This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,500 most common 9 min read

学位

xuewei Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 学位 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 学位 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '学位' (xuéwèi) means 'degree.' It is a word you might use when talking about university or school. You can use it in very simple sentences like '我有学位' (I have a degree) or '他没有学位' (He doesn't have a degree). You might hear it when people talk about their dreams or their family. It is a 'big' word for a beginner, but very useful because education is so important in Chinese culture. Just remember it is a noun and usually comes after verbs like '有' (have) or '要' (want). You don't need to worry about the different types of degrees yet; just knowing the general word is enough. Think of it as a goal you reach after studying for a long time at a university.

At the A2 level, you can start using '学位' in more descriptive sentences. You might say '他在大学拿学位' (He is getting a degree at university) or '我想拿一个好学位' (I want to get a good degree). You are beginning to understand that '学位' is related to '大学' (university) and '学习' (study). You should also learn the basic structure: [University Name] + 的 + 学位. For example, '北京大学的学位' (A degree from Peking University). You might also encounter the word in simple job advertisements where they list '学位' as a requirement. It is helpful to know that '学位' is a formal way to talk about finishing your university studies and getting a title.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between '学位' and other related words like '学习' or '学校.' You can use it in sentences that describe your plans or achievements, such as '拿到学位后，我打算出国' (After getting my degree, I plan to go abroad). You should also start learning the names of specific degrees: '学士学位' (Bachelor's), '硕士学位' (Master's), and '博士学位' (Doctorate). At this level, you can discuss the importance of a degree in finding a job. You might say, '在现在的社会，学位很重要' (In today's society, a degree is very important). You are moving beyond simple 'have/not have' sentences to more complex ideas about the value and purpose of having a degree.

At the B2 level, you should use '学位' with more sophisticated verbs and in more formal contexts. Instead of just '拿' (get), you should use '获得' (obtain) or '授予' (confer). You can discuss topics like '学位通胀' (degree inflation) or the difference between '学位' (degree) and '学历' (educational background). You should be able to understand more complex sentences like '该大学被授权授予博士学位' (The university is authorized to confer doctoral degrees). You can also use it in professional settings, such as writing a resume or in a job interview. You should understand the nuances of how a degree affects one's career path and social status in China, and be able to express these ideas clearly using the word '学位.'

At the C1 level, your use of '学位' should be precise and varied. You can discuss the legal and regulatory aspects of degrees, such as the '学位条例' (Degree Regulations). You can use the word in abstract discussions about education policy, academic integrity, and the global recognition of credentials. For example, '由于学术不端，他的学位被撤销了' (His degree was revoked due to academic misconduct). You should also be familiar with terms like '双学位' (double degree), '荣誉学位' (honorary degree), and '联合学位' (joint degree). You can articulate the subtle differences between having a degree and having the actual skills required for a job, using '学位' as a central point of your argument in formal debates or essays.

At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '学位' and its place in the broader Chinese cultural and linguistic landscape. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the history of the Chinese degree system or comparing it with systems in other countries. You can use the word with total ease in academic writing, legal documents, and high-level business negotiations. You understand the deep social implications of '学位' in Chinese society, including its role in the 'hukou' (residency) system or in '学位房' (school district housing) policies. Your usage is flawless, and you can use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, irony, or emphasis in complex discourse about education, meritocracy, and social stratification.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

学位 in 30 Seconds

学位 (xuéwèi) specifically means an academic degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD) awarded by a university, distinguishing it from general educational history or diplomas.
It is a formal noun used in professional, academic, and legal contexts to define a person's intellectual rank and qualifications.
Commonly paired with verbs like 获得 (obtain), 授予 (confer), and 攻读 (pursue), it is essential for resumes and job applications in China.
Culturally, holding a '学位' carries significant prestige and is often seen as a primary indicator of personal success and social standing.

