, but in fact, it’s only 76!

You can study all the YCT vocabulary for free in the Written Chinese Dictionary app or online using our web Study Space.

View and study the YCT vocabulary by tapping the HSK folder under FLASHCARDS and choose a level to study!

You can also set a date to help you learn all the words on time.

LEVELS AND EXAM BREAKDOWNS

For each YCT exam, your knowledge of Chinese should improve gradually.

For YCT 1, you should have a basic knowledge of Chinese language and know how to use a few phrases.

To pass YCT 2, you should be able to communicate on a basic level using phrases and sentences.

YCT 3 requires the test taker to have an excellent level of basic Chinese and be able to talk about day-to-day topics.

YCT 4 test-takers can communicate on a basic level in several different aspects of life and would be able to communicate if taking a trip to China.

WRITTEN TESTS

LEVEL VOCAB TEST TIME LISTENING READING WRITING SCORE PASS SCORE
YCT 1 83 30 MINS X X 200 120
YCT 2 159 45 MINS X X 200 120
YCT 3 303 55 MINS X X 200 120
YCT 4 429 80 MINS X X X 300 180

All levels include pinyin except for PART 2 of YCT 4.

ORAL TESTS

Before a student takes an oral test they should know at least 200 – 400 vocabulary words and basic grammar patterns.

LEVEL VOCAB TEST TIME SCORE PASS SCORE
YCT PRIMARY 200 17 MINS + PREP 100 60
YCT INTERMEDIATE 400 19 MINS + PREP 100 60


Oral tests are broken up into 3 parts:

LEVEL PART 1 PART 2 PART 3
YCT PRIMARY LISTEN & REPEAT LISTEN & REPLY DESCRIBE PICTURES
YCT INTERMEDIATE LISTEN & REPEAT DESCRIBE PICTURES ANSWER QUESTIONS

TAKE A PRACTICE TEST!

Before you take your YCT exam, why not practice first? It’ll take some of the pressure off, and make sure you know the timings for each part of the test.

LEVEL SAMPLE PAPER SAMPLE AUDIO
YCT 1 YCT 1 PAPER YCT 1 AUDIO
YCT 2 YCT 2 PAPER YCT 2 AUDIO
YCT 3 YCT 3 PAPER YCT 3 AUDIO
YCT 4 YCT 4 PAPER YCT 4 AUDIO
YCT PRIMARY YCT PRIMARY PAPER YCT PRIMARY AUDIO
YCT INTERMEDIATE YCT INTERMEDIATE PAPER YCT INTERMEDIATE AUDIO


You can download sample tests for each level, as well as for the oral tests. The answers are at the end of each exam, so you can check your results afterwards. Additionally, you can get simulation test books online.

If your school isn’t running the YCT exam, you can take the test online by applying here.

YCT Exam Resources

Have you taken a YCT exam? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below with your experiences!