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B1 noun #3,500 most common 10 min read

奖学金

jiangxuejin Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 奖学金 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 奖学金 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 奖学金 (jiǎng xué jīn) means 'scholarship' or 'money for school'. You can think of it as a very special kind of 'prize' (奖) for 'studying' (学). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that if you are a good student, you might get 奖学金. You can use simple sentences like '我有奖学金' (I have a scholarship) or '他想拿奖学金' (He wants to get a scholarship). It is a noun, so it behaves like other objects like '书' (book) or '钱' (money). In Chinese culture, telling someone you have a 奖学金 is a way to say you are a very hard worker. Even at the beginning of your learning journey, knowing this word is useful because education is a very common topic of conversation in China. You might hear it in basic classroom dialogues or when people talk about their children. The pronunciation is 'jiang' (third tone), 'xue' (second tone), and 'jin' (first tone). Practice saying them clearly to be understood. Remember: 奖 = prize, 学 = study, 金 = money.

At the A2 level, you should begin to use 奖学金 with common verbs like 申请 (shēn qǐng - to apply) and 拿到 (ná dào - to get). You should also understand that there are different amounts, such as '很多奖学金' (a lot of scholarship money). You might start to see this word in short stories or simple news articles about students. A typical A2 sentence would be: '他努力学习，为了拿到奖学金' (He studies hard in order to get a scholarship). You should also be able to recognize the word in a list of university requirements. At this level, it's important to distinguish 奖学金 from 奖金 (general prize money). If you win a race, you get 奖金; if you get an 'A' in math, you might get 奖学金. You can also start using measure words like '一个' (a/one) or '这笔' (this sum of). Understanding the structure of the word (Reward + Study + Money) will help you remember it. If you are planning to study in China, you will see this word on every university website's 'Admissions' page. Knowing how to ask '学校有奖学金吗？' (Does the school have scholarships?) is a very practical skill for an A2 learner.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 奖学金 and use it in more complex sentence structures. You should know that 获得 (huò dé) is the formal verb for 'to obtain' a scholarship, which is more appropriate for writing than the colloquial 拿到 (ná dào). You should also be able to describe different types of scholarships, such as 全额奖学金 (full scholarship) or 半额奖学金 (half scholarship). At this level, you can discuss the requirements for a scholarship, such as '成绩优异' (excellent grades) or '表现突出' (outstanding performance). You might encounter this word in discussions about the cost of living and education. For example: '虽然学费很贵，但他申请到了奖学金，所以没问题' (Although the tuition is expensive, he applied for and got a scholarship, so it's fine). You should also be aware of the social prestige associated with the word. In China, receiving a 奖学金 is a significant achievement that people will congratulate you for. You can use it in the 'Resultative' form, like '申请到了' (successfully applied for). This level also requires you to understand the difference between 奖学金 and 助学金 (financial aid), ensuring you use the correct term in the correct context.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 奖学金 in formal academic and professional contexts. You should be able to write an application letter or a personal statement mentioning your desire for a 奖学金. You will encounter more specific terms like 国家奖学金 (National Scholarship) and 校长奖学金 (President's Scholarship). At this level, you should understand the passive voice or formal structures like '被授予奖学金' (to be awarded a scholarship). You can participate in debates about whether scholarships should be based on merit or need. For instance: '有人认为奖学金应该只发给成绩最好的学生' (Some people think scholarships should only be given to the students with the best grades). You should also know the formal measure word 项 (xiàng) for different categories of scholarships. Your vocabulary should include related verbs like 设立 (shè lì - to establish), 颁发 (bān fā - to award), and 资助 (zī zhù - to fund). You should also be able to understand news reports about education funding or government policies regarding 奖学金. At B2, your usage should reflect an understanding of the formal register required in university and corporate environments.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural and systemic implications of the 奖学金 system in China. You can discuss the '奖学金评定办法' (scholarship evaluation methods) and the transparency of these processes. You should be able to use the word in idiomatic or highly formal ways, such as '荣获' (róng huò - to have the honor of winning). You can analyze the socio-economic impact of scholarships on social mobility in China. For example, you might write an essay on '奖学金对贫困学子改变命运的重要性' (The importance of scholarships in changing the fate of poor students). At this level, you should recognize the word in historical contexts, perhaps comparing modern 奖学金 to historical stipends. You can handle complex administrative vocabulary related to scholarships, such as '公示' (public notice), '名额' (quota), and '额度' (amount/limit). You should be able to understand and use the word in legal or contractual documents, such as scholarship agreements. Your speech and writing should be nuanced, acknowledging that a 奖学金 is not just money, but a form of '荣誉' (honor) and '认可' (recognition). You can also discuss the 'competitive' nature of these awards using terms like '竞争激烈' (fierce competition).

