学校生活 — University, Exams, Study Abroad
University vocabulary: 大学 (dàxué), 专业 (major), 学分 (credits), 奖学金 (scholarship), 交换生 (exchange student), 论文 (thesis), 期末考试 (final exam), 图书馆 (library), 宿舍 (dormitory). Discuss study plans and academic goals.
A lesson of Mandarin B1 — Intermediate, in Workplace & Education, about 10 minutes.
By the end of this lesson, you will discuss academic life in Mandarin, including university vocabulary, exam culture, and study abroad programs.
Chinese University Culture
China's university system is fiercely competitive. The 高考 (gāokǎo — National College Entrance Exam) is one of the most consequential tests in the world. Understanding academic vocabulary opens a window into Chinese society, ambition, and the deep cultural value placed on education (教育 jiàoyù).
University Vocabulary (大学词汇 dàxué cíhuì)
Institutions and Structures
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 大学 | dàxué | university |
| 学院 | xuéyuàn | college / institute (within a university) |
| 系 | xì | department (e.g., 中文系 — Chinese department) |
| 院校 | yuànxiào | institutions of higher learning |
| 研究生院 | yánjiūshēng yuàn | graduate school |
Academic Roles
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 教授 | jiàoshòu | professor |
| 副教授 | fù jiàoshòu | associate professor |
| 讲师 | jiǎngshī | lecturer |
| 导师 | dǎoshī | academic advisor / supervisor |
| 本科生 | běnkēshēng | undergraduate student |
| 研究生 | yánjiūshēng | graduate student |
| 博士生 | bóshìshēng | PhD student |
| 交换生 | jiāohuànshēng | exchange student |
Degrees and Programs
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 专业 | zhuānyè | major / specialization |
| 学分 |