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A2 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

留学生

liuxuesheng Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 留学生 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 留学生 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to identify yourself and others. The word 留学生 (liú xué shēng) is very useful because many people learning Chinese are, in fact, international students! At this stage, you should focus on the simple sentence structure: '我是留学生' (I am an international student). This helps you introduce yourself in class or to new friends. You will also learn to ask others: '你是留学生吗？' (Are you an international student?). The word is made of three parts: 'stay' (liú), 'study' (xué), and 'student' (shēng). Even if you don't know the characters yet, hearing the sounds 'liú xué shēng' will help you recognize when a teacher is talking to you or your classmates. You might also learn to say which country you are from, like '美国留学生' (American international student). This level is all about basic identity and simple 'yes/no' questions. Don't worry about the complex history of the word; just focus on using it to tell people who you are and what you are doing in a Chinese-speaking environment.

At the A2 level, you can start to describe your life and routines as a 留学生 (liú xué shēng). You will move beyond simple introductions and start using the word in more complex sentences. For example, you might talk about where you live: '我住在留学生宿舍' (I live in the international student dormitory). You will also start using measure words correctly, like '我们班有十五个留学生' (Our class has fifteen international students). At this level, you can begin to use the verb form 留学 (liú xué) to describe the action of studying abroad. For example: '我想去中国留学' (I want to go to China to study abroad). You will also encounter this word in common places like the bank, the post office, or the university office when people ask for your ID. You should be able to understand simple announcements made for international students on campus. The focus at A2 is on functional language—using the word to get things done and to describe your daily life as a student in a foreign country.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the experiences, challenges, and benefits of being a 留学生 (liú xué shēng). You should be able to express opinions about international education. For example: '当留学生不仅可以学习语言，还可以了解文化' (Being an international student allows you not only to learn a language but also to understand a culture). You will start to see the word in news articles or longer blog posts. You should be familiar with related terms like 奖学金 (jiǎngxuéjīn - scholarship) and 签证 (qiānzhèng - visa), and how they relate to the life of a liú xué shēng. At this level, you can handle more formal situations, such as explaining your student status to a government official or writing a short essay about why you chose to study abroad. You will also begin to notice the different measure words like 名 (míng) being used in more formal texts. The B1 level is about moving from daily survival to being able to discuss the 'why' and 'how' of being an international student, including the cultural shocks and adjustments involved.

At the B2 level, you can engage with the word 留学生 (liú xué shēng) in professional and academic contexts. You will encounter the word in discussions about global economics, educational policy, and international relations. For example, you might analyze a text about '留学生对当地经济的影响' (The impact of international students on the local economy). You should be comfortable using the word in formal debates or presentations. You will also learn more specific terms like 交换生 (jiāohuànshēng - exchange student) and 公派留学生 (gōngpài liúxuésheng - government-sponsored international student). At this stage, your understanding of the word should include its historical context in China, such as the 'Early 120' students sent to the US in the 1870s. You can write detailed reports or give speeches about the trends in international education. Your grammar should be precise, correctly placing '留学生' as a modifier or a subject in complex, multi-clause sentences. The focus at B2 is on nuance, formal usage, and the ability to discuss the broader implications of international student mobility.

At the C1 level, you have a deep and nuanced understanding of the term 留学生 (liú xué shēng) and its place in contemporary society. You can discuss complex topics such as '留学生的文化认同感' (The sense of cultural identity of international students) or the '脑力流失' (brain drain) associated with students who do not return home. You will be able to read academic papers in Chinese that use '留学生' as a key demographic variable. You should understand the subtle differences in register between '留学生', '外籍学生', and '华裔留学生'. At this level, you can appreciate the puns and social metaphors associated with the word, such as the term 海归 (hǎiguī) and its variants. You can participate in high-level academic seminars conducted in Mandarin, discussing the pedagogical needs of international students. Your use of the word will be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the correct use of formal collocations and idiomatic expressions related to travel and study. C1 is about total mastery of the word's social, legal, and academic connotations.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 留学生 (liú xué shēng), including its most subtle literary and historical references. You can analyze the portrayal of international students in Chinese literature and cinema, from early 20th-century novels to modern-day TV dramas. You understand the word's role in the 'soft power' strategy of nations and can discuss the geopolitical ramifications of international student flows at a professional level. You can draft official policy documents or academic articles regarding international education. Your understanding extends to the philosophical aspects of 'staying and studying'—the existential experience of being a perpetual 'outsider' or 'bridge' between cultures. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific emotions or social critiques. At C2, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a complex concept that you can manipulate with precision and elegance in any context, from a casual joke to a formal diplomatic address.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

