All You Need To Know About HSK 5 in 2026 (HSK 3.0 New Syllabus Guide)
HSK 5 is where Chinese becomes professionally and academically powerful. It’s the entry ticket to China’s top universities like Tsinghua, the baseline for CSC scholarships in non-STEM fields, and the threshold where employers take your Chinese seriously. But the jump from HSK 4 to HSK 5 is also the biggest difficulty leap in the entire HSK system — you go from constructing sentences to writing essays, from daily conversations to understanding lectures and news broadcasts. This guide covers everything about the updated HSK 5 under the HSK 3.0 syllabus (effective July 2026), with practical strategies for crossing that gap. From our teaching experience, it takes approximately 100-200 class hours from HSK 4 to reach HSK 5 level.
HSK 5 Practice & Study Resources:
- Free HSK 5 Grammar Online Quiz
- HSK 5 Vocabulary List + Excel (with 3 Free Quiz Sheets)
- HSK 5 Grammar Guide: 25 Most-Tested Grammar Patterns
HSK Test Information:
- HSK 3.0 Test 2026: Changes You Should Know (9 levels)
- HSK Test Dates 2026 | Complete Schedule, Registration & Fees Guide
- HSK Requirements for China’s Top 39 Universities [2025 Complete Guide]
There are nine levels: HSK 1 (lowest), HSK 2, HSK 3, HSK 4, HSK 5, HSK 6, HSK 7-9 (highest).
What HSK 5 Unlocks: Universities, Scholarships & Careers
Why HSK 5 matters: HSK 4 shows you can “get by” in Chinese. HSK 5 proves you can work, study, and think in Chinese. It roughly corresponds to CEFR C1 level — you can understand demanding texts, express yourself fluently and spontaneously, and use Chinese flexibly for academic and professional purposes.
16 of 39 Project 985 universities require HSK 5, including Tsinghua
Non-STEM CSC scholarships typically require HSK 5 with 210+ points
Translation, business, and teaching positions in China often require HSK 5+
Unlike HSK 4 (mostly STEM), HSK 5 opens all majors including liberal arts
The HSK 4 to HSK 5 Gap: The Biggest Jump in the HSK System
Teacher’s Note: From our experience, the HSK 4→5 transition is where most students hit a wall. It’s not just “more words” — it’s a fundamental shift in what the test expects you to do. At HSK 4, the syllabus says “有一定复杂度” (moderate complexity). At HSK 5, it says “较流畅地” (fairly fluently). That one word change represents a massive leap in expected ability.
| Dimension | HSK 4 | HSK 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Construct sentences from given words | Write 80-word essays from keywords + summarize/retell passages |
| Reading | Short paragraphs, daily topics | Newspaper articles, academic texts, formal reports |
| Listening | Daily dialogues, short monologues | Long lectures, news broadcasts, multi-round conversations |
| Vocabulary type | Concrete, daily (饺子, 出租车) | Abstract, formal (概念, 本质, 因而, 从而) |
| New words to learn | ~1,000 words | ~1,600 words (the largest single-level increase) |
| Cumulative vocabulary | ~2,000 words | ~3,600 words |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
What Changed in the New HSK 3.0 Level 5 Syllabus (2026)?
