At the A1 level, you only need to understand that '报考' (bàokǎo) means 'to apply for a school.' You might not use it yourself yet, as you are still learning basic words like '想' (want) and '大学' (university). Think of it as a special way to say 'I want to go to this school' in a formal way. For example, '我想报考这所学校' (I want to apply for this school). At this stage, don't worry about the difference between this and '报名' (sign up) too much; just remember it's for schools and big tests. You will mostly see this word in basic stories about students or in very simple school application forms. It is helpful to know because '考' (kǎo) means 'test,' which is a very common character you will see everywhere in Chinese life. If you see '报' and '考' together, it's about a student making a big decision about their education.
At the A2 level, you should start using '报考' (bàokǎo) when talking about your education plans. You should understand that it is a verb that takes a school or a major as its object. For instance, '他报考了北京大学' (He applied for Peking University). At this level, you can begin to distinguish it from '报名' (bàomíng). Remember: '报名' is for things like a 'Chinese class' or a 'trip,' while '报考' is for a 'university' or a 'degree.' You might use it in sentences like '明年我要报考研究生' (Next year I will apply for graduate school). You should also be able to recognize it in simple news sentences about students. This word is very useful when introducing yourself and your background, especially if you studied in China or are planning to. It shows you know how the school system works.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '报考' (bàokǎo) in more complex sentence structures. You should know that it can be followed by a school name, a department, or a specific professional exam. For example, '报考公务员' (apply for the civil service exam) or '报考艺术专业' (apply for an arts major). You should also understand the noun-like usage in phrases like '报考条件' (requirements for applying) and '报考人数' (number of applicants). This is the level where you start to understand the cultural importance of the word—that it implies a lot of studying and preparation. You might discuss the pros and cons of '报考' different schools with friends. You should also be able to read short articles about exam registration deadlines and understand that '报考时间' means the window during which you can register. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to explain *why* someone is choosing to '报考' a particular major.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of '报考' (bàokǎo) in formal and academic contexts. You can use it to discuss social trends, such as '报考热' (the craze of applying for a certain major or exam). You should be able to navigate official university websites and understand sections like '报考指南' (Application Guide) or '报考流程' (Application Process). At this stage, you should also be able to use the word in the passive voice or within more abstract discussions about career planning. You can contrast '报考' with more specific terms like '投考' or '申报'. You understand that '报考' is not just a verb but a significant life event in the Chinese-speaking world. You can write essays about the pressure of '报考' the Gaokao or the changing trends in what majors students are '报考-ing'. Your grammar should be precise, ensuring that you don't use '报考' for simple job applications or hobby classes.
At the C1 level, you have a deep mastery of '报考' (bàokǎo) and can use it in professional, literary, and highly formal settings. You understand the subtle differences in register between '报考', '投考', and '应试'. You can discuss the legal and administrative requirements found in documents like '报考资格审查' (examination of application qualifications). You are aware of the historical weight of the term, perhaps linking it to the tradition of the imperial examinations. In discussions about education policy, you can use '报考' to analyze demographic shifts or the impact of government regulations on school admissions. You can use the word idiomatically and in complex rhetorical structures. For example, you might analyze how the '报考' behavior of students reflects broader economic anxieties. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can even spot when it is used ironically or metaphorically in literature.
At the C2 level, '报考' (bàokǎo) is a tool you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can interpret the word within the context of high-level academic research or complex legal statutes. You might discuss the '报考' system's role in meritocracy or social stratification in modern China. You can use it in creative writing to evoke the specific atmosphere of the 'exam season' in a Chinese city. You are comfortable with the most technical aspects of the word, such as '网上报考系统' (online application systems) or '异地报考' (applying for exams in a different location than one's household registration). You can provide detailed advice to others on the subtleties of '报考' strategies for the most competitive institutions. Your understanding extends to the philosophical implications of the word—how the act of '报考' defines the relationship between the individual and the state's educational apparatus. No nuance of the word, whether cultural, historical, or administrative, is beyond your grasp.

