When you're learning about Chinese schools, you'll often hear the word 校训 (xiào xùn). This means 'school motto.'
Think of it as a special phrase or sentence that guides everyone at the school, from students to teachers. It usually expresses the school's core values, like 'learn with integrity' or 'strive for excellence.'
You'll often see the 校训 displayed prominently in school hallways, on official documents, or even on school uniforms. It's a way for the school to share its most important beliefs and encourage everyone to live by them.
§ Don't confuse it with 'school rules' or 'slogan'
Many learners, especially at the A2 level, tend to mix up 校训 (xiàoxùn) with other related but distinct concepts like 'school rules' (校规, xiàoguī) or a general 'slogan' (口号, kǒuhào). While a school motto might inspire rules or be phrased like a slogan, it's not the same thing.
- DEFINITION
- 校规 (xiàoguī): School rules or regulations. These are specific guidelines for student conduct.
每个学校都有自己的校规。(Měi ge xuéxiào dōu yǒu zìjǐ de xiàoguī.) Every school has its own school rules.
- DEFINITION
- 口号 (kǒuhào): Slogan, catchphrase. This can be for anything from advertising to political movements.
这个公司的口号很有趣。(Zhège gōngsī de kǒuhào hěn yǒu qù.) This company's slogan is very interesting.
The key difference is that 校训 (xiàoxùn) embodies the core values and guiding principles of an institution, often reflecting its history and educational philosophy. It's usually concise, aspirational, and meant to inspire. School rules are practical regulations, and slogans can be temporary or purely promotional. Think of it this way: the motto tells you *what* the school stands for; the rules tell you *how* students should act within that framework.
§ Using it in the wrong context
Another common error is applying 校训 (xiàoxùn) to non-educational institutions. While businesses or organizations might have mission statements or core values, you wouldn't typically call them 校训 (xiàoxùn). This term is specifically tied to schools, universities, and other academic establishments.
- DEFINITION
- 使命 (shǐmìng): Mission, especially for an organization or company.
我们公司的使命是为客户提供最好的服务。(Wǒmen gōngsī de shǐmìng shì wèi kèhù tígōng zuì hǎo de fúwù.) Our company's mission is to provide the best service to customers.
If you're talking about a company's guiding principles, use terms like 使命 (shǐmìng - mission) or 核心价值观 (héxīn jiàzhíguān - core values). Sticking to 校训 (xiàoxùn) only for schools ensures you use the word correctly and naturally.
§ Overcomplicating its meaning
Sometimes learners try to read too much into 校训 (xiàoxùn), thinking it must be a profound, philosophical statement. While many mottos are indeed deep, the term itself simply means 'school motto'. It doesn't inherently imply complexity or a deep philosophical treatise. It's the school's guiding principle, often expressed succinctly.
- Don't assume every 校训 is a long, poetic statement.
- It can be as simple as a few characters embodying a core value.
这所大学的校训是“自强不息”。(Zhè suǒ dàxué de xiàoxùn shì "zìqiáng bùxī".) This university's school motto is "Strive constantly for self-improvement."(Literally: self-strengthening never ceases)
See? Simple and direct. Don't feel you need to search for hidden meanings unless the context explicitly suggests it. Just understand it as the foundational statement of a school's ethos.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我们学校的校训是“自强不息”。
Our school's motto is 'continuous self-improvement'.
你还记得我们的校训吗？
Do you still remember our school motto?
这句校训很有意义。
This school motto is very meaningful.
校训激励着我们前进。
The school motto inspires us to move forward.
每个学校都有自己的校训。
Every school has its own motto.
我们要把校训牢记在心。
We should keep the school motto firmly in mind.
校训代表着学校的办学理念。
The school motto represents the school's educational philosophy.
他经常引用学校的校训。
He often quotes the school's motto.
这幅字上写着校训。
The school motto is written on this calligraphy piece.
校训对学生有很大的影响。
The school motto has a great influence on students.
Often Confused With
While related, '宗旨' is the underlying aim, '校训' is the phrase that encapsulates that aim.
This is a personal motto, not an institutional one.
This is a slogan, which is typically more temporary and for promotion or protest, unlike a school's enduring guiding principles.
Easily Confused
Often confused with general 'motto' or 'slogan.' While it is a type of motto, '校训' specifically refers to the guiding principles of a school.