The term 学位 (xuéwèi) refers specifically to an academic degree—a title conferred by a college or university to indicate that a student has completed a specific course of study. In the Chinese linguistic context, it is crucial to distinguish this from other terms related to education. While '学历' (xuélì) refers to your educational history or the record of your schooling, 学位 is the actual credential or rank you hold, such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate. This distinction is vital in professional and academic settings in China, where employers often check both your graduation certificate and your degree certificate.

Academic Context: Used when discussing specific levels of achievement like 学士 (Bachelor), 硕士 (Master), or 博士 (Doctor).

他在哈佛大学获得了法学学位。(He obtained a law degree at Harvard University.)

People use 学位 when they are talking about the formal recognition of their expertise. In modern China, the pursuit of higher degrees is highly valued, reflecting a deep-seated cultural emphasis on education as a primary path to social mobility. You will hear this word in job interviews, university orientation sessions, and graduation ceremonies. It carries a sense of prestige and formal accomplishment. Unlike the more general 'education,' 学位 is a countable noun in function, though in Chinese grammar, it doesn't change form; you simply specify the type of degree before it.

Legal and Formal Use: In legal documents or resumes, identifying your '学位' is a mandatory requirement to prove qualifications.

申请这个职位需要硕士以上学位。(Applying for this position requires a Master's degree or higher.)

The word consists of two characters: 学 (xué), meaning study or learning, and 位 (wèi), which signifies a position, place, or status. Together, they literally mean 'the status of one's learning.' This reflects the hierarchical nature of the Chinese academic system. When you speak about your degree, you are defining your position within the intellectual hierarchy of society. This is why the word is often paired with verbs like '授予' (shòuyǔ - to confer) or '攻读' (gōngdú - to pursue/study for).

Social Standing: Holding a higher degree often grants a person a different level of social respect in traditional Chinese culture.

荣誉学位是对他多年贡献的肯定。(The honorary degree is an affirmation of his years of contribution.)

拿到学位是每个毕业生的梦想。(Getting a degree is every graduate's dream.)

她正在攻读博士学位。(She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.)

Using 学位 correctly involves understanding its role as a formal noun. It usually appears as the object of a verb or modified by an adjective or another noun describing the level or field. For example, you 'obtain' (获得), 'receive' (授予), or 'pursue' (攻读) a degree. It is rarely used in casual slang; instead, it maintains a professional and respectful tone. When describing someone's qualifications, you might say '他有学士学位' (He has a bachelor's degree).

Verb Pairing: Common verbs: 获得 (huòdé), 拿到 (nádào), 授予 (shòuyǔ), 攻读 (gōngdú).

校方决定授予他荣誉学位。(The school decided to confer an honorary degree upon him.)

In more complex sentences, 学位 can be part of a subject clause or a conditional statement. For instance, '如果我拿不到学位，我就没法找工作' (If I can't get my degree, I won't be able to find a job). Note that in Chinese, we don't use articles like 'a' or 'the' in the same way as English. You simply say '学位' or '一个学位' (one degree) if you need to be specific about the number. However, the most common way is to specify the level: '硕士学位' (Master's degree) or '博士学位' (PhD).

Requirement Structure: Commonly used with '要求' (yāoqiú - requirement) or '条件' (tiáojiàn - condition).

这个职位的基本要求是本科学位。(The basic requirement for this position is an undergraduate degree.)

Furthermore, 学位 is often used in the context of '学位证书' (degree certificate). In China, the graduation certificate (毕业证) and the degree certificate (学位证) are two different documents. One proves you finished the classes, the other proves you reached the academic standard for the degree. This is a nuance often missed by non-native speakers but is critical for anyone planning to work or study in China. You might say, '我的学位证丢了' (I lost my degree certificate).

Comparison Use: Used when comparing the value or difficulty of different academic paths.

虽然他有博士学位，但他缺乏实践经验。(Although he has a doctorate, he lacks practical experience.)

他为了拿学位付出了很多努力。(He put in a lot of effort to get his degree.)

这所大学的学位在全球都得到认可。(The degrees from this university are recognized globally.)