留学生 in 30 Seconds

留学生 (liú xué shēng) means international student, combining the concepts of staying abroad and studying.
It is a noun used to describe students of any level (undergrad, grad, language) who are in a foreign country.
Common measure words used with it include 个 (informal), 名 (formal), and 位 (polite).
It is a key term for campus life, visas, and discussing international experiences in Chinese-speaking regions.

The term 留学生 (liú xué shēng) is a compound noun that serves as the standard Chinese designation for an international student. To truly understand its weight and nuance, one must dissect the individual characters that form this essential vocabulary word. The first character, 留 (liú), fundamentally means to stay, remain, or keep. In the context of education, it implies a temporary but significant residence in a foreign land. The second character, 学 (xué), is the ubiquitous root for study, learning, or school. Finally, 生 (shēng) denotes a person, specifically a student or a learner. When combined, the term literally translates to a 'stay-study-person'—someone who has crossed borders to reside in a different country for the primary purpose of pursuing academic knowledge.

Linguistic Precision: While English often uses 'international student' and 'foreign student' interchangeably, liú xué shēng specifically emphasizes the act of 'staying' abroad. It is used both for Chinese students studying in Western or other Asian countries and for foreign nationals studying within China's borders.

In modern Chinese society, being a liú xué shēng carries a specific social and historical weight. Historically, during the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republican era, the first waves of Chinese students sent to Europe, the United States, and Japan were seen as pioneers who would bring back the 'fire' of Western science and governance to modernize China. Today, while the experience is much more common, it still signifies a level of global mobility, ambition, and often, a certain degree of economic privilege or academic excellence. You will hear this word used in official university settings, in casual conversations about one's background, and in news reports regarding global educational trends.

他在北京大学当留学生，学习中医。(He is an international student at Peking University, studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.)

Measure Words: When counting international students, the choice of measure word changes the tone. 个 (gè) is the general, informal measure word. 名 (míng) is more formal and used in news or official reports. 位 (wèi) is the respectful measure word used when speaking politely to or about someone.

Furthermore, the word is often modified to indicate the direction of the study. For instance, 来华留学生 (láihuá liúxuésheng) refers specifically to international students coming to China, while 中国留学生 (zhōngguó liúxuésheng) usually refers to Chinese students studying abroad. This distinction is vital in administrative and statistical contexts. Understanding this word is not just about learning a label for a person; it is about recognizing a significant demographic that bridges cultures, languages, and economies in our globalized world. Whether you are an international student yourself or someone interacting with them, this term is the cornerstone of university life in the Chinese-speaking world.

Mastering the use of 留学生 (liú xué shēng) involves understanding its grammatical placement and the verbs it commonly pairs with. As a noun, it typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence. Because it describes a person's identity or role, it is frequently used with the copula verb 是 (shì - to be) or the verb 当 (dāng - to serve as/to be).

Subject-Verb-Object Structure: The most basic pattern is: [Subject] + 是 + 留学生. For example, '我不是老师，我是留学生' (I am not a teacher, I am an international student). This clearly defines the speaker's status.

When discussing the act of being an international student in a specific location, the structure 在 [Place] 做/当留学生 is common. This adds a layer of action to the identity. For example, '他在美国当留学生' (He is an international student in the United States). Here, '当' implies the role he is currently fulfilling. Another important structure involves the use of adjectives to describe the student's experience. You might say '留学生的生活很辛苦' (The life of an international student is very hard) or '很多留学生都喜欢吃中国菜' (Many international students like eating Chinese food).

学校为留学生准备了特别的欢迎会。(The school prepared a special welcome party for international students.)

