Learning a new language involves understanding a wide array of vocabulary related to different aspects of life. Today, we focus on Chinese words and phrases pertinent to school and education, which are essential for students and educators alike. This list should help English speakers expand their Mandarin Chinese vocabulary in the educational context.
学校 (xuéxiào) – School
这所学校非常现代化。
This means “school” and refers to any place of learning from elementary to university level.
大学 (dàxué) – University
他在北京的一所大学教书。
This refers specifically to “university” or “college.”
教室 (jiàoshì) – Classroom
学生们在教室里学习。
This is the word for “classroom,” where the teaching and learning activities occur.
老师 (lǎoshī) – Teacher
我们的老师很有耐心。
This term is used for “teacher,” the person who imparts knowledge.
学生 (xuéshēng) – Student
教室里坐满了学生。
This word means “student,” a learner or someone who attends educational institutions.
课本 (kèběn) – Textbook
请把课本放在桌子上。
This refers to “textbook,” a manual of instruction in any branch of study.
作业 (zuòyè) – Homework
他正在做数学作业。
This word translates to “homework,” tasks assigned to students to be completed outside of class.
考试 (kǎoshì) – Exam
明天我们有一场数学考试。
This term is used for “exam” or “test,” a formal assessment of a student’s knowledge or proficiency in a subject.
成绩 (chéngjī) – Grade
他的成绩总是很优秀。
This word refers to “grade,” the scores or marks given following the evaluation of a student’s work.
课程 (kèchéng) – Course
这门课程非常有趣。
This translates to “course,” a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject.
图书馆 (túshūguǎn) – Library
图书馆里有很多书籍可以借阅。
This term means “library,” a place set aside for reading, writing, or studying, including the collection of books and other materials.
学期 (xuéqī) – Semester
新学期九月开始。
This refers to “semester,” one of the two or more divisions of the academic year.
校长 (xiàozhǎng) – Principal
校长在开学典礼上发表了讲话。
This is the word for “principal,” the head administrative officer of a school.
同学 (tóngxué) – Classmate
我和我的同学们一起去图书馆学习。
This word means “classmate,” fellow students who are in the same class.
毕业 (bìyè) – Graduation
他明年夏天毕业。
This refers to “graduation,” the successful completion of a course of study.
学位 (xuéwèi) – Degree
她获得了法学学位。
This word means “degree,” a qualification awarded to students upon successful completion of their university studies.
讲座 (jiǎngzuò) – Lecture
今天下午有一个非常有趣的讲座。
This refers to “lecture,” a talk or speech given to a group of people to teach them about a particular subject.
教育 (jiàoyù) – Education
教育可以改变一个人的一生。
This term is used for “education,” the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.
Understanding these terms can significantly enhance your ability to talk about academic environments and educational processes in Chinese, making your language learning journey both practical and enriching. Whether you are a student planning to study in China or an educator working with Chinese-speaking students, familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words will help bridge communication gaps and foster better understanding.