You will encounter 学位 in several key environments. The most obvious is the university campus. Professors will discuss '学位论文' (degree thesis/dissertation), and administrative offices will handle '学位申请' (degree application). During graduation season, the word is everywhere—from speeches by the university president to the captions on social media photos of students in their '学位服' (academic gowns/caps and gowns).

Campus Life: Heard in lectures, administrative meetings, and student discussions about future goals.

你打算什么时候提交学位论文？(When do you plan to submit your degree thesis?)

Another major setting is the workplace, specifically during the recruitment process. HR managers will often list '学位' requirements in job postings. In news reports, you might hear about '学位通胀' (degree inflation), a trending topic discussing how more and more people hold advanced degrees, making the job market more competitive. It's also common in discussions about government policy, such as the '学位条例' (Degree Regulations) of the People's Republic of China.

News and Media: Used in reports about education quality, international student trends, and economic shifts.

很多家长为了孩子的学位去买高价房。(Many parents buy high-priced houses for their children's school places.)

In a social context, when elders ask about a young person's progress, they might ask, '拿学位了吗？' (Did you get the degree?). This reflects the social expectation of completing one's education. Even in movies or TV dramas set in high schools or universities, the '学位' represents the ultimate goal and the culmination of years of hard work. It is a word associated with maturity, professional readiness, and intellectual achievement.

Social Expectations: Frequently used by parents and family members to measure a child's success.

他终于拿到了梦寐以求的博士学位。(He finally obtained the long-dreamed-of doctoral degree.)

这个项目的目的是帮助职场人士获得更高学位。(The goal of this project is to help professionals obtain higher degrees.)

由于作弊，他的学位被撤销了。(His degree was revoked due to cheating.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 学位 is confusing it with 学历 (xuélì). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 学历 refers to the process and record of education (e.g., 'graduate student' is a level of education), while 学位 is the specific title awarded (e.g., 'Master of Arts'). If you say '我有硕士学历,' it means you have the educational background of a Master's student, but '我有硕士学位' means you definitely have the degree title.

Mistake: Confusing with 学历: Incorrect: 我的学位是研究生。(My degree is a graduate student.) Correct: 我的学历是研究生，学位是硕士。(My education is graduate, my degree is Master's.)

很多人分不清学历和学位的区别。(Many people cannot distinguish between education background and degree.)

Another mistake is using the wrong verbs. In English, we 'get' a degree, but in formal Chinese, '获得' (huòdé) or '取得' (qǔdé) is preferred over the very casual '拿' (ná) in writing. Also, avoid saying '学习学位' (study a degree); instead, use '攻读学位' (pursue a degree). Using '学习' makes it sound like the degree is a subject you are reading about, rather than a goal you are working toward.

Mistake: Wrong Measure Word: Incorrect: 一只学位 (One degree). Correct: 一个学位 (One degree) or simply the title without a measure word.

他获得了两个不同领域的学位。(He obtained two degrees in different fields.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 学位 is a formal term. Using it in a very slangy or informal sentence can sound slightly jarring. For instance, instead of saying '我要去搞个学位' (I'm going to go 'get/do' a degree in a rough way), use '我想获得一个学位' or '我想读个学位.' The word carries weight and should be treated with the linguistic respect it commands in Chinese society.

Mistake: Confusing with 文凭: Note: A '文凭' (diploma) is the paper; a '学位' is the status. You can have a diploma without the degree in some specific Chinese vocational contexts.

没有学位，你很难进入这家公司。(Without a degree, it is very hard for you to enter this company.)

他花了四年时间才拿到这个学位。(It took him four years to get this degree.)

你简历上的学位信息需要更新。(The degree information on your resume needs to be updated.)

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 学位 helps in choosing the right word for the right situation. While '学位' is the most formal and accurate term for the academic rank, other words are often used in overlapping contexts. Let's compare the most common ones.