Formal Verbs and Collocations: In formal writing, you will see verbs like 招收 (zhāoshōu - to recruit/admit) or 派遣 (pàiqiǎn - to dispatch/send). For instance, '这所大学每年招收五百名留学生' (This university admits 500 international students every year).

Additionally, the term is often used as a modifier for other nouns to create compound phrases. Common examples include 留学生公寓 (liúxuésheng gōngyù - international student dormitory), 留学生办公室 (liúxuésheng bàngōngshì - international student office), and 留学生签证 (liúxuésheng qiānzhèng - student visa). In these cases, the word acts like an adjective to specify who the facility or document is for. Using these compounds correctly will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise in a university environment. Whether you are filling out forms or asking for directions, knowing these combinations is essential for navigating the life of a liú xué shēng.

In the real world, 留学生 (liú xué shēng) is a word that echoes through the halls of academia and the corridors of international travel. If you are standing in a major international airport like Beijing Capital (PEK) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG) during the late summer or early spring, you will hear it constantly over the loudspeakers or in the chatter of families saying goodbye. It is the defining label for millions of young people moving across the globe.

Scenario 1: The University Campus: On any Chinese university campus, signs will point you toward the '留学生院' (School of International Education). During orientation, administrators will address the crowd, saying, '欢迎各位留学生来到我们学校' (Welcome, international students, to our school). It is the primary way the institution categorizes its non-local student body.

Beyond the campus, the word is a staple of news media and social media discourse. In China, there is a constant fascination with how liú xué shēng are faring abroad. You might see headlines like '中国留学生在海外的就业情况' (The employment situation of Chinese international students overseas). Similarly, on platforms like Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) or WeChat, '留学生' is a massive hashtag used by students to share study tips, 'day in the life' vlogs, and advice on navigating cultural shocks. It serves as a badge of identity and a way to find community in a foreign land.

在银行开户时，职员可能会问：“你是留学生吗？我们需要看你的学生证。” (When opening a bank account, the clerk might ask: 'Are you an international student? We need to see your student ID.')

Scenario 2: Government and Policy: When applying for a visa or dealing with the Entry-Exit Administration, the term is used in a strictly legal sense. Your residence permit might be categorized under the purpose of '留学' (studying abroad), and you are legally identified as a liú xué shēng.

You will also hear it in the context of scholarship announcements. The '中国政府奖学金' (Chinese Government Scholarship) is specifically designed for liú xué shēng. In these contexts, the word is associated with opportunity, cultural exchange, and soft diplomacy. Whether it is a professor calling out a name in a Mandarin class or a landlord asking for a passport, liú xué shēng is the functional label that defines your legal and social existence while studying in a Chinese-speaking environment. It is a word that bridges the gap between your home identity and your temporary role as a global scholar.

While 留学生 (liú xué shēng) seems straightforward, English speakers often make several nuanced errors when using it. The first major mistake is the confusion between the noun for the person and the verb for the action. In English, we might say 'He is studying abroad,' using a verb phrase. In Chinese, learners sometimes try to use liú xué shēng as a verb, saying '他留学生在美国' (Incorrect). The correct way to express the action is using the verb 留学 (liú xué), as in '他在美国留学' (He is studying abroad in the US).

Mistake 1: Verb vs. Noun Confusion: Don't use the 'shēng' part if you want to say the action. Wrong: 我想留学生。 Right: 我想去留学。 (I want to study abroad.)

Another frequent error involves the misuse of measure words. Many beginners default to using no measure word or the wrong one. As mentioned before, saying '我认识两个留学生' is correct, but '我认识两留学生' is grammatically incomplete. Furthermore, using 名 (míng) in a very casual setting with friends might sound slightly too stiff or 'news-like,' while using 个 (gè) in a formal speech might sound a bit too informal. Choosing the right measure word shows a higher level of fluency.

Wrong: 很多外国留学生是中国人。(Many foreign international students are Chinese.)
Right: 很多留学生是中国人。(Many international students are Chinese.)

Mistake 2: Redundancy: Learners often add wàiguó (foreign) before liú xué shēng. While '外国留学生' is technically correct, it is often redundant because the 'liú' (staying abroad) already implies they are in a foreign country relative to their home. Only use '外国' if you need to specifically distinguish them from domestic students in a context where it's not already clear.