报考 in 30 Sekunden

  • 报考 is a verb used for applying to schools or exams.
  • It combines 'report' (报) and 'examine' (考).
  • Use it for universities, majors, and civil service tests.
  • It is more formal and specific than just 'signing up'.

The Chinese verb 报考 (bàokǎo) is a specialized term that specifically refers to the act of registering or applying for an entrance examination, a school, or a professional qualification. It is a compound of two characters: 报 (bào), meaning to report or sign up, and 考 (kǎo), meaning to test or examine. Unlike the generic 'apply' in English, 报考 carries the heavy weight of formal academic or career progression in Chinese culture.

Educational Context
In the Chinese education system, students do not just 'apply' to universities; they 报考 them. This implies that their admission is contingent upon a standardized test score, such as the Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) or the Kaoyan (Postgraduate Entrance Exam).

我想报考清华大学的计算机专业。

— "I want to apply for the computer science major at Tsinghua University."

The word is predominantly used when the application process involves a rigorous examination phase. For instance, if you are signing up for a marathon, you would use 报名 (bàomíng), but if you are signing up for the Civil Service Exam, you must use 报考. This distinction is crucial for learners to sound natural. It suggests a goal-oriented action where the applicant is ready to be evaluated.

Professional Certification
Professionals use this term when registering for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, the bar exam for lawyers, or medical licensing tests. It denotes a formal commitment to a career path.

他正在准备报考公务员。

— "He is preparing to apply for the civil service exam."

Furthermore, 报考 implies a choice. In China, students often have to list their 'volunteers' (志愿 - zhìyuàn) or preferred schools when they 报考. This makes the word synonymous with choosing a future direction. It's not just a clerical task; it's a life-defining decision. The cultural weight of 'the test' in East Asia makes this verb significantly more formal and focused than the English 'to sign up'.

Target Objects
Common objects for this verb include universities (大学), graduate programs (研究生), majors (专业), and specific exam types like the TOEFL or IELTS (though 报名 is also common for language tests, 报考 emphasizes the intent to enter an institution).

In summary, use 报考 when the process is: 1) Formal, 2) Competitive, and 3) Exam-based. It bridges the gap between 'signing up' and 'challenging oneself' for a higher status or position.

Grammatically, 报考 (bàokǎo) functions as a transitive verb. Its most common structure is Subject + 报考 + Institution/Exam/Major. Because the action of registering is usually a discrete event, it is frequently paired with aspect markers like 了 (le) to indicate completion, or 准备 (zhǔnbèi - prepare to) to indicate intent.

Basic Structure
The simplest way to use it is to state who is applying for what. '我报考了北京大学' (I applied for Peking University). Note that you don't need a preposition like 'for' in Chinese; the institution follows the verb directly.

很多学生选择报考名校。

— "Many students choose to apply for prestigious schools."

When specifying a major, the structure remains the same: 报考 + [Major Name]. For example, '报考医学专业' (Apply for a medical major). You can also combine the school and the major: '报考南京大学的历史系' (Apply for the History Department of Nanjing University).

Using with 'Conditions'
When discussing whether someone is eligible, you use the phrase '符合报考条件' (meet the application requirements). This is very common in formal academic brochures.

你不符合报考这项考试的资格。

— "You do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this exam."

In a passive sense, or when focusing on the 'action of applying' as a noun phrase, you might see '报考人数激增' (The number of applicants has surged). Here, 报考 describes the type of people (those applying for exams). It is also common to see it in the negative: '没能报考' (failed to/couldn't apply), often due to missing a deadline or lacking qualifications.

Compound Phrases
Common compounds include: 报考指南 (application guide), 报考意向 (application intention), and 报考时间 (application period).

Finally, remember that 报考 is rarely used for hobbies. You wouldn't say you '报考' a piano class unless there is a formal grade examination (考级) involved. It always implies an evaluative hurdle.

The word 报考 (bàokǎo) is ubiquitous in Chinese society, appearing in news broadcasts, family dinners, and administrative offices. Because education is the primary vehicle for social mobility in China, the act of 报考 is discussed with a mixture of anxiety, hope, and strategic planning.