学位 (xuéwèi) vs. 学历 (xuélì): '学位' is the academic rank (Bachelor, Master). '学历' is the educational record (High school, Undergraduate, Graduate). You can have a 'graduate' (研究生) education but fail to get the 'Master' (硕士) degree.
学位 (xuéwèi) vs. 文凭 (wénpíng): '学位' is the intangible rank. '文凭' is the physical diploma document. People often say '拿文凭' when they mean they just want to finish school and get the paper.
学位 (xuéwèi) vs. 职称 (zhíchēng): '学位' is academic. '职称' is a professional title within a job, like 'Senior Engineer' or 'Associate Professor.' While related, they are earned differently.

虽然他没有高学位，但他的能力很强。(Although he doesn't have a high degree, his ability is very strong.)

In some contexts, you might use the specific degree name instead of the general word 学位. For example, '我拿到了硕士' (I got my Master's) is very common in spoken Chinese. However, in formal writing, you should always add '学位' to the end: '我获得了硕士学位.' Another alternative is '资格' (zīgé - qualification), which is much broader and can refer to certifications, licenses, or just the general state of being qualified.

他的学位背景非常优秀。(His degree background is very excellent.)

这个学位课程为期三年。(This degree course lasts for three years.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the 20th century, China used the Imperial Examination system (科举). The modern '学位' system (Bachelor, Master, PhD) was adopted from Western education models in the early 1900s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃweɪ/

US /ʃweɪ/

Second syllable 'wèi' carries more emphasis due to the falling tone.

Rhymes With

美味 (měiwèi) 地位 (dìwèi) 两位 (liǎngwèi) 座位 (zuòwèi) 单位 (dānwèi) 各位 (gèwèi) 方位 (fāngwèi) 品味 (pǐnwèi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xué' as 'zoo-ay' instead of the soft 'sh-u-eh'.
Missing the tones: saying both in the first tone.
Confusing 'wèi' with 'wén' from '文凭'.
Over-aspirating the 'x'.
Confusing the 2nd tone of 'xué' with the 3rd tone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively common but formal.

Writing 4/5

Writing '学' and '位' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 3/5

Tones (2nd and 4th) must be distinct to be understood.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in academic and professional contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学习大学学生老师书

Learn Next

硕士博士学历专业研究

Advanced

学术造假认证条例授予权含金量

Grammar to Know

Noun Modification with '的'

名牌大学的学位 (A degree from a famous university).

Verb-Object Structures

获得学位 (Obtain a degree).

Using '为了' for Purpose

为了拿到学位，他努力学习。 (In order to get the degree, he studied hard.)

Passive Voice with '被'

他的学位被撤销了。 (His degree was revoked.)

Measure Words with Nouns

两个学位 (Two degrees).

Examples by Level

他有学位。

He has a degree.

Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.

我想要一个学位。

I want a degree.

Using '想' (want/would like) with '学位'.

她没有学位。

She doesn't have a degree.

Negative form using '没有'.

这是我的学位。

This is my degree.

Demonstrative '这' (this) + '是' (is).

你有名牌大学的学位吗？

Do you have a degree from a famous university?

Question form with '吗'.

学位很重要。

A degree is very important.

Subject + Adjective (with implied 'is').

他在学习学位课程。

He is studying a degree course.

Using '学位' as a modifier for '课程' (course).

祝贺你拿到学位！

Congratulations on getting your degree!

Common congratulatory phrase.

他拿到了学士学位。

He got his bachelor's degree.

Introduction of specific degree level '学士'.

我打算去美国读学位。

I plan to go to the US to study for a degree.

Using '打算' (plan) and '读' (study/read).

这个学位的要求很高。

The requirements for this degree are very high.

Subject '要求' (requirement) modified by '这个学位的'.

她正在为她的学位努力。

She is working hard for her degree.

Using '为...努力' (work hard for...).

拿到学位要花四年。

It takes four years to get a degree.

Using '花' (to spend/take) for time.

我的哥哥有两个学位。

My older brother has two degrees.

Using the measure word '个'.

你什么时候拿到学位的？

When did you get your degree?

The '是...的' structure for past emphasis.

这所大学授予很多学位。

This university confers many degrees.

Formal verb '授予' (confer).

拿到学位后，他找了一份好工作。

After getting his degree, he found a good job.