Finally, watch out for the word order when specifying the country. In English, we say 'international student from Japan.' In Chinese, the origin usually comes before the noun: '日本留学生' (Rìběn liúxuésheng). If you say '留学生从日本,' it sounds like a literal translation from English and is grammatically awkward. Always place the modifying country or university before the word liú xué shēng to maintain proper Chinese syntax. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you communicate your status and describe others with clarity and accuracy.

To expand your vocabulary beyond 留学生 (liú xué shēng), it is helpful to look at related terms that describe different types of students or different aspects of the international education experience. While liú xué shēng is the broad umbrella term, several more specific words exist depending on the duration and nature of the study.

交换生 (jiāo huàn shēng): This refers to an 'exchange student.' Unlike a regular international student who might be completing a full degree abroad, a jiāohuànshēng typically stays for a shorter period (a semester or a year) as part of a formal agreement between two universities.
进修生 (jìn xiū shēng): This term describes 'refresher' or 'non-degree' students. These are often professionals or students who come to a university to take specific courses or improve their language skills without seeking a full diploma. Many language students in China are technically jìnxiūshēng.

Another important distinction is between 本科生 (běnkēshēng - undergraduate), 研究生 (yánjiūshēng - graduate/postgraduate student), and 博士生 (bóshìshēng - PhD student). When you combine these with liú xué shēng, you get more precise titles like '留学生研究生' (international graduate student). This level of detail is common in academic resumes and university applications.

虽然他是留学生，但他的中文比本地人还好。(Although he is an international student, his Chinese is even better than a local's.)

外籍学生 (wài jí xué shēng): This is a more formal and legalistic term meaning 'foreign-nationality student.' It is often used in government documents to specify that the student holds a foreign passport, regardless of their ethnic background or where they grew up.

In summary, while liú xué shēng is your 'go-to' word, being aware of jiāohuànshēng for short-term stays, jìnxiūshēng for non-degree studies, and wàijí xuéshēng for legal contexts will significantly enrich your ability to describe the diverse world of international education. Each of these terms carries a specific connotation regarding the student's purpose and legal status, and using them correctly demonstrates a deep understanding of the Chinese educational landscape.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first official group of Chinese international students were 120 young boys sent to the USA in 1872 by the Qing government. They were known as the 'Chinese Educational Mission.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ljoʊ ʃwɛ ʃʌŋ/

US /ljoʊ ʃwɛ ʃʌŋ/

The primary stress is on the first and second syllables, with the final syllable being slightly longer.

Rhymes With

生 (shēng) rhymes with 灯 (dēng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 层 (céng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 升 (shēng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 僧 (sēng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 疼 (téng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 冷 (lěng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 扔 (rēng) 生 (shēng) rhymes with 登 (dēng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xue' as 'zoo' or 'ex-u-eh'.
Missing the rising tone on 'liu' and 'xue', making it sound flat.
Pronouncing 'sheng' like 'sing' instead of 'shung'.
Merging 'liu' and 'xue' into one syllable.
Using the wrong tone for 'sheng' (it should be high and level).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively common, but '留' has many strokes.

Writing 3/5

Writing '留' and '学' correctly requires attention to stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation of 'xue' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

The word is very distinct and easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

学生 (Student) 学习 (Study) 外国 (Foreign country) 是 (Is/Am/Are) 在 (At/In)

Learn Next

留学 (Study abroad) 签证 (Visa) 奖学金 (Scholarship) 宿舍 (Dormitory) 专业 (Major)

Advanced

海归 (Returned student) 跨文化 (Cross-cultural) 学术诚信 (Academic integrity) 居留许可 (Residence permit) 学分 (Credit)

Grammar to Know

Measure words for people (个, 名, 位)

三名留学生 (Three international students - formal).

Noun modifiers with '的'

留学生的宿舍 (The student's dorm).

Country names as adjectives

法国留学生 (French international student).

The verb '当' (to serve as)

他在上海当留学生 (He is [acting as] an international student in Shanghai).

The structure '来自...的...'

来自非洲的留学生 (International students from Africa).

Examples by Level

我是留学生。

I am an international student.

Uses the basic 'Subject + 是 + Noun' structure.