Key Update: In November 2025, China officially released the 新版HSK考试大纲 (HSK 3.0 Syllabus), effective from July 2026. Our teaching team has analyzed the full 406-page document. Here are the major changes for HSK 5:
| Category | Old HSK 5 | New HSK 5 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative Vocabulary | 2,500 words | ~3,600 words (+1,600 new at HSK 5 level) |
| Communicative Tasks | General ability descriptions | 28 tasks across listening, speaking, reading & writing |
| Topics | General categories | 7 main / 29 sub / 72 specific topics |
| Recognition Characters | Not separately listed | 431 characters at HSK 5 level |
| Grammar | General grammar patterns | Structured grammar syllabus with detailed items |
| Estimated Hours (from HSK 4) | Not specified | ~100-200 hours (from our teaching data) |
| CEFR Correspondence | B2-C1 | C1 |
| Approach | Knowledge-based | Task-based, communicative (HSK 3.0) |
HSK 5 Quick Facts
Vocabulary: ~3,600 cumulative words (1,600 new at HSK 5)
Characters: 431 recognition characters
CEFR: C1
Test time: 13:30 (local time)
Test dates: HSK Test Dates 2026
Prep time: ~100-200 hours from HSK 4
HSK 5 Vocabulary List and Free Quiz Sheets
HSK 5 Writing: The Make-or-Break Section
HSK 5 Writing Format
- Part 1 (8 items): Construct sentences from given words (similar to HSK 4 but with more complex vocabulary).
- Part 2 (2 items): Write a short essay (~80 characters) based on given keywords, OR read a passage and retell/summarize it in your own words.
The Two Most Common Mistakes Our HSK 5 Students Make
Sample HSK 5 Writing: What a Passing-Level Essay Looks Like
Example A: Keyword Essay
Prompt: Use these 5 words to write a short essay (~80 characters): 环境、保护、责任、习惯、影响
Why this works (~80 characters): Formal register throughout — “日益严重” instead of “越来越严重”, “应当” instead of “应该”. All 5 keywords used naturally. Clear structure: problem → impact → solution → conclusion.
Example B: Summarization (缩写)
Original passage (~180 characters):
Student’s summary (~80 characters):
Key technique: The summary keeps the who → problem → change → result structure but cuts out specific details (one week trial, feeling tired at first). Notice the formal upgrades: “打车” → implied, “较高” instead of “很多”, “此后” instead of “从此以后”. Do NOT copy original sentences — rephrase everything in your own words.
HSK 3.0 Level 5 Communicative Tasks: 28 Tasks Overview
Daily Life & Social Tasks (1-8)
| # | Task | Chinese | What’s New vs HSK 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Handle complex daily affairs | 交流、处理日常事务 | Now includes customs, insurance, utility bills, media help |
| 2 | Discuss dining experiences | 谈论餐饮体验 | Restaurant reviews, dietary preferences, cooking methods, street food |
| 3 | Discuss transportation | 谈论交通出行 | Shipping, cargo transport, driving situations, travel stories |
| 4 | Discuss shopping experiences | 谈论购物体验 | Brand comparison, after-sales service, consumer rights, e-commerce |
| 5 | Discuss medical & health | 谈论医疗健康 | New: mental health, emergency care, disease prevention |
| 6 | Discuss leisure activities | 谈论休闲活动 | New: life reflections, personal philosophy (人生感悟) |
| 7 | Community life | 沟通、交流社区生活情况 | Property management, safety incidents, volunteer services |
| 8 | Family life | 交流家庭生活 | Weddings, parent-child activities, family values & problems |
Education & Career Tasks (9-13)
| # | Task | Chinese | What’s New vs HSK 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Report on learning | 报告学习情况 | New: thesis writing, experiment reports, academic presentations |
| 10 | Share campus experiences | 分享校园生活的经历 | Clubs, training programs, academic lectures, campus affairs |
| 11 | Discuss education issues | 谈论教育情况和问题 | New: vocational education, school education systems |
| 12 | Work content & experience | 交流工作内容和工作经历 | New: project management, business trips, internships, resignation, retirement |
| 13 | Business management | 谈论经营与管理情况 | Entirely new task: entrepreneurship, team cooperation, HR, compensation |