Temporal clause '...后' (after...).

攻读硕士学位需要两年的时间。

Pursuing a Master's degree takes two years.

Formal verb '攻读' (pursue/study for).

虽然他有学位，但没有经验。

Although he has a degree, he has no experience.

Conjunction '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

这个职位需要相关的学士学位。

This position requires a relevant bachelor's degree.

Adjective '相关的' (relevant) modifying '学位'.

他在简历上写明了自己的学位。

He clearly stated his degree on his resume.

Using '写明' (state clearly).

为了拿到学位，他不得不通过考试。

In order to get the degree, he had to pass the exam.

Purpose clause '为了...' (in order to...).

这个学位的含金量在行业内很高。

The 'gold content' (value) of this degree is high in the industry.

Idiomatic use of '含金量' (value/quality).

你想申请哪个专业的学位？

Which major's degree do you want to apply for?

Using '哪个专业的' (which major's) as a modifier.

该大学被授权授予博士学位。

The university is authorized to confer doctoral degrees.

Passive voice '被授权' (be authorized).

学位证书是应聘时的重要凭证。

The degree certificate is an important credential when applying for a job.

Noun phrase '学位证书' (degree certificate).

由于论文没通过，他没拿到学位。

Because his thesis didn't pass, he didn't get his degree.

Cause and effect with '由于' (due to).

他在海外获得了一个荣誉学位。

He obtained an honorary degree overseas.

Specific type '荣誉学位' (honorary degree).

我们需要核实申请人的学位真实性。

We need to verify the authenticity of the applicant's degree.

Abstract noun '真实性' (authenticity).

攻读双学位对他来说是个巨大的挑战。

Pursuing a double degree is a huge challenge for him.

Subject is a gerund phrase '攻读双学位'.

学位不仅仅是一张纸，更是能力的象征。

A degree is not just a piece of paper, but a symbol of ability.

Structure '不仅仅是...更是...' (not only... but also...).

他正在考虑是否继续攻读更高学位。

He is considering whether to continue pursuing a higher degree.

Using '是否' (whether) in a clause.

随着学历通胀，学位的价值正在被重新评估。

With educational inflation, the value of degrees is being re-evaluated.

Complex structure '随着...正在被...'.

他的博士学位为他在学术界赢得了声望。

His doctoral degree won him prestige in academia.

Verb '赢得' (win/gain) with abstract object '声望'.

该条例对学位的授予程序做了明确规定。

The regulation makes clear provisions for the degree conferral process.

Structure '对...做了明确规定'.

撤销学位是对学术造假最严厉的处罚。

Revoking a degree is the most severe punishment for academic fraud.

Subject is a verb phrase '撤销学位'.

他拥有法学和经济学的双重学位。

He holds dual degrees in law and economics.

Using '双重' (dual/double) as a modifier.

获得学位是他在职业生涯中的一个里程碑。

Obtaining a degree was a milestone in his career.

Metaphorical use of '里程碑' (milestone).

该项目的毕业生将获得联合授予的学位。

Graduates of the program will receive a jointly conferred degree.

Adverbial modifier '联合授予的' (jointly conferred).

学位认证在跨国就业中起着至关重要的作用。

Degree authentication plays a vital role in transnational employment.

Structure '在...中起着...作用'.

荣誉学位的授予往往基于对社会的卓越贡献，而非学术成绩。

The conferral of honorary degrees is often based on outstanding social contributions rather than academic grades.

Contrastive structure '基于...而非...'.

学位制度的演变折射出中国高等教育的变迁。

The evolution of the degree system reflects the changes in China's higher education.

Sophisticated verb '折射' (reflect/refract).

他并不迷信学位，更看重个人的实干精神。

He is not superstitious about degrees; he values personal pragmatic spirit more.

Using '迷信' (be superstitious/blindly believe) metaphorically.

学位的贬值引发了关于教育公平和质量的广泛讨论。

The devaluation of degrees has sparked extensive discussions about educational equity and quality.