他是留学生吗？

Is he an international student?

Adds the question particle '吗' to a statement.

我们都是留学生。

We are all international students.

Uses '都' (all) to include everyone in the subject.

我的老师不是留学生。

My teacher is not an international student.

Uses '不是' for negation.

那个人是留学生。

That person is an international student.

Uses the demonstrative '那' and measure word '个'.

你有留学生朋友吗？

Do you have international student friends?

Uses '有' (to have) and '留学生' as a modifier for '朋友'.

他是美国留学生。

He is an American international student.

Places the country before the noun.

留学生学习中文。

International students study Chinese.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object sentence.

我住在留学生宿舍。

I live in the international student dormitory.

Uses '住在' (live in/at) + location.

这个班有十个留学生。

This class has ten international students.

Uses the measure word '个' with a number.

留学生办公室在哪儿？

Where is the international student office?

Asks for location using '在哪儿'.

很多留学生喜欢吃中国菜。

Many international students like eating Chinese food.

Uses '很多' (many) as a quantifier.

我明天要去留学生中心。

I am going to the international student center tomorrow.

Uses '要去' (going to) for future intent.

他是一个日本留学生。

He is a Japanese international student.

Uses '一个' to specify 'a/an'.

留学生的生活很有意思。

The life of an international student is very interesting.

Uses the possessive '的' to connect student and life.

学校为留学生准备了晚会。

The school prepared a party for international students.

Uses '为...准备' (prepare for...).

作为一名留学生，我觉得学习中文很难。

As an international student, I think learning Chinese is hard.

Uses '作为' (as/in the role of) and formal measure word '名'.

他申请了留学生奖学金。

He applied for an international student scholarship.

Uses the verb '申请' (to apply for).

留学生需要办理居留许可。

International students need to apply for a residence permit.

Uses '办理' (to process/handle) and '居留许可' (residence permit).

这所大学招收来自世界各地的留学生。

This university recruits international students from all over the world.

Uses '招收' (recruit) and '来自' (come from).

留学生们经常一起交流学习经验。

International students often exchange study experiences together.

Uses '交流' (to exchange) and '经验' (experience).

他来中国留学的目的是学习文化。

The purpose of his coming to China to study abroad is to learn the culture.

Uses '...的目的是...' (The purpose of... is...).

留学生在国外会遇到很多文化冲突。

International students will encounter many cultural conflicts abroad.

Uses '遇到' (to encounter) and '文化冲突' (cultural conflict).

政府非常重视留学生的教育。

The government attaches great importance to the education of international students.

Uses '重视' (to value/attach importance to).

随着全球化的发展，留学生的数量在不断增加。

With the development of globalization, the number of international students is constantly increasing.

Uses '随着...的发展' (With the development of...).

留学生是促进两国文化交流的重要桥梁。

International students are an important bridge for promoting cultural exchange between two countries.

Metaphorical use of '桥梁' (bridge).

许多留学生毕业后选择回国创业。

Many international students choose to return home to start a business after graduation.

Uses '创业' (to start a business).

学校应该为留学生提供更多的心理咨询服务。

The school should provide more psychological counseling services for international students.

Uses '提供' (to provide) and '心理咨询' (psychological counseling).

留学生在异国他乡难免会感到孤独。

International students inevitably feel lonely in a foreign land.

Uses the idiom '异国他乡' (foreign land) and '难免' (inevitably).

政策的变化对留学生的签证申请产生了重大影响。

Changes in policy have had a significant impact on international students' visa applications.

Uses '对...产生影响' (to have an impact on...).

留学生需要具备较强的跨文化交际能力。

International students need to possess strong intercultural communication skills.

Uses '具备' (possess) and '跨文化交际' (intercultural communication).

通过留学，留学生可以拓宽国际视野。

Through studying abroad, international students can broaden their international horizons.

Uses '拓宽' (broaden) and '视野' (horizons/vision).

留学生的身份认同往往处于两种文化之间。

The identity of international students is often situated between two cultures.

Uses '身份认同' (identity) and '处于...之间' (situated between...).

近年来，留学生‘回国潮’反映了国内经济的吸引力。

In recent years, the 'wave of returning' international students reflects the attractiveness of the domestic economy.