At the C2 level, you have native-like mastery of the term 奖学金. You can use it in any context, from casual conversation to high-level academic research papers. You understand the subtle differences in tone between '拿奖学金' and '获颁奖学金'. You can discuss the philosophy of education funding and the role of 奖学金 in international soft power, such as how the 'Chinese Government Scholarship' influences global perceptions of China. You are capable of navigating the most complex bureaucratic processes related to scholarship administration in China. You can use the term in metaphorical or rhetorical ways in literature or high-level journalism. For example, discussing how a certain policy is a '奖学金' for a specific industry (meaning a reward or incentive). You understand the historical evolution of the term and its place within the broader '金' (monetary) vocabulary of Chinese finance and education. You can critique the 'meritocracy' associated with 奖学金 and its psychological effects on students. At this level, the word is just one tool in a vast, nuanced vocabulary that you use with precision, elegance, and cultural sensitivity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

奖学金 in 30 Seconds

奖学金 means scholarship, a financial reward for students based on academic merit or specific talents.
It consists of three characters: 奖 (prize), 学 (study), and 金 (money), clearly defining its purpose.
Commonly used verbs with this word include 申请 (apply), 获得 (obtain), and 颁发 (award).
It is highly prestigious in Chinese culture, representing family honor and the student's personal dedication.

The Chinese word 奖学金 (jiǎng xué jīn) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'scholarship' in English. To understand its full depth, one must look at its constituent characters: 奖 (jiǎng) meaning 'prize' or 'reward', 学 (xué) meaning 'study' or 'learning', and 金 (jīn) meaning 'gold' or 'money'. Together, they form the concept of financial aid awarded to students based on their academic excellence or other specific achievements. In the context of Chinese society, where education is historically and culturally prioritized as the primary vehicle for social mobility, the term 奖学金 carries significant prestige. It is not merely a financial transaction; it is a public validation of a student's hard work, intellect, and future potential. Parents often view their children receiving a 奖学金 as a matter of family honor, reflecting the Confucian emphasis on scholarly success.

Academic Context: In universities across China, 奖学金 are categorized into various levels, such as National Scholarships (国家奖学金), which are the most prestigious, and university-level or private-sector scholarships. The application process is usually highly competitive, requiring high GPA scores and often participation in extracurricular activities or research.

他凭借优异的成绩获得了全额奖学金。(He obtained a full scholarship by virtue of his excellent grades.)

Beyond the university setting, the term is also used in middle schools and high schools, especially in private institutions or for students preparing to study abroad. When a student says they are 'applying for 奖学金', it implies a rigorous process of documentation and proving one's worth. Interestingly, the term is distinct from 助学金 (zhù xué jīn), which refers to financial aid based on need rather than merit. While 奖学金 is a 'reward', 助学金 is 'assistance'. Understanding this distinction is crucial for navigating the Chinese education system or discussing financial matters with native speakers. In modern professional discourse, receiving a 奖学金 is a key highlight on a young professional's résumé, signaling to employers that the individual was among the top tier of their cohort.

Cultural Nuance: In China, the 'National Scholarship' is so prestigious that it is often mentioned in news reports. It represents the pinnacle of undergraduate achievement.

申请奖学金的过程非常复杂。(The process of applying for a scholarship is very complicated.)

Social Usage: You will hear this word often during graduation season or when students are discussing their future plans for studying overseas.

这笔奖学金减轻了他的经济负担。(This scholarship lightened his financial burden.)

他拿到了政府奖学金去英国留学。(He got a government scholarship to study in the UK.)

学校设立了多项奖学金以鼓励学生。(The school established multiple scholarships to encourage students.)

Using 奖学金 correctly in a sentence requires pairing it with the appropriate verbs and measure words. Because it is a noun representing both an abstract concept (the award) and a concrete object (the money), the verbs you choose change based on the stage of the scholarship process. For the initial stage, use 申请 (shēn qǐng - to apply for). For the successful outcome, use 获得 (huò dé - to obtain), 赢得 (yíng dé - to win), or the more colloquial 拿到 (ná dào - to get/take). If you are talking about the organization providing the funds, use 设立 (shè lì - to establish) or 发放 (fā fàng - to distribute/issue). For example, 'The university distributes scholarships every semester' would be '学校每个学期发放奖学金'.

Common Verb Pairings: 申请 (apply), 获得 (attain), 颁发 (award/issue formally), 争取 (strive for), 设立 (found/establish).

为了奖学金，他每天学习到深夜。(For the scholarship, he studied until late every night.)