In the Media
During the summer months, news headlines are filled with statistics about the Gaokao. You will hear anchors say things like '今年报考人数创历史新高' (The number of applicants this year has reached a record high). It is treated as a national economic and social indicator.

新闻报道:今年有超过一千万名考生报考高考。

— "News report: Over ten million candidates applied for the Gaokao this year."

In a domestic setting, parents often discuss their children's futures using this word. It's common to hear parents comparing notes: '你家孩子准备报考哪所大学?' (Which university is your child preparing to apply for?). In this context, 报考 is less about the paperwork and more about the ambition and the choice of a life path.

On Campus
Among students, the word is used when discussing safety nets and 'reach' schools. Students might say, '我打算报考这所学校作为保底' (I plan to apply for this school as a backup). It's part of the tactical vocabulary of the Chinese student experience.

老师建议我报考外地的大学,竞争没那么激烈。

— "The teacher suggested I apply for universities in other provinces; the competition isn't as fierce."

You will also encounter 报考 in bureaucratic settings. When visiting a government office to sign up for a teacher's qualification or a driving test (in some formal contexts), the signs will use 报考须知 (Application Instructions). It signals that you are entering a formal, state-sanctioned process of evaluation.

In Literature and Drama
Many Chinese TV dramas (especially 'youth' or 'campus' genres) revolve around the tension of 报考. Characters often hide which school they are 报考-ing to surprise their love interests or to avoid parental pressure.

Whether it's a high-stakes civil service position or a simple English proficiency test, 报考 is the gateway word for any Chinese person looking to prove their worth through a standardized system.

For English speakers, the most frequent error when using 报考 (bàokǎo) is failing to distinguish it from other 'apply' or 'register' verbs. Chinese has several words that translate to 'apply,' but they are not interchangeable.

Mistake 1: 报考 vs. 报名
This is the most common pitfall. 报名 (bàomíng) means to 'sign up' or 'register' for something general (a club, a trip, a volunteer activity). 报考 is only for things involving an exam. You '报名' for a gym membership, but you '报考' for a university degree.

❌ 我报考了昨天的聚会。(I applied for yesterday's party - Incorrect)

✅ 我报名参加了昨天的聚会。(Correct)

Another mistake is using 报考 for a job application that doesn't involve a test. In English, you 'apply for a job.' In Chinese, you 申请 (shēnqǐng) or 应聘 (yìngpìn). If you say you '报考' a job at Google, a Chinese speaker will assume Google has a standardized national entrance exam like the civil service.

Mistake 2: Transitive Confusion
Some learners try to add prepositions like '对' (to/towards) or '为' (for) before the school name. In Chinese, the institution is the direct object. It's '报考大学', not '为大学报考'.

❌ 他报考对艺术学院。(Incorrect)

✅ 他报考了艺术学院。(Correct)

Confusing 报考 with 考试 (kǎoshì) is also common. 考试 is the exam itself (the noun or the act of taking it). 报考 is the administrative act of signing up for it weeks or months in advance. You can '报考' an exam and then fail to '参加考试' (attend the exam) because you got sick.

Mistake 3: Over-formality
Sometimes learners use 报考 for very informal things, like a small quiz in a language class. This sounds overly dramatic. For small, internal school tests, just say '参加考试' (take part in the exam).

Lastly, be careful with the major/school order. It is usually [School] + [Major]. For example, '报考北京大学物理系'. Reversing this makes the sentence sound clunky and non-native.

Understanding 报考 (bàokǎo) requires comparing it to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a specific niche in the 'application' ecosystem.

报名 (bào míng)
Meaning: To sign up; to register.
Difference: This is general. You sign up for a race, a club, or a party. 报考 is specifically for exams/schools. You can '报名' for the HSK test, but you '报考' a university using that HSK score.
申请 (shēn qǐng)
Meaning: To apply (for a visa, a job, a scholarship).
Difference: This is used when the process involves a review of documents (resumes, essays) rather than just a standardized test. In Western contexts, we '申请' university. In the Chinese system, we '报考'.