Nature, Society & Culture Tasks (14-28)
| # | Task | Chinese | What’s New vs HSK 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Discuss nature | 谈论自然情况 | New: natural resources, extreme weather, ecological balance |
| 15 | Environmental issues | 谈论环境问题 | Urban vs rural environments, pollution types, conservation |
| 16 | Tech products | 介绍科技产品 | New: robots, live-streaming, smart products |
| 17 | Science knowledge | 介绍科学知识 | Popular science, research discoveries |
| 18 | China overview | 介绍中国概况 | New: administrative divisions, population, social characteristics |
| 19 | Economic phenomena | 谈论经济现象 | New: import/export, trade fairs, industry development |
| 20 | Social phenomena | 谈论社会现象 | New: employment, population issues, social values |
| 21 | Arts & culture | 谈论文艺形式、常识、作品 | New: poetry, photography, digital games |
| 22 | Sports & events | 谈论体育项目及赛事 | More specific events: high jump, long jump competitions |
| 23 | International exchanges | 谈论国际交往事件 | New: international cooperation, state visits |
| 24 | Chinese language & writing | 介绍中国语言文字 | New: idioms (成语), linguistic features of Chinese |
| 25 | Traditional customs & landmarks | 介绍中国古代民俗传统、人文景观 | New: Dragon Boat & Double Ninth festivals, folk legends, traditional architecture |
| 26 | Traditional thought & art | 介绍中国传统思想与艺术 | Entirely new: calligraphy, painting, folk music, martial arts, crafts |
| 27 | Chinese history | 介绍中国历史 | New: specific dynasties (Tang, Song), Great Wall history |
| 28 | Ancient Chinese science | 介绍中国古代科技 | Entirely new: traditional medicine, ancient agriculture, ancient scientists |
HSK 5 Topics at a Glance
The new syllabus organizes HSK 5 content into 7 first-level topics, 29 second-level topics, and 72 third-level topics. Compared to HSK 4 (77 third-level topics), HSK 5 has slightly fewer topics but goes deeper into each. Key additions include:
- New topic areas not in HSK 4: Mental health (心理健康), business management (经营与管理), import/export trade (进出口贸易), ancient Chinese science (古代科技), traditional philosophy (哲学思想)
- Upgraded depth: Nature expands from scenery to natural resources and ecological balance; Society expands from trends to employment, population issues, and infrastructure
HSK 5 Grammar: Key Points (2026 New Syllabus)
HSK 5 grammar builds on HSK 4’s foundation with a focus on formal register and more complex sentence structures. For detailed practice, try our HSK 5 Grammar Guide: 25 Most-Tested Patterns.
Formal Register Upgrades (语体提升)
This is the #1 grammar challenge at HSK 5. You must shift from conversational to formal Chinese:
| HSK 4 (Conversational) | HSK 5 (Formal) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 因为……所以…… | 由于……因而…… | 由于天气原因，航班因而延误。 |
| 所以 | 从而 | 他努力学习，从而取得了好成绩。 |
| 如果……就…… | 假如……(就)…… | 假如你不同意，我们可以再讨论。 |
| ……的时候 | 一旦……就…… | 一旦发现问题，就要立刻解决。 |
| 不但……而且…… | 不但不/没有……反而…… | 他不但没有道歉，反而更加生气了。 |
| 好像 | 似乎、仿佛 | 他似乎对这件事并不感兴趣。 |
New Sentence Patterns at HSK 5
- Extended 把 sentences: 主语+把+宾语+一+动词 (expressing quick/casual action): 他把那本书一扔，就走了。
- Extended passive: 被/叫/让+宾语+给+动词: 我的手机被他给摔坏了。
- Consecutive actions with causation: 连动句 expressing cause-effect or condition: 他听了这个消息，高兴得跳了起来。
- Advanced complements: 趋向补语引申用法 (下来/下去/起来/过来/过去 expressing state changes): 天气渐渐暖和起来了。/ 请大家安静下来。
New Complex Sentence Types
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothetical | 一旦……就…… | 一旦失去信任，就很难再恢复。 |
| Hypothetical | 万一……(就)…… | 万一下雨，我们就改到室内。 |
| Reversed expectation | 不但不/没……反而…… | 问题不但没解决，反而更严重了。 |
| Concession | 哪怕……也…… | 哪怕只有一点希望，我也不会放弃。 |
| Result/inference | ……可见…… | 他连名字都不知道，可见他们并不熟。 |
| Purpose | ……为的是…… | 他每天跑步，为的是保持健康。 |
| Necessity | 没有……就没有…… | 没有付出，就没有收获。 |
| Extreme concession | 再……也…… | 这件事再难也要完成。 |
Elite Chinese Universities Requiring HSK 5 (2026 Complete Guide)
Key Insight: HSK 5 is the golden standard for China’s top universities — 16 of the 39 Project 985 universities require it, including Tsinghua University and 5 of the 9 C9 League schools. With HSK 5, you can apply to all programs at China’s most prestigious institutions, not just STEM.