When describing the type of scholarship, the modifier usually precedes 奖学金 directly. Common modifiers include 全额 (quán é - full amount), 半额 (bàn é - half amount), 国家 (guó jiā - national), 校级 (xiào jí - school-level), or specific names of donors. For instance, 'Full scholarship' is '全额奖学金'. If you want to specify the field of study, you can say '艺术奖学金' (Art scholarship) or '体育奖学金' (Sports scholarship). In complex sentences, 奖学金 often acts as the object of a resultative complement, such as '申请到了奖学金' (successfully applied for and received the scholarship).

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Type] + 奖学金. Example: 我获得了校长奖学金。

只有表现最优秀的学生才能拿到这笔奖学金。(Only the most outstanding students can get this scholarship.)

Measure Words: 项 (xiàng) for categories; 笔 (bǐ) for sums of money; 个 (gè) for general usage.

他正在填写奖学金申请表。(He is currently filling out the scholarship application form.)

你听说过谁拿到了那项奖学金吗？(Have you heard who got that scholarship?)

这笔奖学金足以支付他一年的学费。(This scholarship is enough to pay for one year of his tuition.)

You will encounter the word 奖学金 in various real-life scenarios, primarily centered around education and official administration. In a typical Chinese university, you will see it on bulletin boards, in student handbooks, and in emails from the Dean's office. During the beginning of the academic year, students often gather to discuss '奖学金评定' (jiǎng xué jīn píng dìng), which is the evaluation and determination of who receives the awards. This is a time of high stress and high anticipation. In the news, you might hear about '国家奖学金' (National Scholarship) winners being honored in grand ceremonies, often used as examples of the 'Chinese youth spirit'.

Campus Life: Students might say: '我得去办公室问问奖学金的事' (I need to go to the office to ask about the scholarship matter).

他在校期间多次获得一等奖学金。(During his time at school, he won the first-class scholarship multiple times.)

In a domestic setting, parents often use the word as a motivational tool. A common phrase might be '如果你考得好，学校会给你奖学金' (If you test well, the school will give you a scholarship). In films and TV dramas about youth and school life (often called '青春校园剧'), the struggle to obtain a 奖学金 is a frequent plot point, representing the character's fight against poverty or their desire to prove their worth to a romantic interest or a strict parent. Furthermore, in the context of international relations and cultural exchange, you will hear about '孔子学院奖学金' (Confucius Institute Scholarship) or '中国政府奖学金' (Chinese Government Scholarship), which are offered to international students to study in China. These are major topics in forums like Reddit or Chinese social media like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) for students planning to study abroad.

Media and News: Headlines often read: '今年国家奖学金名额增加' (The number of National Scholarship spots increased this year).

很多留学生都在申请中国政府奖学金。(Many international students are applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship.)

Professional Environment: HR managers look for '获得过奖学金' as a sign of high performance during recruitment.

获得奖学金是衡量学生能力的一个重要指标。(Winning a scholarship is an important indicator of a student's ability.)

这所大学为优秀的国际生提供全额奖学金。(This university provides full scholarships for outstanding international students.)

他靠奖学金完成了在国外的学业。(He completed his studies abroad relying on a scholarship.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 奖学金 (jiǎng xué jīn) with 助学金 (zhù xué jīn). While both involve receiving money for school, their underlying logic is different. 奖学金 is merit-based—you get it because you are 'the best' in some way. 助学金 is need-based—you get it because you require financial support to continue your studies. Using 奖学金 when you mean a need-based grant might accidentally sound like you are boasting about your grades when you are actually discussing financial hardship. Another common error is the choice of verb. English speakers often want to say 'win' a scholarship, and while 赢得 (yíng dé) is acceptable, it sounds more like a competition prize. In academic contexts, 获得 (huò dé - to obtain/attain) is the standard, formal choice.

Confusion with 奖金 (jiǎng jīn): 奖金 refers to a generic 'bonus' or 'monetary prize', like a performance bonus at work. 奖学金 is specifically for students. Don't tell your boss you want a 奖学金!

错误：我申请了奖学金，因为我家里很穷。(Error: I applied for a scholarship because my family is poor. - Use 助学金 instead.)

Another mistake involves the measure words. Using 个 (gè) is not 'wrong', but it is very informal. In writing, you should use 项 (xiàng) for a 'type' or 'item' of scholarship, or 笔 (bǐ) for a 'sum' or 'amount'. For example, '一笔奖学金' sounds much more natural when referring to the money itself. Learners also sometimes struggle with the word order when specifying the duration or amount. It should be '两年奖学金' (two-year scholarship) or '五千元奖学金' (5,000 yuan scholarship). Lastly, be careful with the verb 申请 (shēn qǐng). Some learners say '申请奖学金给学校', but it should be '向学校申请奖学金' (apply to the school for a scholarship).