Comparison:
申请奖学金 (Apply for a scholarship)
报考研究生 (Apply for graduate school entrance exam)

投考 (tóu kǎo)
Meaning: To go and take an entrance exam.
Difference: This is a slightly more literary or old-fashioned version of 报考. It is often used for military academies, police academies, or historical contexts (like the imperial examinations).
应聘 (yìng pìn)
Meaning: To apply for a job (advertised position).
Difference: This is strictly professional. You '应聘' a position at a company. You never '报考' a private company job unless it's a state-owned enterprise with a formal entrance exam.

In formal documents, you might also see 申报 (shēnbào), which means to report/declare for approval (like declaring taxes or applying for a patent). This is much more bureaucratic and less about students.

By choosing the correct word, you show a deep understanding of Chinese institutional culture. Using 报考 correctly tells the listener that you respect the formality and the challenge of the academic or professional path being discussed.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the old Imperial Examination days, there wasn't a single word like '报考'; instead, scholars would '赴考' (go to the exam) or '应试' (respond to the test). '报考' reflects the modern administrative state where you must register in a database first.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /baʊ kʰaʊ/
US /baʊ kʰaʊ/
The emphasis is usually slightly more on the second syllable 'kǎo' because it carries the specific meaning of 'exam'.
Reimt sich auf
告 (gào) 照 (zhào) 跑 (pǎo) 少 (shǎo) 好 (hǎo) 草 (cǎo) 老 (lǎo) 到 (dào)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'bao' as 'bow' (like a violin bow). It should rhyme with 'now'.
  • Missing the fourth tone on 'bào', making it sound like 'bǎo' (third tone), which could be confused with 'treasure'.
  • Not aspirating the 'k' in 'kǎo', making it sound like 'gǎo'.
  • Confusing the tones: saying 'bāo kǎo' (first tone) instead of 'bào kǎo'.
  • Merging the two syllables too quickly without distinct tone changes.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in context because of the 'exam' character.

Schreiben 3/5

The character '报' has several strokes, and '考' must be written carefully.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are correct.

Hören 2/5

Commonly heard in academic contexts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

考试 报名 大学 学生

Als Nächstes lernen

录取 志愿 专业 毕业 学位

Fortgeschritten

招生简章 录取分数线 调剂 保研

Wichtige Grammatik

Verb-Object Structure

报考 (Verb) + 大学 (Object)

Aspect Marker '了'

他已经报考了。

Relative Clauses with '的'

报考的学生很多。

Time Phrases

在报考期间...

Purpose Clauses

为了报考这所学校,他学习很努力。

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

我想报考大学。

I want to apply for university.

Subject + 想 + 报考 + Object.

2

他报考哪所学校?

Which school is he applying for?

Using '哪所' as a classifier for schools.

3

报考这所学校很难。

Applying for this school is very hard.

报考 + School can act as the subject of the sentence.

4

你要报考吗?

Do you want to apply?

Simple question with '吗'.

5

我不报考。

I am not applying.

Negative form using '不'.

6

她报考北京大学。

She applies for Peking University.

Direct object follows the verb.

7

什么时候报考?

When to apply?

Time question using '什么时候'.

8

我要去报考。

I am going to apply.

Using '去' to indicate going to perform an action.

1

他决定报考法律专业。

He decided to apply for the law major.

报考 + Major Name.

2

你报考了那个考试吗?

Did you apply for that exam?

Using '了' for completed action.

3

我还没报考呢。

I haven't applied yet.

Negative completion with '还没...呢'.

4

报考的人很多。

There are many people applying.

报考 used as an adjective modifying '人'.

5

你想报考哪里的大学?

Which location's university do you want to apply for?

Using '哪里' to ask about location.

6

报考费是多少钱?

How much is the application fee?

报考 + 费 (fee) as a compound noun.

7

我报考了三所大学。

I applied for three universities.

Number + Classifier + School.

8

准备报考的学生请注意。

Students preparing to apply, please pay attention.