Uses the metaphor '回国潮' (wave of returning home).

我们必须关注留学生在学术诚信方面面临的挑战。

We must pay attention to the challenges international students face regarding academic integrity.

Uses '学术诚信' (academic integrity).

留学生的消费能力对大学城周边的商业繁荣至关重要。

The purchasing power of international students is crucial to the commercial prosperity around university towns.

Uses '至关重要' (crucial/extremely important).

这种现象在留学生群体中具有一定的普遍性。

This phenomenon has a certain degree of universality among the international student group.

Uses '群体' (group) and '普遍性' (universality).

留学生在适应新环境的过程中，社会支持系统起到了关键作用。

In the process of international students adapting to a new environment, social support systems play a key role.

Uses '社会支持系统' (social support system).

政府出台了一系列吸引高层次留学生回国就业的政策。

The government has introduced a series of policies to attract high-level international students to return and work.

Uses '出台' (to introduce/publish policy) and '高层次' (high-level).

留学生的流向在很大程度上受地缘政治因素的影响。

The flow of international students is largely influenced by geopolitical factors.

Uses '地缘政治' (geopolitics).

留学生作为文化使者，其在软实力外交中的角色不可或缺。

As cultural ambassadors, international students' role in soft power diplomacy is indispensable.

Uses '文化使者' (cultural ambassador) and '软实力' (soft power).

我们需要深入探讨留学生在全球人才环流中的动态演变。

We need to deeply explore the dynamic evolution of international students in the global talent circulation.

Uses '人才环流' (talent circulation) and '动态演变' (dynamic evolution).

留学生的边际感可能导致其在母国与宿主国之间产生疏离感。

The marginality of international students may lead to a sense of alienation between their home and host countries.

Uses '边际感' (sense of marginality) and '宿主国' (host country).

教育国际化背景下，留学生的跨国流动已成为一种常态。

Under the background of education internationalization, the transnational mobility of international students has become a norm.

Uses '跨国流动' (transnational mobility) and '常态' (norm/normal state).

留学生对异文化的批判性吸收有助于其构建多元价值观。

The critical absorption of foreign cultures by international students helps them construct pluralistic values.

Uses '批判性吸收' (critical absorption) and '多元价值观' (pluralistic values).

针对留学生的歧视性政策往往会引发国际社会的广泛关注。

Discriminatory policies targeting international students often trigger widespread concern in the international community.

Uses '歧视性政策' (discriminatory policy) and '引发' (to trigger).

留学生的学术贡献在很大程度上推动了基础科学的跨国合作。

The academic contributions of international students have largely promoted transnational cooperation in basic sciences.

Uses '学术贡献' (academic contribution) and '跨国合作' (transnational cooperation).

审视留学生的求学轨迹，可以发现全球不平等在教育领域的投射。

Examining the educational trajectories of international students reveals the projection of global inequality in the field of education.

Uses '求学轨迹' (educational trajectory) and '投射' (projection).

Common Collocations

招收留学生

派遣留学生

留学生公寓

留学生签证

留学生办公室

留学生奖学金

留学生群体

中国留学生

外国留学生

一名留学生

Common Phrases

出国留学

— To go abroad to study. This is the verb phrase associated with being a 留学生.

他高中毕业后就出国留学了。

留学生活

— The life of an international student. Often used to describe the experience as a whole.

我的留学生活非常丰富多彩。

留学中介

— Study abroad agency. Companies that help students apply to foreign universities.

他通过留学中介申请了学校。

留学梦

— The dream of studying abroad. A common aspiration for many young people.

为了实现留学梦，他努力学习英语。

留学潮

— The wave/trend of studying abroad. Refers to a period when many people are going overseas.

九十年代中国出现了一股留学潮。

来华留学

— Coming to China to study. A formal term used in Chinese education policy.

来华留学的人数逐年增加。

留学经历

— Study abroad experience. Often listed on resumes.

这段留学经历对我影响很大。

留学背景

— Study abroad background. Used to describe someone's education history.

公司更倾向于招聘有留学背景的人。

归国留学生

— Returned international students. Students who have come back to their home country.

政府为归国留学生提供创业补贴。

在华留学生

— International students currently in China.