Incorrect Collocations: Avoid saying '做奖学金' (do scholarship). Use '获得' (get) or '申请' (apply).

正确：这所学校设立了多项奖学金。(Correct: This school established multiple scholarships.)

Precision in Speech: Make sure to clarify if it is a 'full' (全额) or 'partial' (部分) scholarship, as this is a common follow-up question.

他没有通过奖学金的面试。(He did not pass the scholarship interview.)

这笔奖学金对他来说意义重大。(This scholarship means a lot to him.)

如果你想拿奖学金，就得更努力。(If you want to get a scholarship, you have to work harder.)

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding financial awards, it is helpful to compare 奖学金 with its synonyms and related terms. The most important distinction is with 助学金 (zhù xué jīn). As mentioned, 奖学金 is for 'merit' (奖 = reward), while 助学金 is for 'aid' (助 = help). In many Chinese universities, these are managed by the same department but have different eligibility criteria. Another related term is 奖金 (jiǎng jīn). While 奖学金 is specifically for education, 奖金 is a general term for any monetary prize or bonus, such as a year-end bonus at work (年终奖金) or a prize for winning a sports competition.

奖学金 vs. 助学金: 奖学金 (Scholarship): Based on grades/talent. 助学金 (Grant/Stipend): Based on financial need.

除了奖学金，学校还提供助学金。(Besides scholarships, the school also provides financial aid.)

Then there is 津贴 (jīn tiē), which refers to a 'subsidy' or 'allowance'. This is usually a smaller, regular payment to cover specific costs, like a 'living allowance' (生活津贴). Unlike a scholarship, which is often a lump sum or a tuition waiver, a subsidy is often ongoing. Another term is 赞助 (zàn zhù), which means 'sponsorship'. This is more common in sports or corporate events where a company pays for something in exchange for advertising. If a company pays for a student's education in exchange for a contract to work there later, they might call it 赞助 or a 定向奖学金 (targeted scholarship).

Other Related Terms: 公费 (gōng fèi): State-funded/at public expense. 免费 (miǎn fèi): Free of charge (tuition-free).

他获得了公司的科研奖学金。(He received a scientific research scholarship from the company.)

Historical Note: In the past, students who passed the Imperial Exams were sometimes given 'stipends' by the government, a precursor to the modern 奖学金.

这项奖学金旨在资助家境贫困但成绩优异的学生。(This scholarship aims to fund students from poor families with excellent grades.)

政府提高了奖学金的额度。(The government increased the amount of the scholarship.)

获得奖学金后，他感到非常自豪。(After winning the scholarship, he felt very proud.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, while there wasn't a word '奖学金', the government provided 'stipends' of rice and oil to students of the Imperial Academy (Guozijian).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒjæŋ ʃwɛ dʒɪn/

US /dʒjæŋ ʃweɪ dʒɪn/

The stress is relatively even across the three syllables, but 'jiǎng' often carries more weight as the primary modifier.

Rhymes With

新 (xīn) 心 (xīn) 亲 (qīn) 民 (mín) 信 (xìn - near rhyme) 近 (jìn - near rhyme) 进 (jìn - near rhyme) 林 (lín)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jin' as 'jing'.
Misplacing the tone on 'xue' (making it third instead of second).
Treating 'jiang' as a single syllable 'jang' without the 'i' glide.
Confusing the 'x' in 'xue' with an English 'sh' or 's'.
Making 'jin' too long; it should be a short, high first tone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but the context can be formal and academic.

Writing 4/5

Writing '奖' and '学' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once the 'j' and 'x' sounds are mastered.

Listening 2/5

The word is distinct and common in educational contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学习 (study) 钱 (money) 奖励 (reward) 大学 (university) 成绩 (grades)

Learn Next

助学金 (grant) 申请 (apply) 录取 (admit) 学费 (tuition) 毕业 (graduate)

Advanced

学术造诣 (academic achievement) 资助政策 (funding policy) 评估体系 (evaluation system) 社会流动性 (social mobility) 人才培养 (talent cultivation)

Grammar to Know

Using '获得' vs '拿到'

获得 is formal (e.g., 获得奖学金), 拿到 is informal (e.g., 拿到奖学金).

The measure word '项' for types of awards

这项奖学金 (this scholarship).

The measure word '笔' for sums of money

一笔奖学金 (a sum of scholarship money).

Resultative complements with '申请'

申请到了 (successfully applied and got it).

Passive voice with '被'

他被授予了奖学金 (He was awarded a scholarship).

Examples by Level

我有奖学金。

I have a scholarship.

Subject + Verb + Object.

奖学金很多。

The scholarship is a lot (of money).

Noun + Adjective (no 'is' needed in Chinese).

他想拿奖学金。

He wants to get a scholarship.