Relative clause: 准备报考的 modifying 学生.

1

报考研究生需要什么条件?

What are the requirements to apply for graduate school?

报考 + Graduate Student (level of study).

2

他因为生病没能报考。

He couldn't apply because he was sick.

Cause and effect using '因为...没能'.

3

报考前,你应该仔细阅读指南。

Before applying, you should read the guide carefully.

报考 + 前 (before) to indicate time.

4

今年报考公务员的人数增加了。

The number of people applying for the civil service exam increased this year.

Complex subject: 报考...的人数.

5

我打算报考本地的师范大学。

I plan to apply for the local normal (teacher's) university.

Using '打算' to express intention.

6

符合条件的考生可以报考。

Candidates who meet the requirements can apply.

Using '符合条件' as a prerequisite.

7

报考流程非常简单。

The application process is very simple.

报考 + 流程 (process) as a compound noun.

8

他报考了两次都没考上。

He applied twice but didn't pass.

Using '次' as a verbal classifier.

1

很多学生报考时会考虑就业前景。

Many students consider job prospects when applying.

报考 + 时 (when) to indicate simultaneous actions.

2

报考名校的竞争压力非常大。

The competitive pressure to apply for famous schools is huge.

报考 as part of a complex noun phrase subject.

3

他放弃了报考清华的机会。

He gave up the opportunity to apply for Tsinghua.

报考...的机会 (the opportunity to...).

4

该校的报考人数每年都在波动。

The number of applicants for this school fluctuates every year.

Using '该' (this/that) for formal reference.

5

报考艺术类院校需要参加专业课考试。

Applying for arts colleges requires taking professional subject exams.

报考 + Category of institutions.

6

请在规定的时间内完成报考手续。

Please complete the application formalities within the specified time.

报考 + 手续 (formalities/procedures).

7

他报考的初衷是为了提升自己。

His original intention for applying was to improve himself.

报考的初衷 (original intention of applying).

8

如何科学地选择报考的志愿?

How to scientifically choose the schools you apply for?

Using '如何' for 'how' in formal contexts.

1

报考热潮反映了社会对学历的崇拜。

The application craze reflects society's worship of academic qualifications.

报考 + 热潮 (craze/trend) as a sociological term.

2

考生应根据自身实力理性报考。

Candidates should apply rationally based on their own strength.

Using '应' (should) and '自身' (self).

3

报考资格的审查过程非常严格。

The review process for application qualifications is very strict.

报考资格 (eligibility to apply).

4

异地报考政策在近年有所放宽。

The policy for applying for exams in different locations has been relaxed in recent years.

Technical term: 异地报考.

5

他瞒着父母报考了偏远的大学。

He applied for a remote university behind his parents' backs.

瞒着 (hiding from) + Person + Action.

6

报考人数的激增导致了录取率的下降。

The surge in applicants led to a decrease in the admission rate.

Cause and effect with '导致' (lead to).

7

该政策旨在规范各类职业资格的报考。

This policy aims to standardize the application for various professional qualifications.

旨在 (aims to) + 规范 (standardize).

8

通过报考,他实现了人生的华丽转身。

Through applying (and passing), he achieved a magnificent transformation in life.

Using '通过' (through) as a means.

1

报考制度的演变折射出教育公平的变迁。

The evolution of the application system reflects changes in educational equity.

折射 (refracts/reflects) used metaphorically.

2

盲目报考往往会导致人才资源的错配。

Blindly applying often leads to the mismatch of human resources.

盲目 (blindly) as an adverb.

3

报考意向的多元化是社会进步的体现。

The diversification of application intentions is an embodiment of social progress.

多元化 (diversification) as a noun.

4

考生在报考时应警惕各类虚假招生信息。

Candidates should be wary of various false enrollment information when applying.

警惕 (be alert to/wary of).

5

报考门槛的设置需兼顾专业性与公平性。

The setting of application thresholds needs to balance professionalism and fairness.

报考门槛 (application threshold).

6

该研究探讨了报考行为背后的心理机制。

The study explored the psychological mechanisms behind application behavior.