在华留学生应该遵守中国的法律。

Often Confused With

留学生 vs 外国人

A general term for 'foreigner.' 留学生 is specifically a student.

留学生 vs 交换生

A specific type of short-term international student.

留学生 vs 华侨

An overseas Chinese person, who may or may not be a student.

Idioms & Expressions

"海归"

— A pun on 'sea turtle,' referring to someone who has returned from studying abroad.

他是个海归，现在在一家外企工作。

Informal/Slang

"海带"

— A pun on 'seaweed,' referring to a returned student who is 'waiting' for a job (unemployed).

现在竞争太激烈，很多海归变成了海带。

Slang/Humorous

"镀金"

— Literally 'to plate with gold.' Used to describe going abroad just to get a degree for prestige rather than learning.

他去国外只是为了镀金，根本没学到东西。

Critical/Informal

"洋插队"

— A historical reference comparing studying abroad to the 'sent-down youth' movement, implying hardship.

老一辈留学生常把当年的经历称为洋插队。

Informal/Old-fashioned

"学成归国"

— To return to one's country after completing studies successfully.

他希望能学成归国，建设家乡。

Formal

"博采众长"

— To study and adopt the strengths of others. Often used to describe the goal of international students.

留学生应该博采众长，充实自己。

Literary

"异国他乡"

— A foreign land. Describes the place where a 留学生 lives.

在异国他乡，我们要互相帮助。

Neutral/Idiomatic

"走马观花"

— To give a passing glance. Used negatively for students who don't deeply experience the culture.

留学生如果不深入生活，只能是走马观花。

Idiomatic

"入境随俗"

— When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Crucial advice for international students.

作为留学生，应该学会入境随俗。

Idiomatic

"满载而归"

— To return with a full load. Used to describe returning with a wealth of knowledge.

祝愿每位留学生都能满载而归。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

留学生 vs 留学

It's the verb form of the noun.

留学 is the act of studying abroad; 留学生 is the person doing it.

他去留学 (He goes to study abroad) vs 他是留学生 (He is an international student).

留学生 vs 学生

It's the general term for student.

学生 includes all students; 留学生 is only those studying in a foreign country.

所有留学生都是学生，但不是所有学生都是留学生。

留学生 vs 外籍

It also refers to being foreign.

外籍 refers to nationality; 留学生 refers to the status of staying to study.

外籍老师 (Foreign teacher) vs 留学生 (International student).

留学生 vs 华裔

Refers to ethnic Chinese.

华裔 can be a 留学生, but the term refers to ethnicity, not student status.

这位留学生是华裔 (This international student is of Chinese descent).

留学生 vs 海归

Related to studying abroad.

海归 is someone who has finished studying and returned; 留学生 is someone still studying.

他以前是留学生，现在是海归。

Sentence Patterns

我是[Country]留学生。

我是英国留学生。

我们在[Place]当留学生。

我们在北京当留学生。

作为一名留学生，[Opinion/Feeling]。

作为一名留学生，我觉得很幸福。

我想去[Country]留学。

我想去美国留学。

留学生对[Noun]有很大影响。

留学生对文化交流有很大影响。

学校招收了[Number]名留学生。

学校招收了五百名留学生。

留学生群体在[Context]中扮演重要角色。

留学生群体在国际贸易中扮演重要角色。

审视留学生的[Noun]，可以发现[Insight]。

审视留学生的流动，可以发现全球化的趋势。

Word Family

Nouns

留学 (liú xué - the act of studying abroad)

留学会 (liú xué huì - international student association)

留学生证 (liú xué shēng zhèng - student ID for international students)

Verbs

留学 (liú xué - to study abroad)

Adjectives

留学的 (liú xué de - pertaining to studying abroad)

签证 (visa)

护照 (passport)

奖学金 (scholarship)

宿舍 (dormitory)

教授 (professor)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in academic and urban contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '留学生' as a verb. → 我在中国留学。
You cannot 'liú xué shēng' in a place. You can 'liú xué' (verb) or be a 'liú xué shēng' (noun).
Forgetting the measure word. → 两个留学生。
In Chinese, you must use a measure word (like 个 or 名) between a number and a noun.
Putting the country after the noun. → 美国留学生。
In Chinese, modifiers like country names must come before the noun they describe.
Confusing '留学生' with '交换生'. → 我来这里交换一个学期，我是交换生。
If you are only there for a semester, '交换生' is more accurate than '留学生'.
Using '外国学生' in a formal academic report. → 本校招收了大量留学生。
'留学生' is the preferred formal and administrative term in university contexts.