Abstract subject '学位的贬值' (devaluation of degrees).

在某些领域，学位只是入门的敲门砖，而非成功的保证。

In some fields, a degree is just a stepping stone (knocking brick), not a guarantee of success.

Idiomatic use of '敲门砖' (stepping stone/knocking brick).

该校的学位授予权因违规操作而被暂停。

The school's authority to confer degrees was suspended due to irregular operations.

Specific term '学位授予权' (degree-conferring authority).

他以其卓越的学术造诣，被授予了终身名誉学位。

With his outstanding academic achievements, he was awarded a lifelong honorary degree.

Using '以其...' (with his/her...) to introduce a reason.

如何在全球化背景下实现学位的互认，是一个复杂课题。

How to achieve mutual recognition of degrees in the context of globalization is a complex subject.

Using '如何...是一个...课题' (How to... is a... subject).

Synonyms

文凭学历

Common Collocations

获得学位

授予学位

攻读学位

学士学位

硕士学位

博士学位

双学位

荣誉学位

学位证书

学位论文

Common Phrases

学位房

— School district housing. Buying these properties grants a child a spot in a specific school.

这对夫妇为了孩子的教育买了学位房。

学位认证

— Degree verification. The process of proving a degree is legitimate.

出国工作需要做学位认证。

学位条例

— Degree regulations. The laws governing how degrees are awarded.

根据学位条例，他符合申请条件。

学位背景

— Degree background. A summary of the degrees a person holds.

他的学位背景非常深厚。

申请学位

— To apply for a degree. The administrative process after finishing studies.

他正在准备申请学位的材料。

撤销学位

— To revoke a degree. Taking back a degree due to misconduct.

校方决定撤销他的学位。

学位服

— Academic dress/gown. The clothes worn at graduation.

穿上学位服，他感觉很自豪。

学位委员会

— Degree committee. The group that decides on degree conferral.

学位委员会正在讨论名单。

联合学位

— Joint degree. A degree awarded by two or more institutions.

他们提供中美联合学位项目。

职业学位

— Professional degree. A degree focused on a specific career like law or medicine.

他获得了一个工商管理职业学位。

Often Confused With

学位 vs 学历

学历 is the educational record; 学位 is the rank/title. You can finish your studies (学历) but fail to get the degree (学位).

学位 vs 文凭

文凭 is the physical paper; 学位 is the academic status. People often use them interchangeably in casual speech, but they are technically different.

学位 vs 学分

学分 (xuéfēn) are 'credits' earned in a course. You need enough credits to get a degree.

Idioms & Expressions

"学富五车"

— To be extremely learned. While not using the word '学位', it describes the status of someone who would hold high degrees.

这位教授学富五车，令人敬佩。

Literary

"名副其实"

— To be worthy of the name. Often used when a person's ability matches their high '学位'.

他的表现证明他这个博士是名副其实的。

Formal

"敲门砖"

— A stepping stone. Often used to describe a degree as a way to get a job.

学位只是职场的敲门砖。

Informal

"真才实学"

— Real ability and learning. Contrasted with just having a degree without skills.

我们更看重真才实学，而不仅仅是学位。

Neutral

"学而优则仕"

— If a student excels, he should become an official. Reflects the cultural root of why degrees are valued.

他信奉学而优则仕，所以一直努力拿高学位。

Literary

"金榜题名"

— To have one's name on the list of successful candidates. The ancient equivalent of getting a degree.

祝你早日拿到学位，金榜题名。

Literary

"才高八斗"

— To have great talent/learning. Similar to '学富五车'.

他虽然没有学位，但才高八斗。

Literary

"滥竽充数"

— To make up the number without real ability. Used for people with fake or low-quality degrees.

有些人的学位只是滥竽充数。

Neutral

"后生可畏"

— The younger generation is to be regarded with awe. Used when young people get high degrees quickly.

这么年轻就拿到博士学位，真是后生可畏。

Formal

"博学多才"

— Learned and versatile. A compliment for someone with high academic achievements.