Verb '想' (want) + Verb '拿' (get) + Object.

这是你的奖学金。

This is your scholarship.

Demonstrative pronoun + 是 + Possessive + Noun.

学校有奖学金吗？

Does the school have scholarships?

Question particle '吗' at the end.

奖学金不在桌子上。

The scholarship (money/form) is not on the table.

Negative '不' + Preposition '在'.

我喜欢奖学金。

I like scholarships.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

老师给学生奖学金。

The teacher gives the student a scholarship.

Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object.

我正在申请奖学金。

I am applying for a scholarship.

Continuous aspect '正在'.

他拿到了全额奖学金。

He got a full scholarship.

Resultative complement '到' after '拿'.

这个奖学金很有名。

This scholarship is very famous.

Measure word '个' with noun.

你为什么不申请奖学金？

Why don't you apply for a scholarship?

Question word '为什么'.

我的朋友获得了奖学金。

My friend obtained a scholarship.

Formal verb '获得'.

奖学金可以支付学费。

The scholarship can pay for tuition.

Modal verb '可以'.

他想去中国拿奖学金。

He wants to go to China to get a scholarship.

Serial verb construction.

这笔奖学金是给你的。

This scholarship (sum of money) is for you.

Measure word '笔' for money.

申请奖学金需要非常努力。

Applying for a scholarship requires a lot of hard work.

Verb phrase as a subject.

如果你成绩好，就能申请奖学金。

If your grades are good, you can apply for a scholarship.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

虽然竞争激烈，他还是拿到了奖学金。

Although the competition was fierce, he still got the scholarship.

Concession '虽然...还是...'.

这项奖学金每年颁发一次。

This scholarship is awarded once a year.

Frequency expression '每年一次'.

他靠这笔奖学金完成了大学学业。

He finished his university studies relying on this scholarship.

Preposition '靠' (rely on).

学校设立了专门给留学生的奖学金。

The school established a scholarship specifically for international students.

Relative clause with '的'.

请问奖学金的申请截止日期是什么时候？

Excuse me, when is the application deadline for the scholarship?

Polite inquiry '请问'.

他不仅获得了奖学金，还得到了助学金。

He not only obtained a scholarship but also got financial aid.

Correlative conjunction '不仅...还...'.

获得国家奖学金是对他学术能力的最高肯定。

Winning the National Scholarship is the highest affirmation of his academic ability.

Abstract noun as subject.

奖学金的评定过程必须公平、透明。

The scholarship evaluation process must be fair and transparent.

Modal '必须' + Adjectives.

这所大学为优秀的国际学生提供全额奖学金。

This university provides full scholarships for outstanding international students.

Verb '提供' (provide).

他因为表现出色而被授予了这项奖学金。

He was awarded this scholarship because of his outstanding performance.

Passive voice '被'.

为了减轻家里的负担，他决定争取奖学金。

In order to lighten the family's burden, he decided to strive for a scholarship.

Purpose clause '为了'.

申请奖学金需要提交成绩单和推荐信。

Applying for a scholarship requires submitting transcripts and recommendation letters.

Enumeration of requirements.

奖学金的金额根据学生的表现而有所不同。

The amount of the scholarship varies according to the student's performance.

Structure '根据...而...'.

他错过了奖学金的申请期限，感到非常遗憾。

He missed the scholarship application deadline and felt very regretful.

Compound sentence with cause and effect.

政府通过设立奖学金来吸引全球顶尖人才。

The government attracts top global talent by establishing scholarships.

Instrumental '通过...来...'.

奖学金的分配应兼顾效率与公平。

The distribution of scholarships should balance efficiency and fairness.

Formal verb '兼顾' (give consideration to both).

该项奖学金旨在资助那些在科研领域有潜力的学子。

This scholarship aims to fund students who have potential in the field of scientific research.

Formal structure '旨在' (aim to).

由于他在艺术上的造诣，他荣获了该校的最高奖学金。

Due to his achievements in art, he was honored with the school's highest scholarship.

Formal verb '荣获'.

奖学金评定委员会对每一份申请都进行了严格的审核。

The scholarship evaluation committee conducted a strict review of every application.

Formal '进行' + Noun-verb.

在当前的经济环境下，奖学金对许多家庭来说至关重要。

In the current economic climate, scholarships are crucial for many families.

Idiomatic '至关重要' (crucial).

获得这项奖学金不仅是经济上的支持，更是精神上的鼓舞。

Winning this scholarship is not only economic support but also spiritual encouragement.

Structure '不仅是...更是...'.

学校提高了奖学金的门槛，以确保护奖者的质量。

The school raised the threshold for scholarships to ensure the quality of the recipients.

Metaphorical use of '门槛' (threshold).