C9 League Universities Requiring HSK 5
| University | Chinese Name | HSK 5 Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsinghua University | 清华大学 | HSK 5 (60/section) | #2 in China, #23 World |
| Fudan University | 复旦大学 | HSK 5 (210) or HSK 6 (180) | Top 3 in Shanghai |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong | 上海交通大学 | HSK 5 (200) + HSKK | Requires speaking test |
| Zhejiang University | 浙江大学 | HSK 5 (180) | Top tech programs |
| USTC | 中国科学技术大学 | HSK 5+ | Science focus |
University Rankings
Total requiring HSK 5: 16
C9 League: 5 of 9
Beijing universities: 4
Shanghai universities: 4
Score Requirements
Minimum: 180 points
Average: 190-200 points
Competitive: 210+ points
Some require: HSKK oral test
Best Programs
All majors: Open
Business/Econ: Preferred
Liberal Arts: Standard
Engineering: Competitive edge
Other Top 985 Universities Requiring HSK 5
Beijing Cluster (Capital Academic Hub):
- Beihang University (北京航空航天大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Aerospace Engineering
- Beijing Institute of Technology (北京理工大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Defense Tech
- Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Education Leader
Coastal Powerhouses:
- Nankai University (南开大学) – HSK 5 (210) – Economics Excellence
- Tianjin University (天津大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Engineering Pioneer
- Shandong University (山东大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Comprehensive
- Tongji University (同济大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Architecture #1
- East China Normal (华东师范大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Teacher Training
- Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学) – HSK 5 (180) – Southern Leader
Strategic Tips for HSK 5 University Applications:
- Aim Higher: Target 200+ points when 180 is minimum — shows commitment
- HSKK Advantage: Take the speaking test even if not required — strengthens application
- Program Match: HSK 5 opens ALL programs, unlike HSK 4’s STEM limitation
- Scholarship Eligibility: Most CSC scholarships require HSK 5 for non-STEM fields
- Validity Window: Take HSK 5 within 18 months of the application deadline
HSK 5 Test Content
The HSK 5 test is made up of listening, reading, and writing sections, containing a total of 100 items.
| Test Content | Section | Number of Questions | Total Questions | Duration (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1 | 20 | 45 | About 30 |
| Part 2 | 25 | |||
| Fill in the answer sheet | 5 | |||
| Reading | Part 1 | 15 | 45 | 45 |
| Part 2 | 10 | |||
| Part 3 | 20 | |||
| Writing | Part 1 | 8 | 10 | 40 |
| Part 2 | 2 | |||
| Total | / | 100 | About 120 | |
The test lasts approximately 125 minutes (including 5 minutes for filling in personal information).
Scoring: Each section is scored out of 100 points, with a total of 300. You need at least 180 to pass.
*All items on the test paper are shown in Chinese characters.
🧮 HSK Score Calculator
Calculate your HSK score and check if you pass
Select HSK Level:
💡 Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on official HSK scoring guidelines. Actual scores may vary.
HSK 5 Test Dates 2026
For the complete and up-to-date HSK 5 test schedule in 2026, including registration deadlines and score release dates, visit our dedicated page:
HSK Test Dates 2026 | Complete Schedule, Registration & Fees Guide
Important: The new HSK 3.0 syllabus takes effect from July 2026. Tests before July 2026 follow the old format; tests from July 2026 onward follow the new syllabus. Plan your preparation accordingly!