王博士真是一位博学多才的学者。

Formal

Easily Confused

学位 vs 学力

Sounds similar (xué lì).

学力 refers to actual academic ability or equivalence, often used when someone without a degree has the same level of knowledge.

他以同等学力报考了研究生。

学位 vs 位子

Contains '位'.

位子 (wèizi) is a literal seat or a metaphorical job position, not an academic rank.

这里有个空位子。

学位 vs 学科

Contains '学'.

学科 (xuékē) is a subject or discipline (like Physics or History), not the degree itself.

数学是一门重要的学科。

学位 vs 学生

Contains '学'.

学生 (xuésheng) is the person studying, whereas 学位 is the goal they want to achieve.

他是一个好学生。

学位 vs 学费

Contains '学'.

学费 (xuéfèi) is the money paid for education, not the title earned.

学费每年都在涨。

Sentence Patterns

我有[Level]学位。

我有学士学位。

他在[University]拿学位。

他在清华大学拿学位。

拿到学位后，[Action]。

拿到学位后，他回国了。

为了[Goal]，他决定攻读[Level]学位。

为了提升自己，他决定攻读硕士学位。

随着[Situation]，[学位's Status]正在[Change]。

随着社会竞争，学位的要求正在提高。

该校拥有[Level]学位的授予权。

该校拥有博士学位的授予权。

Any

[Specific Type]学位

荣誉学位

Any

申请[Level]学位

申请硕士学位

Word Family

Nouns

学士

硕士

博士

学历

学费

Verbs

学习

学到

学位化

授予

Adjectives

学术的

学位的

大学

教授

毕业

论文

研究

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in educational, professional, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '学历' instead of '学位'. → 我有硕士学位。
You have a Master's degree (rank), not a Master's educational background (process).
Saying '学习学位'. → 攻读学位。
In Chinese, you 'pursue' (攻读) a degree, you don't 'study' it like a book.
Writing '学味'. → 学位。
The character '味' means taste. '位' means position. They sound identical but have very different meanings.
Using '只' as a measure word. → 一个学位。
The general measure word '个' is used for degrees, not '只' (which is for animals).
Confusing '学位' with '学分'. → 我拿到了学位。
A degree is the final title; credits (学分) are what you earn to get the degree.

Tips

Placement of Adjectives

When describing a degree, place the field or level directly before '学位'. For example: 医学学位 (Medical degree) or 本科学位 (Undergraduate degree).

Degree vs Diploma

Don't confuse '学位' with '文凭'. Use '学位' when discussing your academic rank and '文凭' when discussing the paper document itself.

The 'Two Certificates' System

In mainland China, remember that students receive both a '毕业证' and a '学位证'. If you are applying for a job, you will likely be asked for both.

Mastering the Tones

Practice the transition from the rising 2nd tone of 'xué' to the sharp falling 4th tone of 'wèi'. This contrast is key to being understood.

Resume Writing

Always use the full term like '获得金融学硕士学位' on your resume to appear professional and precise.

Asking About Education

When meeting someone new in a professional setting, asking '您的学位专业是什么？' is a polite way to inquire about their background.

HSK Context

For HSK exams, '学位' often appears in reading passages about career development or university life. Know its common collocations.

Special Usage

Be aware that in cities like Shenzhen or Beijing, '学位' might come up in housing discussions. It's a huge topic in Chinese society!

Character Accuracy

Ensure you don't write '学立' or '学味'. The second character '位' must have the 'person' (亻) radical on the left.

Formal Speeches

During graduation speeches, listen for the phrase '授予学位' (confer the degree). It marks the most important moment of the ceremony.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Xué' as 'School' and 'Wèi' as 'Way'. Getting a degree is the 'Way' you finish 'School'. Or imagine 'Wèi' as a 'Wait'—you have to study and wait for your degree.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing ('位') on top of a mountain of books ('学'). Their position on the mountain is their '学位'.

Word Web

大学毕业证书硕士博士学士研究教授

Challenge

Try to say 'I am pursuing a Master's degree' in Chinese without looking at the notes: '我正在攻读硕士学位'.