奖学金制度的完善体现了国家对教育公平的追求。

The improvement of the scholarship system reflects the country's pursuit of educational equity.

Abstract academic subject and predicate.

他以一篇极具前瞻性的论文博得了奖学金评委的一致好评。

He won the unanimous praise of the scholarship judges with a highly forward-looking paper.

Formal verb '博得' (to win/gain).

奖学金不仅是一种资助，更是一种社会资本的积累。

A scholarship is not just a form of funding, but also an accumulation of social capital.

Philosophical/Sociological analysis.

该项奖学金的设立初衷是弥补特定学科人才的匮乏。

The original intention of establishing this scholarship was to make up for the scarcity of talent in specific disciplines.

Complex noun phrase '设立初衷'.

在奖学金发放过程中，应杜绝任何形式的人情干预。

In the process of distributing scholarships, any form of personal influence or intervention should be eliminated.

Formal verb '杜绝' (to put an end to).

这项奖学金在国际教育界享有极高的声誉。

This scholarship enjoys a very high reputation in the international education community.

Collocation '享有...声誉'.

他将奖学金全部捐献给了家乡的希望小学，这种精神令人感佩。

He donated all his scholarship money to a Hope Primary School in his hometown; this spirit is admirable.

Compound sentence with emotional commentary.

奖学金的竞争已然演变成了学生综合素质的全方位较量。

The competition for scholarships has already evolved into a comprehensive contest of students' overall qualities.

Advanced transition '已然' (already).

Synonyms

助学金奖励金

Antonyms

学费

Common Collocations

全额奖学金

申请奖学金

获得奖学金

国家奖学金

发放奖学金

设立奖学金

奖学金名额

奖学金评定

奖学金证书

一等奖学金

Common Phrases

奖学金申请表

— The form used to apply for a scholarship. It usually asks for grades and personal statements.

请把奖学金申请表填好。

奖学金制度

— The system or set of rules governing how scholarships are awarded. It varies by school.

我们要完善奖学金制度。

奖学金面试

— An interview conducted to determine if a student should receive a scholarship. It tests communication and character.

他正在准备明天的奖学金面试。

奖学金候选人

— A student who is being considered for a scholarship. They are usually the top applicants.

他是这项奖学金的候选人之一。

奖学金金额

— The specific amount of money awarded through a scholarship. It can range from small to large sums.

奖学金金额取决于你的成绩。

奖学金政策

— The official policy of a government or school regarding the provision of scholarships.

政府出台了新的奖学金政策。

奖学金获得者

— A person who has successfully won or received a scholarship. It is a formal title.

让我们祝贺今年的奖学金获得者。

部分奖学金

— A scholarship that covers only a portion of the tuition or expenses. Opposite of 'full'.

他拿到了部分奖学金，还需要自己付一部分钱。

校内奖学金

— Scholarships provided by the university itself rather than outside organizations.

校内奖学金通常比较容易申请。

企业奖学金

— Scholarships funded by private companies, often to recruit future employees.

很多大公司都设有企业奖学金。

Often Confused With

奖学金 vs 助学金

奖学金 is merit-based; 助学金 is need-based. Don't swap them in formal applications.

奖学金 vs 奖金

奖金 is any prize money (e.g., lottery, sports); 奖学金 is only for students.

奖学金 vs 津贴

津贴 is a subsidy or allowance for specific costs, usually recurring.

Idioms & Expressions

"金榜题名"

— To have one's name on the list of successful candidates (historically for Imperial Exams). While not containing '奖学金', it is the spiritual ancestor of winning a scholarship.

祝你金榜题名，早日拿到奖学金。

Formal/Literary

"名列前茅"

— To be among the best; to be at the top of the list. Essential for winning a scholarship.

他的成绩在班里名列前茅，很有希望拿奖学金。

Neutral

"学富五车"

— To be extremely wealthy in knowledge (owning five carts of books). Used to describe students who deserve scholarships.

他学富五车，获得奖学金是理所当然的。

Literary

"勤学苦练"

— To study diligently and practice hard. The path to achieving a scholarship.

只有勤学苦练，才能争取到奖学金。

Neutral

"独占鳌头"

— To be the champion; to take the first place. Used for the top scholarship winner.

他在这次比赛中独占鳌头，赢得了最高奖学金。

Literary

"厚积薄发"

— To accumulate much and release little; to achieve success after long preparation. Describes the process of earning a scholarship.

他多年的努力终于厚积薄发，拿到了奖学金。

Literary

"志在必得"

— To be determined to win. Used when a student is very focused on a specific scholarship.

他对这项奖学金志在必得。

Neutral

"实至名归"

— Fame follows merit; to deserve the reputation one has. Used when a deserving student wins a scholarship.