探讨 (explore/discuss) in an academic sense.

7

报考不再是唯一的出路,但仍是主流选择。

Applying is no longer the only way out, but it remains the mainstream choice.

出路 (way out/prospects).

8

深化报考改革是当前教育领域的重头戏。

Deepening application reform is the main event in the current education field.

重头戏 (main event/highlight).

Häufige Kollokationen

报考大学
报考专业
报考研究生
报考公务员
报考条件
报考人数
报考指南
报考时间
报考系统
报考资格

Häufige Phrasen

盲目报考

— To apply for a school or major without careful thought. It is often used as a warning.

不要盲目报考热门专业。

跨专业报考

— Applying for a graduate major different from one's undergraduate major.

跨专业报考的难度很大。

异地报考

— Applying for an exam in a province different from one's registered residence.

政府正在简化异地报考的手续。

网上报考

— Registering for an exam online, which is the standard method now.

现在大家都通过网上报考。

报考热

— A craze or trend of many people applying for a specific thing.

近几年出现了“报考公务员热”。

第一志愿报考

— Applying for a school as one's top choice.

他第一志愿报考了复旦大学。

符合报考要求

— Meeting the criteria needed to apply.

只有符合报考要求的人才能参加。

报考类别

— The category under which one is applying (e.g., full-time vs part-time).

请确认你的报考类别。

报考点

— The specific physical location or administrative unit where one registers.

你需要去指定的报考点确认信息。

报考费

— The registration fee for the exam.

报考费是不退还的。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

报考 vs 报名

报名 is general registration; 报考 is for exams/schools.

报考 vs 考试

考试 is the test itself; 报考 is the registration for it.

报考 vs 申请

申请 is general application; 报考 implies a standardized test.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"名落孙山"

— To fail an entrance exam. While not containing '报考', it describes the negative outcome of it.

虽然他努力了,但还是名落孙山。

Literary
"金榜题名"

— To pass a high-level exam and have one's name on the list of successful candidates.

祝你金榜题名!

Literary
"千军万马过独木桥"

— A metaphor for the fierce competition of the Gaokao (millions of people crossing a single-log bridge).

报考名校就像千军万马过独木桥。

Informal/Metaphorical
"十年寒窗"

— Ten years of hard study at a cold window, usually in preparation for 报考.

十年寒窗,只为今朝报考。

Literary
"志在必得"

— Determined to get something, often used for a top-choice school.

他报考清华,志在必得。

Neutral
"择优录取"

— Admit the best candidates. The policy schools use after students 报考.

学校将根据成绩择优录取。

Formal
"望子成龙"

— Hoping one's son becomes a dragon (highly successful), often through 报考.

父母望子成龙,所以逼他报考名校。

Common
"学而优则仕"

— A scholar who excels should become an official (the root of the civil service 报考 culture).

在古代,学而优则仕是常态。

Literary
"鱼跃龙门"

— A carp jumping over the dragon gate (passing a difficult exam to gain high status).

报考公务员被视为鱼跃龙门的机会。

Literary
"分秒必争"

— Every second counts, describing the study intensity before 报考.

考前一个月,大家都在分秒必争地复习。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

报考 vs 报名

Both involve signing up.

报名 is for events, clubs, or general classes. 报考 is specifically for entrance exams or academic programs.

我报名参加晚会,但我报考了大学。

报考 vs 申请

Both translate to 'apply' in English.

申请 is used for jobs, visas, or scholarships where documents are reviewed. 报考 is used for schools/exams where a test is the main gatekeeper.

他向大使馆申请签证,同时报考了国外的大学。

报考 vs 应聘

Both relate to getting into a new position.

应聘 is only for jobs. 报考 is for schools or state-level exams.

他去公司应聘,不是报考。

报考 vs 投考

Very similar meaning.

投考 is more formal/literary and often associated with military or historical exams.

古代书生进京投考。

报考 vs 申报

Both involve formal reporting.

申报 is for administrative approval (taxes, patents, projects). 报考 is for individuals taking exams.