HSK 5 Score
The test taker must score at least 180 points total to be considered passing.
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Full Score
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Your Score
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Listening
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100
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Reading
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100
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Writing
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100
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Total
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300
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HSK 5 Certificate
1) The HSK 5 certificate has permanent validity; once you receive it, it becomes your property and is valid forever.
2) As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges, the results of the HSK (HSK 5 and 6) are valid for two years (from the test date).
HSK Exam: Registration and Test Day Tips
HSK Test Registration
Register directly on the official HSK website: www.chinesetest.cn
The process: create an account, select HSK 5 + your preferred test format (paper or internet-based), choose your test center and date, fill in personal info, upload a photo if required, and pay the test fee.
HSK 5 Test Fees
Test fees vary by country. HSK 5 fees are higher than HSK 4 — the higher the level, the higher the fee. Here are some reference prices:
| Country/Region | HSK 5 Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Mainland China | 800 – 1,000 CNY |
| Other countries | Varies by test center — generally higher than HSK 4 |
Exact fees depend on your specific country and test center. Always check www.chinesetest.cn for the latest pricing. Remember to budget for both HSK 5 + HSKK Advanced fees.
Visual guide showing steps to register for HSK on the official website
Test Day Essentials for HSK 5
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring your printed Admission Ticket (准考证) and original Photo ID (passport or national ID).
- For paper-based tests: Bring at least two 2B pencils and a good eraser.
- No electronics allowed — phones, smartwatches, and dictionaries must be stored before entering.
- HSK 5-specific tip: In Writing Part 2, you must write an ~80-character essay OR summarize a passage. Practice timing yourself — 40 minutes for the entire writing section goes fast when you need to compose original text. Outline your essay structure (problem → analysis → solution) before you start writing.
- Time management: The Listening section plays each recording only once. HSK 5 listening passages are longer and more complex than HSK 4 — stay focused for the full 30 minutes.
How to Prepare for the New HSK 5 (Practical Tips)
1. Immerse in real Chinese content
HSK 5 requires understanding of newspaper articles, news broadcasts, and academic texts. You can’t reach this level with textbooks alone.
- Reading: Read Chinese news daily (BBC中文, 人民网). Start with headlines and summaries, then move to full articles.
- Listening: Watch CCTV news, listen to Chinese podcasts (e.g., Learning Chinese Through Stories). The goal is to understand the main idea of 3-5 minute segments.
2. Master the formal register
This is the #1 differentiator between HSK 4 and HSK 5. Practice converting conversational Chinese to formal Chinese:
- 因为→由于、所以→因而/从而、如果→假如/一旦、好像→似乎/仿佛
- 很多→大量/众多、想→打算/考虑、越来越→日益
Every time you write, ask yourself: “Is this how a newspaper would say it?”
3. Practice essay writing weekly
- Write one 80-character essay per week using 5 random HSK 5 vocabulary words.
- Use a clear structure: point → evidence → analysis → conclusion.
- Practice summarizing: Read a 200-character passage and retell it in 80 characters. Focus on extracting the main idea, not compressing every detail.
4. Know where the points are
Based on our students’ score patterns, HSK 5 follows the same distribution as HSK 4:
- Reading (阅读): Highest-scoring section. Build your score cushion here.
- Listening (听力): Second-highest. Daily exposure to native-speed audio is essential.
- Writing (书写): Lowest-scoring section. This is where you win or lose the exam.
Strategy: Passing is 180/300 total. Aim for 70+ in Reading, 60+ in Listening, and at least 50 in Writing. But if you can push Writing to 60+, you’re in a very safe position.
5. Real student timelines
Alexander from Germany
Starting level: HSK 4
Class hours to pass HSK 5: 140 hours
Key takeaway: Alexander’s German background helped with formal register concepts. He focused heavily on essay writing practice and reading Chinese news daily.
