In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask 'What is your major?'
- Perfect for students, interns, and young professionals.
- Uses simple S-V-O grammar that is easy to remember.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to ask someone what they are studying at university. It is the most common icebreaker for students or young professionals meeting for the first time.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a new classmate
同学你好，你是学什么专业的？
Hi classmate, what's your major?
At a formal networking event
请问，你是学什么专业的？
May I ask, what is your major?
Texting a new friend from a club
你是学什么的？
What do you study?
Cultural Background
University majors are often tied to future career paths, so this question is very common. Similar to the mainland, but sometimes '讀' (dú) is used instead of '學' (xué).
Be specific
Always include '专业' to avoid confusion with general learning.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask 'What is your major?'
- Perfect for students, interns, and young professionals.
- Uses simple S-V-O grammar that is easy to remember.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate social tool in academic settings. It literally translates to 'You are studying what major?' The word 学 means to study. 什么 means what. 专业 means major or specialty. It is direct and clear.
How To Use It
Simply drop this after a greeting. You can say 你好 first. Then ask 你是学什么专业的？ It works like a charm. You do not need complex grammar. The structure is subject + verb + object. It is very beginner-friendly.
When To Use It
Use this at university parties. Use it during internship orientations. It is great for networking events. If you see someone carrying a heavy textbook, ask them! It is a polite way to show interest in their life. It often leads to longer conversations about career goals.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with older people. If they graduated twenty years ago, it feels odd. They might have forgotten their major! Also, do not ask a high schooler. They do not have a major yet. In a very formal job interview, use a more professional version. Avoid it if the person is clearly working a trade.
Cultural Background
In China, your major is a big part of your identity. Parents often brag about their children's majors. Some majors like 工程 (Engineering) or 医学 (Medicine) are very prestigious. Asking this shows you value their education. It is a standard part of the 'getting to know you' script.
Common Variations
If you want to be shorter, say 你学什么？ This is very casual. For a more formal vibe, try 您的专业是什么？ This uses the polite 'you'. You might also hear 你是哪个系的？ which means 'Which department are you in?' All these get the same result. Pick the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, versatile phrase. It is safe for almost any social situation involving people under 35.
Be specific
Always include '专业' to avoid confusion with general learning.
Examples
6同学你好，你是学什么专业的？
Hi classmate, what's your major?
A very natural way to start a conversation on campus.
请问，你是学什么专业的？
May I ask, what is your major?
Adding 'please ask' makes it slightly more polite.
你是学什么的？
What do you study?
A shortened, more casual version for texting.
你会修电脑？你是学什么专业的？
You can fix computers? What was your major?
Used humorously when someone shows an unexpected skill.
我很想知道，你是学什么专业的？
I'd really like to know, what was your major?
Adding 'I really want to know' makes it feel more personal.
欢迎来公司！你是学什么专业的？
Welcome to the company! What's your major?
Commonly used by mentors to greet new interns.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
你是学什么____的？
'专业' means major, which fits the context of studying.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises你是学什么____的？
'专业' means major, which fits the context of studying.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use '您做什么工作？' instead.
Related Phrases
你做什么工作？
contrastWhat is your job?
你上几年级？
similarWhat year are you in?