他获得奖学金真是实至名归。

Formal

"脱颖而出"

— To stand out from the crowd. Used for successful scholarship applicants.

他在众多的申请者中脱颖而出，获得了奖学金。

Neutral

"前程似锦"

— To have a bright future (like brocade). A common wish for scholarship winners.

有了这笔奖学金，你的前程定会似锦。

Formal

Easily Confused

奖学金 vs 奖金

Both contain '奖' and '金'.

奖金 is a general bonus/prize; 奖学金 is strictly academic. You get a 奖金 at a job, but a 奖学金 at school.

他赢了比赛，拿到了五千块奖金。

奖学金 vs 助学金

Both are financial aid for students.

奖学金 rewards excellence; 助学金 assists with poverty. Schools usually have different pots of money for these.

他家境困难，所以申请了助学金。

奖学金 vs 酬金

Both involve receiving money for something done.

酬金 is payment for a service (like a lecture); 奖学金 is a reward for being a good student.

这是你翻译文章的酬金。

奖学金 vs 礼金

Both are 'money' given to someone.

礼金 is a social gift (wedding/funeral); 奖学金 is an institutional award.

参加婚礼要给多少礼金？

奖学金 vs 定金

Both end in '金'.

定金 is a deposit or down payment for a purchase; 奖学金 is an award.

买房子要先交定金。

Sentence Patterns

我有[奖学金]。

我有奖学金。

我想申请[奖学金]。

我想申请奖学金。

为了[Goal]，他拿到了[奖学金]。

为了出国，他拿到了奖学金。

只有[Condition]的学生才能获得[奖学金]。

只有成绩优异的学生才能获得奖学金。

该项奖学金旨在资助[Target Group]。

该项奖学金旨在资助贫困学生。

[Event]体现了奖学金制度的[Feature]。

这次评定体现了奖学金制度的公正性。

他不仅拿到了[奖学金]，还[Achievement]。

他不仅拿到了奖学金，还当了学生会主席。

据了解，[Subject]已经获得了[奖学金]。

据了解，他已经获得了全额奖学金。

Word Family

Nouns

奖 (jiǎng - prize)

学 (xué - study)

金 (jīn - money)

奖项 (jiǎng xiàng - award item)

奖金 (jiǎng jīn - bonus)

Verbs

奖赏 (jiǎng shǎng - to reward)

奖励 (jiǎng lì - to encourage with a reward)

学习 (xué xí - to study)

Adjectives

学术的 (xué shù de - academic)

金色的 (jīn sè de - golden)

助学金 (zhù xué jīn - grant)

学费 (xué fèi - tuition)

贷款 (dài kuǎn - loan)

录取 (lù qǔ - admission)

成绩 (chéng jì - grades)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in academic circles; moderate in general society.

Common Mistakes

Using 奖金 instead of 奖学金 for school awards. → 我获得了奖学金。
奖金 is a general bonus; 奖学金 is specifically for students and academic merit.
Confusing 奖学金 with 助学金. → 我因为成绩好拿到了奖学金。
奖学金 is for merit (grades); 助学金 is for financial need (poverty).
Using the verb '做' with 奖学金. → 申请奖学金 or 获得奖学金。
You don't 'do' a scholarship in Chinese; you apply for it or obtain it.
Putting the amount after the word. → 五千元奖学金。
In Chinese, the specific amount or type acts as a modifier and comes before the noun.
Mispronouncing 'jin' as 'jing'. → jiǎng xué jīn (front nasal).
The 'n' ending is a front nasal sound (like 'sun'); 'ng' is a back nasal sound (like 'song').

Tips

Verb Choice

Always use 获得 (huò dé) in formal writing. Using 拿到 (ná dào) is fine for speaking but might look too casual on a cover letter or application.

Prestige

Mentioning a 奖学金 on a resume is highly valued in China. It's often the first thing recruiters look for in fresh graduates to gauge their diligence.

Full vs Partial

Learn the modifiers 全额 (quán é - full) and 部分 (bù fèn - partial). They are the most common details people ask about when you mention a scholarship.

The 'X' Sound

The 'x' in 'xue' is made by putting the tip of your tongue behind your bottom teeth. It sounds like a 'hissing' sh sound. Practice 'xue' carefully!

Compound Recognition

Recognize the '学' (study) in the middle. If you see '奖_金', it's likely about money. If the middle is '学', it's specifically about school.

Stroke Order

The character 奖 (jiǎng) is complex. Practice the top part (将) and the bottom part (大) separately to master the balance of the character.

Tone Sandhi

In 'jiǎng xué jīn', the third tone on 'jiǎng' stays a full third tone because it's followed by a second tone. Don't turn it into a second tone!