公司申报了新项目。

Satzmuster

A2

我想报考[School/Major]。

我想报考清华大学。

A2

他报考了[Exam]。

他报考了HSK五级。

B1

报考[Something]需要[Condition]。

报考研究生需要本科学位。

B1

由于[Reason],他没能报考。

由于错过时间,他没能报考。

B2

随着[Trend],报考[Something]的人越来越多。

随着经济发展,报考商科的人越来越多。

B2

[Person]在报考时面临很大压力。

他在报考时面临很大压力。

C1

报考[Something]不仅仅是为了[Reason]。

报考公务员不仅仅是为了稳定。

C2

通过对报考数据的分析,我们可以发现[Conclusion]。

通过对报考数据的分析,我们可以发现教育不平等的现状。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

考试 (Exam)
考生 (Examinee)
考场 (Exam hall)
考官 (Examiner)
考卷 (Exam paper)

Verben

考 (To test)
报名 (To register)
报告 (To report)
考取 (To pass and be admitted)

Adjektive

考究 (Elegant/Exquisite - related root)
考证 (Verifiable)

Verwandt

录取 (Admit)
志愿 (Volunteer/Choice)
分数 (Score)
及格 (Pass)
落榜 (Fail)

So verwendest du es

frequency

High (especially in spring and autumn)

Häufige Fehler
  • 我报考了那个聚会。 我报名参加了那个聚会。

    You cannot 'bàokǎo' a party because there is no exam involved.

  • 他报考对北京大学。 他报考了北京大学。

    Do not use the preposition '对' (to) with 报考.

  • 我想考试研究生。 我想报考研究生。

    考试 is the test itself; 报考 is the act of applying for the program.

  • 我报考了一家外企。 我应聘了一家外企。

    You 'yìngpìn' (apply for a job) at a private foreign company.

  • 报考人数被增加了。 报考人数增加了。

    In Chinese, 'increase' is usually intransitive here; you don't need the passive '被'.

Tipps

Exam-Focused

Remember: No exam, no 报考. If you're just joining a group, use 报名.

Direct Object

Don't add 'for' or 'to'. Just say 报考 + [School Name].

The 'Kaoyan' Craze

In China, many people 报考 graduate school after working for a few years. It's a common conversation topic.

Major vs. School

You can 报考 a school (报考大学) or a major (报考专业). Both are correct.

Tone Accuracy

The fourth tone on 'bào' is key. If you say it with a rising tone, people might think you're saying 'protect' (保).

Character Tip

The bottom of '考' is '丂'. Don't confuse it with '与' or '亏'.

Official Guides

Look for '报考须知' (Application Instructions) when you are on a Chinese university website.

Civil Service

报考公务员 is one of the most common uses of this word in modern China.

Choose Wisely

The phrase '盲目报考' (blindly applying) is a common warning in Chinese education.

Check Deadlines

Always look for the '报考时间' so you don't miss the window.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of **BAO** (like a baozi bun) that you eat for energy before you **KAO** (the sound of a starting gun) for your exam.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a student holding a registration form (**报**) and looking up at a giant university gate with a clock (**考**).

Word Web

大学 专业 研究生 公务员 考试 报名 录取 志愿

Herausforderung

Try to use '报考' in a sentence about your dream job or school today. Tell someone: '我想报考...'

Wortherkunft

The term 报考 is a modern compound word formed in the late 19th or early 20th century as China modernized its education system. It combines '报' (to report/announce) and '考' (to examine).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To announce one's intention to be examined.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Kultureller Kontext

Be sensitive when asking Chinese students about what they are '报考-ing'. If they fail, it can be a very shameful topic.

In English, we say 'apply to college'. We don't emphasize the 'exam' part in the verb itself. '报考' is much more specific than 'apply'.