Lily from the US
Starting level: HSK 4
Class hours to pass HSK 5: 160 hours
Key takeaway: Lily spent extra time on the summarization skill (缩写), which she found the most challenging part of the writing section. Consistent practice with timed writing exercises was her breakthrough.
These are real students from MandarinZone. Individual timelines vary depending on your native language, study intensity, and immersion environment. The typical range from HSK 4 to HSK 5 is 100-200 class hours.
6. Prepare for the transition period
- Before July 2026: Tests follow the old format. If you’re close to ready, taking the test before July may be strategic.
- After July 2026: Tests follow the new HSK 3.0 syllabus. Allow extra preparation time for the expanded vocabulary (2,500 → 3,600 words) and new task requirements.
Ready to Cross the HSK 4→5 Gap?
Our HSK 5 preparation course is updated for the 2026 HSK 3.0 syllabus. Try a free lesson first.
HSK 3.0 Level 5 FAQ
Q: What is HSK 3.0?
HSK 3.0 is the commonly used name for the new HSK system first announced in 2021. It reorganizes the test into 9 levels and adopts a task-based, communicative approach. The official syllabus (新版HSK考试大纲) was published in November 2025 and takes effect in July 2026.
Q: How many words do I need for the new HSK 5?
The new HSK 5 requires approximately 3,600 cumulative words (across HSK 1-5), with about 1,600 new words at the HSK 5 level specifically. This is up from the old requirement of 2,500 words.
Q: How long does it take to go from HSK 4 to HSK 5?
From our teaching experience, it typically takes 100-200 class hours to go from HSK 4 to HSK 5. The exact time depends on your study intensity, native language, and whether you have immersion exposure. Our students Alexander (Germany) and Lily (US) took 140 and 160 hours respectively.
Q: How much does the HSK 5 test cost?
In mainland China, HSK 5 costs approximately 800-1,000 CNY. Fees vary by country and test center — the higher the HSK level, the higher the fee. Under current policy, you must also register for HSKK Advanced (oral test) simultaneously, so budget for both fees. Check www.chinesetest.cn for exact pricing.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between HSK 4 and HSK 5?
The writing section. HSK 4 asks you to construct sentences from given words. HSK 5 requires you to write original 80-character essays and summarize passages in your own words. This is a fundamental skill shift, not just “harder vocabulary.”
Q: Does the test format change under HSK 3.0?
Yes. The first HSK 3.0-format test has recently been administered. The syllabus content (vocabulary, topics, tasks) has been significantly updated. Official sample questions have not yet been released. We will update this guide as new information becomes available.
Q: Is the old HSK 5 certificate still valid?
Yes, HSK certificates have permanent validity as personal certification. For university admission, HSK 5 and 6 results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Q: Can I still take the old HSK 5 before July 2026?
Yes. Tests before July 2026 follow the old format with the old 2,500-word vocabulary. If you’re close to ready, taking the test before July 2026 could be strategic — fewer vocabulary requirements and a format you can practice with existing mock tests.
Q: Can I use HSK 5 for university applications in China?
Absolutely. HSK 5 is accepted — and often required — by China’s top universities. 16 of 39 Project 985 universities require HSK 5, including Tsinghua. It’s also the standard for CSC scholarship eligibility in non-STEM fields.
Additional HSK 5 Resources
Recommended Study Tools:
- Pleco: Essential dictionary and flashcard app for HSK 5 vocabulary.
- Anki: Spaced repetition flashcards — create decks from the HSK 5 word list.
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers: Level 3-4 readers bridge the gap to native content.
- Learning Chinese Through Stories (Podcast): Native-level content with intermediate explanations.
HSK 5 Training Course
Official HSK Passing Scores Explained
HSK 5 Vocabulary List + Excel (with 3 Free Quiz Sheets)
HSK 5 Grammar Guide: 25 Most-Tested Grammar Patterns
Free HSK 5 Grammar Online Quiz
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