Word Origin

The word '学位' is a modern compound. '学' (xué) traces back to oracle bone script depicting a building with hands and a child, representing a place of learning. '位' (wèi) depicts a person standing in a fixed place, representing status or position.

Original meaning: The status or rank achieved through learning.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse '学位' with '学历' in formal documents, as it can lead to administrative errors.

In the West, 'degree' and 'diploma' are often used loosely. In China, '学位' is strictly the academic rank, while '文凭' is the document.

The 'Degree Regulations of the People's Republic of China' (1980). The movie 'American Dreams in China' (中国合伙人) discusses the value of foreign degrees. The concept of 'Post-doctoral' (博士后) which is a research position, not a degree.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

我有硕士学位。
我的学位是计算机专业。
这是我的学位证书。
我正在攻读双学位。

University Graduation

祝贺你获得学位！
我们要穿学位服拍照。
学位授予仪式在明天。
我拿到了学士学位。

Academic Discussion

他的学位是在海外拿的。
这个学位的含金量很高。
他被撤销了学位。
学位论文已经通过了。

Real Estate (China)

这房子带学位吗？
为了学位，我们要买这套房。
学位房的价格太高了。
这个小区的学位已经用完了。

Legal/Administrative

请提供学位证明。
学位认证需要一个月。
根据学位条例规定...
核实学位的真实性。

Conversation Starters

"你是在哪所大学获得学位的？ (At which university did you obtain your degree?)"

"你觉得学位在找工作时重要吗？ (Do you think a degree is important when looking for a job?)"

"你打算继续攻读更高的学位吗？ (Do you plan to continue pursuing a higher degree?)"

"你的学位专业是什么？ (What is your degree major?)"

"在你的国家，拿学位难吗？ (In your country, is it hard to get a degree?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你获得学位的那一天，你的感受是什么？ (Write about the day you got your degree, what were your feelings?)

讨论一下学位和实际能力哪个更重要。 (Discuss whether a degree or practical ability is more important.)

如果你可以再拿一个学位，你会选什么专业？为什么？ (If you could get another degree, what major would you choose? Why?)

描述一下你为了拿学位所付出的努力。 (Describe the effort you put in to get your degree.)

你如何看待现在的'学位通胀'现象？ (How do you view the current 'degree inflation' phenomenon?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

学历 (xuélì) refers to your educational background or history of schooling (e.g., high school, bachelor's student). 学位 (xuéwèi) is the specific academic rank awarded (e.g., Bachelor, Master). You can have an undergraduate '学历' but not receive the '学位' if you fail your thesis.

In most contexts, no. However, in Chinese real estate, '学位房' refers to a house that guarantees a child a 'seat' or 'place' in a specific school. In general conversation, use '名额' (míng'é) for a place/quota.

It is '学士学位' (xuéshì xuéwèi). For Master's, use '硕士学位' (shuòshì xuéwèi), and for Doctorate, use '博士学位' (bóshì xuéwèi).

Yes, '学位' is quite formal. In casual conversation, people might just say '拿毕业证' (get the graduation certificate) or '读完大学' (finish university), but '学位' is the standard for professional settings.

Yes, you can use '双学位' (shuāng xuéwèi) for a double degree or say '我有两个学位' (I have two degrees).

The most common and formal verbs are 获得 (obtain), 授予 (confer), and 攻读 (pursue). For everyday speech, '拿' (get) is acceptable.

It is the 'Degree Certificate.' In China, this is a separate document from the '毕业证书' (Graduation Certificate). You usually need both for job applications.

No, '学位' is only used for higher education (University/College levels). High school results in a '文凭' (diploma) or '毕业证', but not a '学位'.

It is '名誉学位' (míngyù xuéwèi) or '荣誉学位' (róngyù xuéwèi). These are awarded for significant contributions rather than study.

It means 'Degree Inflation.' It refers to the situation where so many people have degrees that their economic value decreases, and employers start requiring higher degrees for basic jobs.