It's exclusively for schools, similar to how a company might have a 'mission statement' but not usually a 'school motto.'
我们的校训是 '学而不厌，诲人不倦'。 (Our school motto is 'never be tired of studying, never be tired of teaching.')
Both '校训' and '座右铭' can be translated as 'motto.'
'座右铭' is a personal motto, a saying someone keeps to guide their own actions or beliefs. '校训' is for an entire institution.
我的座右铭是 '天道酬勤'。 (My personal motto is 'heaven rewards diligence.')
Can also be translated as 'motto' or 'maxim,' leading to overlap.
'格言' is a more general term for an aphorism, proverb, or maxim. It's often a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, not necessarily tied to a school or an individual's personal guiding principle.
这句格言很有道理。 (This maxim makes a lot of sense.)
Both '校训' and '口号' are short phrases that express an idea or belief.
'口号' is a slogan, often used for marketing, protests, or political movements. It's usually more temporary and action-oriented than a '校训,' which represents foundational values.
他们高喊着爱国口号。 (They shouted patriotic slogans.)
Can be translated as 'aim' or 'purpose,' and a school's motto often reflects its purpose.
'宗旨' refers to the fundamental aim or purpose of an organization or activity. While a '校训' reflects the '宗旨,' it's the specific statement or phrase used to express it, not the aim itself.
我们公司的宗旨是为客户提供最好的服务。 (Our company's purpose is to provide the best service to customers.)
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Talking about your school's values
- 我们学校的校训是… (Our school's motto is...)
- 我喜欢我们学校的校训。(I like our school's motto.)
- 你知道我们学校的校训吗？ (Do you know our school's motto?)
Discussing the importance of a school's motto
- 校训代表了学校的精神。(The school motto represents the spirit of the school.)
- 校训对学生很有教育意义。(The school motto is very educational for students.)
- 好的校训能激励学生。(A good school motto can inspire students.)
Comparing mottos of different schools
- 这所学校的校训很有趣。(This school's motto is very interesting.)
- 你们学校的校训是什么？ (What is your school's motto?)
- 我更喜欢那所学校的校训。(I prefer that school's motto.)
Seeing a school motto displayed
- 校训写在教学楼上。(The school motto is written on the teaching building.)
- 我在学校的网站上看到了校训。(I saw the school motto on the school's website.)
- 这个标语就是他们的校训。(This slogan is their school motto.)
Reflecting on your own school experience
- 我常常想起我们学校的校训。(I often think of our school's motto.)
- 校训对我影响很大。(The school motto had a great influence on me.)
- 我们学校的校训是我的座右铭。(Our school's motto is my personal motto.)
Conversation Starters
"你们学校的校训是什么？ (What is your school's motto?)"
"你觉得校训对学校重要吗？为什么？ (Do you think the school motto is important to a school? Why?)"
"你最喜欢哪一句校训？ (Which school motto do you like the most?)"
"你的学校的校训和你的个人价值观有什么联系？ (What is the connection between your school's motto and your personal values?)"
"如果让你为一所新学校设计校训，你会怎么设计？ (If you were to design a school motto for a new school, how would you design it?)"
Journal Prompts
写下你学校的校训，并解释它对你意味着什么。(Write down your school's motto and explain what it means to you.)
思考一个你认为好的校训应该包含哪些元素，并举例说明。(Think about what elements you think a good school motto should include, and give examples.)
描述一个你从学校校训中得到的启发或教训。(Describe an inspiration or lesson you gained from a school motto.)
比较两所不同学校的校训，并分析它们的异同。(Compare the school mottos of two different schools and analyze their similarities and differences.)
想象你是一所学校的校长，你会选择什么样的校训来激励你的学生？(Imagine you are the principal of a school, what kind of school motto would you choose to inspire your students?)
Test Yourself 42 questions
我们学校的___是“团结，勤奋，求实，创新”。(Our school's ___ is 'Unity, Diligence, Realism, Innovation'.)
The sentence describes what the school values, which is the school motto.
每个学校都有自己的___，它代表了学校的精神。(Every school has its own ___, it represents the spirit of the school.)
A school motto represents the spirit of a school.
请记住我们学校的___：好好学习，天天向上。(Please remember our school's ___: study hard, make progress every day.)