The movie 'Better Days' (少年的你) depicts the intense pressure of the Gaokao season. The TV show 'A Little Reunion' (小欢喜) focuses on families deciding which schools to 报考. Historical dramas often show the 'Imperial Exams' which were the ancestors of today's 报考.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

University Application

  • 报考指南
  • 填报志愿
  • 录取通知
  • 第一志愿

Civil Service Exam

  • 报考公务员
  • 岗位要求
  • 政审
  • 笔试面试

Graduate School

  • 考研报考
  • 专业课
  • 导师
  • 复试

Language Tests

  • 报考HSK
  • 报考雅思
  • 报考托福
  • 准考证

Professional Certificates

  • 报考会计师
  • 报考教师资格证
  • 资格审查
  • 证书

Gesprächseinstiege

"你今年打算报考哪所大学?"

"你觉得报考热门专业好,还是报考自己喜欢的专业好?"

"报考研究生需要准备多长时间?"

"在你的国家,报考大学的过程是怎么样的?"

"如果你可以重新选择,你会报考什么专业?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你当年报考大学时的心情和经历。

你认为报考公务员是现在年轻人的最好选择吗?为什么?

讨论一下盲目报考热门专业可能带来的后果。

如果你要报考一个国外的大学,你会做哪些准备?

描述一下你理想中想要报考的学校和专业。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Only if the job is a government position (like a civil servant) that requires a standardized entrance exam. For private company jobs, use 申请 or 应聘.

Yes, it is a neutral-to-formal word. You will see it in official documents and news, but students also use it in daily conversation.

For language tests like HSK, people use both. 报名 emphasizes the act of registering, while 报考 emphasizes that you are taking it as a formal examination.

Yes, it can act as an attributive noun in phrases like 报考人数 (number of applicants) or 报考指南 (application guide).

If you are using the Chinese system's logic, you say '我报考了哈佛大学'. However, because Harvard uses an application-based system (essays, etc.), '我申请了哈佛大学' is also very common and perhaps more accurate for Western contexts.

Yes, in China, this is called the 报考截止日期. Missing it usually means you cannot take the exam that year.

Generally, no. You 报名 for a hobby class. You only 报考 if there is a formal certification exam at the end.

It means the registration fee you pay when you sign up for the exam.

Yes, you can directly follow it with the school or major: 报考清华.

It is the process of applying for an exam through an official website, which is how almost all exams are handled in China today.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to apply for Peking University.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He decided to apply for the civil service exam.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The number of applicants has increased this year.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Do you meet the application requirements?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Don't blindly apply for popular majors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '报考指南'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '网上报考'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He missed the application window due to illness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'What major are you going to apply for?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '报考费'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The competition for applying to prestigious schools is fierce.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He applied for three different universities.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '报考资格'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Please complete the application formalities.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The application system is closed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about your dream school using 报考.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Many people are applying for the teacher's qualification exam.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He gave up the chance to apply for the art academy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '报考热潮'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is it hard to apply for this major?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I want to apply for the history major.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Which school are you applying for?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I already applied online.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The application fee is 100 yuan.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Is there an application guide?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'He is preparing for the civil service exam.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I missed the application deadline.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The number of applicants is huge.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I don't meet the requirements to apply.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Which university is your top choice?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I want to apply for graduate school next year.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Please tell me the application process.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I applied for two schools.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The application system is down.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'You should apply rationally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I am applying for a teacher's certificate.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The competition is very fierce.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I need to check the application site.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Have you paid the application fee?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It's my dream to apply for this school.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '他报考了上海交通大学。' Where did he apply?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '报考截止日期是十月三十号。' When is the deadline?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '今年有五百万人报考。' How many people applied?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '你需要带上报考证。' What should you bring?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '他报考的是计算机专业。' What is his major?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '报考费可以在网上支付。' How to pay?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '他决定放弃报考。' What did he decide?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '报考条件包括本科学历。' What is one requirement?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '报考点在图书馆二楼。' Where is the site?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '这是你的报考号,请记好。' What should you remember?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '他报考了三次才被录取。' How many times did he apply?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '由于系统繁忙,报考失败了。' Why did it fail?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '他第一志愿报考了清华。' What was his first choice?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '请在报考表上签名。' Where to sign?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '报考热潮还在继续。' Is the craze over?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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