Modesty

If someone praises you for getting a 奖学金, a common humble response is '哪里哪里，还要继续努力' (Not at all, I still need to keep working hard).

The Gold Radical

The character 金 (jīn) is its own radical. Seeing it always tells you the word is related to money, metal, or value.

Abbreviation

On campus, you might hear '国奖' (Guó Jiǎng) for National Scholarship. Knowing these short forms will make you sound like a native student.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of it as the 'Prize (奖) for Studying (学) that gives you Gold (金)'.

Visual Association

Imagine a student (学) holding a trophy (奖) filled with gold coins (金).

Word Web

University Grades Money Honor Application Student Future Achievement

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 奖学金: one about applying for it, one about winning it, and one about what you would do with the money.

Word Origin

The term is a modern Chinese compound. '奖' (jiǎng) originates from the concept of praising or rewarding merit. '学' (xué) dates back to ancient oracle bone script representing a child in a building. '金' (jīn) originally referred to metal/gold, later becoming a general term for currency.

Original meaning: Reward for academic excellence in monetary form.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 奖学金 with 助学金 when talking to someone who might be sensitive about their financial situation.

In the West, scholarships are often seen as a mix of merit and financial help. In China, the 'honor' aspect is often more emphasized than the financial need aspect.

The 'National Scholarship' (国家奖学金) is the most famous in mainland China. The 'Rhodes Scholarship' (罗德奖学金) is a well-known international reference. The 'Confucius Institute Scholarship' (孔子学院奖学金) is famous among Chinese learners.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Admissions

申请要求 (application requirements)
截止日期 (deadline)
全额资助 (full funding)
面试通知 (interview notice)

Academic Awards Ceremony

颁发证书 (award certificate)
致辞 (speech)
杰出表现 (outstanding performance)
荣誉感 (sense of honor)

Student Conversation

绩点 (GPA)
竞争对手 (competitor)
生活费 (living expenses)
填表 (fill form)

News Reporting

国家政策 (national policy)
教育经费 (education funds)
覆盖范围 (coverage)
公平公正 (fair and just)

Job Interview

个人简历 (resume)
获奖经历 (awards experience)
综合素质 (comprehensive quality)
学术背景 (academic background)

Conversation Starters

"你听说过这个大学的奖学金政策吗？ (Have you heard about this university's scholarship policy?)"

"你觉得申请奖学金最难的部分是什么？ (What do you think is the hardest part of applying for a scholarship?)"

"如果你拿到了全额奖学金，你会怎么庆祝？ (If you got a full scholarship, how would you celebrate?)"

"在你的国家，奖学金容易申请吗？ (In your country, are scholarships easy to apply for?)"

"为了拿奖学金，你愿意每天学习几个小时？ (How many hours are you willing to study every day to get a scholarship?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对奖学金的看法：它是公平的吗？ (Write about your views on scholarships: are they fair?)

描述一次你申请某种奖励或奖学金的经历。 (Describe an experience where you applied for a reward or scholarship.)

如果由你来设立一项奖学金，你会奖励什么样的学生？ (If you were to establish a scholarship, what kind of students would you reward?)

奖学金对一个人的未来有多大的影响？ (How much impact does a scholarship have on a person's future?)

想象你获得了一项去国外留学的奖学金，你会怎么写感谢信？ (Imagine you won a scholarship to study abroad; how would you write the thank-you letter?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common measure word for a specific amount of scholarship money is 笔 (bǐ), as in '一笔奖学金'. For a specific type or category, use 项 (xiàng), as in '这项奖学金'.

Yes, if the award is given to a student-athlete to help pay for their education, it is called a 体育奖学金 (Sports Scholarship). If it's just a cash prize for winning a race outside of school, use 奖金.

No, it can be used for middle schools, high schools, and even primary schools in some contexts, although it is most common in higher education.

You say 全额奖学金 (quán é jiǎng xué jīn). '全额' means 'full amount'.

The correct verb is 申请 (shēn qǐng). For example: '我正在申请奖学金'.

奖学金 (Scholarship) is based on academic or other achievements (merit-based). 助学金 (Grant/Stipend) is based on financial need (need-based).

While understandable, it sounds a bit like you won it in a lottery. It is better to use 获得 (huò dé) or 拿到 (ná dào).

It is called 国家奖学金 (guó jiā jiǎng xué jīn), often abbreviated as '国奖' in casual campus speech.

Research grants are usually called 科研经费 (kē yán jīng fèi) or 资助 (zī zhù), but a scholarship specifically for a researcher is still 奖学金.

Usually, 奖学金 implies money because of the character 金. If it's just a certificate or trophy, it's called a 奖项 (jiǎng xiàng) or 荣誉 (róng yù).