The phrase '好好学习，天天向上' is a common school motto.
我们的___鼓励学生们努力学习，正直做人。(Our ___ encourages students to study hard and be upright.)
A school motto is meant to encourage students.
这个学校的___是“爱国，敬业，诚信，友善”。(This school's ___ is 'Patriotism, Dedication, Integrity, Friendliness'.)
The given phrases are values commonly found in a school motto.
他常常把学校的___挂在嘴边，提醒自己。(He often has the school's ___ on his lips, reminding himself.)
People often repeat their school's motto to remind themselves of its values.
Which of these is most likely a "校训"?
A school motto (校训) is a guiding principle for students, often promoting positive values or goals.
If a school values honesty, its "校训" might be related to which of these concepts?
The "校训" reflects the school's core values. If honesty is valued, the motto would likely mention it.
Which sentence correctly uses "校训"?
"校训" is a noun meaning school motto and is used to describe the guiding principle of a school.
A "校训" is usually a short phrase or sentence that represents a school's values or goals.
This statement accurately describes what a school motto (校训) is.
You would typically find a school's "校训" written on a menu in a restaurant.
A school motto (校训) is found at a school, not usually on a restaurant menu.
The sentence "我们学校的校训是'自强不息'" (Our school's motto is 'Strive for self-improvement without ceasing') uses "校训" correctly.
This sentence correctly uses "校训" to state what the school motto is.
This sentence introduces a school motto. In Chinese, the structure is usually 'Our school motto is "motto".'
This is a question asking if someone knows the school motto. The order is 'You know this school's motto question_particle?'.
This sentence describes what a school motto encourages. The order is 'Their school motto encourages students to help each other'.
这所大学的___反映了其对学术卓越的承诺。
这句话指的是大学的核心理念和宗旨，因此“校训”是最佳选择。
我们应该时刻牢记学校的___，并努力践行其中的精神。
这里强调的是学校的核心价值观和行为准则，所以“校训”是正确的。
新的教学楼落成典礼上，校长再次强调了学校的___。
在学校的重要仪式上，校长会重申学校的指导性原则，即“校训”。
每个学生都应该理解并尊重其学校的___。
“校训”代表着学校的精神和教育宗旨，是学生应该理解和尊重的。
这所百年老校的___，激励了一代又一代的学子。
激励学子的是学校的指导思想和目标，因此“校训”符合语境。
他把学校的___写在座右铭上，时刻提醒自己。
将学校的指导原则作为自己的座右铭是一种常见的行为，所以“校训”是正确的。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 这所大学的___是“自强不息，厚德载物”。
The sentence describes a school's guiding principle, which is best represented by '校训' (school motto).
Which of the following phrases is most likely to be part of a '校训'?
'天天向上' (make progress every day) is a common aspirational phrase suitable for a school motto, unlike the others which are idioms about surprise, carelessness, or acting without thinking.
If a school emphasizes honesty and integrity, what concept would be reflected in its '校训'?
Honesty (诚实) directly aligns with the emphasis on honesty and integrity in a school's guiding principles.
A '校训' is typically a short, concise statement that reflects the school's educational philosophy and values.
This statement accurately describes the nature and purpose of a school motto.
The '校训' of a school is usually changed frequently to adapt to new trends.
School mottos are generally enduring statements of core values and are rarely changed.
Learning a school's '校训' can help you understand its historical background and academic focus.
The '校训' often encapsulates the spirit and heritage of an institution, providing insight into its foundational principles and educational goals.
This is about a school's motto.
This sentence discusses school mottos and what they represent.
This is a question asking about understanding and feelings towards a school motto.
Read this aloud:
你还记得你高中时的校训是什么吗？
Focus: 校训 (xiàoxùn)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
校训在学生成长过程中有什么重要意义？
Focus: 重要意义 (zhòngyào yìyì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果让你为一所新学校设计一个校训，你会怎么设计？
Focus: 设计 (shèjì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes where the school motto is inscribed. The most natural order in Chinese is to state 'the school motto' first, followed by 'is inscribed on the school gate'.
This sentence explains the role of the school motto and its impact. Starting with 'as our school motto' and then detailing its inspirational effect is the logical flow.
This sentence emphasizes the importance of students remembering and practicing the school motto. The order follows 'every student should remember and practice the school motto'.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
