In 15 Seconds
- Used for officially leaving school permanently.
- Not for temporary breaks or job quitting.
- Commonly used in both formal and casual settings.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the act of officially leaving a school or university before you have finished your degree or program.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a famous person
比尔·盖茨从哈佛大学退学了。
Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard University.
Discussing a friend's decision
他因为想创业，所以决定退学。
He decided to drop out because he wants to start a business.
Formal administrative context
请问办理退学手续需要什么材料？
What documents are needed to process the dropout procedures?
Cultural Background
In traditional Chinese culture, completing one's education is a matter of family honor. Historically, dropping out was rare and stigmatized, but with the rise of the 'Internet era' and entrepreneurship, the narrative around `退学` has shifted slightly to include those pursuing unconventional success.
The 'Le' Factor
Usually, you'll see `退学` followed by `了` (le) because dropping out is an event that has already happened or been decided.
Don't confuse with 休学
If you are just taking a gap year or a medical leave, use `休学`. `退学` is the 'point of no return' version.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for officially leaving school permanently.
- Not for temporary breaks or job quitting.
- Commonly used in both formal and casual settings.
What It Means
退学 is the standard way to say someone is dropping out. It is a permanent decision. You aren't just taking a break. You are telling the school you are finished for good. It sounds serious because it usually is.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. You can say someone 退学了. The 了 shows the action is complete. You can also use it to describe the status. For example, a 退学学生 is a dropout student. It is a direct and clear term.
When To Use It
Use it in academic discussions. Use it when talking about someone's life path. If a friend decides to start a business instead of finishing college, this is the word. It fits in news reports about education too. It is the most common term for this situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a temporary break. That is 休学. Don't use it if someone was kicked out for bad behavior. That is 被开除. Also, don't use it for quitting a job. That is 辞职. It only applies to schools and universities. Using it for a gym membership will get you funny looks!
Cultural Background
In China, education is highly valued. Dropping out is often seen as a massive life event. It isn't taken lightly by families. However, stories of famous dropouts like Bill Gates have made it a topic of conversation. It carries a bit of a 'rebel' or 'bold' vibe in modern startup circles.
Common Variations
You might hear 办退学. This means to go through the actual paperwork. If someone is forced to leave because of grades, people might say 被劝退. This is a polite way of saying the school 'advised' them to leave. It's the 'it's not you, it's us' of the academic world.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in register. It is used in both daily conversation and official school documents. Be careful not to use it for temporary absences.
The 'Le' Factor
Usually, you'll see `退学` followed by `了` (le) because dropping out is an event that has already happened or been decided.
Don't confuse with 休学
If you are just taking a gap year or a medical leave, use `休学`. `退学` is the 'point of no return' version.
The 'Home to Farm' Joke
If a student says they are going to `退学回家种地`, they are usually just complaining about a hard exam, not actually quitting!
Examples
6比尔·盖茨从哈佛大学退学了。
Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard University.
A classic example of using the phrase for a famous figure.
他因为想创业，所以决定退学。
He decided to drop out because he wants to start a business.
Explaining the reason behind the action.
请问办理退学手续需要什么材料？
What documents are needed to process the dropout procedures?
Using '手续' (procedures) makes it sound very official.
听说小王退学了，是真的吗？
I heard Xiao Wang dropped out, is it true?
Common way to check news within a social circle.
如果我再不努力，可能就要退学回家种地了。
If I don't work harder, I might have to drop out and go home to farm.
A common self-deprecating joke among Chinese students.
我压力太大，真的想退学。
I'm under too much pressure; I really want to drop out.
Expressing a deep personal struggle.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about leaving school permanently.
他不打算读大学了，昨天办了___手续。
`退学` is the only option that refers to permanently leaving the school system.
Which word fits best when someone quits school to work?
为了赚钱养家，他只能选择___。
`退学` describes the act of stopping one's education, often for financial or personal reasons.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Leaving School
Not really used for this serious topic.
N/A
Standard way to say drop out in conversation.
他退学了。
Used in official documents and news.
办理退学申请。
When to use 退学
Starting a company
退学创业
Financial hardship
因贫困退学
Health issues
因病退学
Administrative
退学手续
Practice Bank
2 exercises他不打算读大学了，昨天办了___手续。
`退学` is the only option that refers to permanently leaving the school system.
为了赚钱养家，他只能选择___。
`退学` describes the act of stopping one's education, often for financial or personal reasons.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 退学 can be used for any level of formal schooling, from elementary to PhD programs.
It is not a swear word, but it carries a negative or heavy social weight in many Chinese families.
辍学 (chuò xué) usually implies dropping out due to poverty or external circumstances, whereas 退学 is the more general/administrative term.
You can say 我想退学 (Wǒ xiǎng tuìxué).
Usually no. For those, you would say 退课 (cancel a class) or 退费 (get a refund).
No, on a resume you would usually just list the dates you attended. If asked, you might use more formal language like 肄业 (yìyè) to mean 'attended without graduating'.
That is 被开除 (bèi kāichú). 退学 usually implies the student initiated it, though 劝退 is the middle ground.
Only in the context of school. You cannot use it to quit a job or a habit.
Not really a direct slang word, but people might say 不读了 (bù dú le) which literally means 'not studying anymore'.
Technically yes, but usually people just say 不去了 (not going) because kindergarten isn't compulsory.
Related Phrases
休学 (To take a leave of absence)
辍学 (To drop out due to hardship)
开除 (To be expelled)
毕业 (To graduate)
肄业 (To leave school without a degree)