Tips

Verb vs. Noun

Remember that '留学' is the verb (to study abroad) and '留学生' is the noun (the student). You can't say '我留学生在北京'. Use '我在北京留学' or '我是北京的留学生'.

The 'Sea Turtle' Pun

Once you finish being a 留学生 and return home, you might be called a '海归' (hǎiguī). It sounds like 'sea turtle' because you 'crossed the sea' and returned.

Specific Types

If you are only studying for a short time, you are a '交换生' (exchange student). If you are just doing a language course, you are a '进修生' (refresher student).

Character Tip

The '田' (field) at the bottom of '留' suggests staying on a piece of land. It helps to remember that 'Liú' means to stay.

Making Friends

Asking '你是留学生吗？' is a great icebreaker on any university campus in China. It's an easy way to start a conversation about home and studies.

Official Forms

On official forms, you will often see '来华留学生'. This is the formal way to say 'international students coming to China'.

Tone Patterns

Listen for the rhythmic 'low-high, low-high, high' pattern. (Actually, it's 2nd-2nd-1st tone, which sounds like two rising slides followed by a flat line).

Measure Words

Use '名' (míng) when talking about numbers of students in a report or presentation. It sounds much more professional than '个'.

Office Names

Look for the '留学生办公室' (ISO) on campus. It is your primary resource for visas, housing, and administrative help.

Identity

Embrace the title! Being a 留学生 is a unique period in your life. Use the word with pride when introducing yourself.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Liu' as 'Leave your home,' 'Xue' as 'Schooling,' and 'Sheng' as 'Student.' A student who leaves home for schooling.

Visual Association

Imagine a student standing between two flags, holding a suitcase and a diploma.

Word Web

留学 (Study abroad) 学生 (Student) 学校 (School) 外国 (Foreign country) 签证 (Visa) 护照 (Passport) 宿舍 (Dorm) 奖学金 (Scholarship)

Challenge

Try to introduce yourself as a 留学生 to three different people today, or write it in a sentence describing your dream university.

Word Origin

The term originates from the combination of '留' (to stay) and '学' (to study). It gained prominence in the late 19th century when China began sending students to Japan and the West.

Original meaning: A person who remains in a place to receive an education.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be aware that while '留学生' is neutral, some might feel a distance if you only refer to them by their status rather than their name.

In English-speaking countries, the term 'international student' is often a legal category for visa purposes, but in China, it is also a social identity.

The book 'Fortress Besieged' (围城) by Qian Zhongshu, which satirizes returned students. The 'Chinese Educational Mission' (1872) historical records. Modern TV dramas like 'Way It Used To Be' (归去来) focusing on students in the US.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Orientation

欢迎留学生 (Welcome international students)
留学生手册 (International student handbook)
留学生补助 (Student stipend)
注册登记 (Registration)

Visa Application

留学生签证 (X1/X2 visa)
录取通知书 (Admission notice)
JW201/202表 (Visa application forms)
体检报告 (Medical report)

Socializing

你是哪国留学生？ (Which country are you from?)
你留学多久了？ (How long have you been studying abroad?)
留学生聚会 (Student party)
交换学习 (Exchange study)

Job Seeking

留学生专场招聘会 (Job fair for international students)
实习许可 (Internship permit)
工作签证 (Work visa)
海外背景 (Overseas background)

Housing

留学生公寓 (Student dorm)
校外租房 (Renting off-campus)
住宿登记 (Accommodation registration)
房东 (Landlord)

Conversation Starters

"你来中国当留学生多久了？ (How long have you been an international student in China?)"

"你觉得留学生的生活辛苦吗？ (Do you think life as an international student is hard?)"

"你们学校的留学生多吗？ (Are there many international students at your school?)"

"作为留学生，你最喜欢的中国城市是哪个？ (As an international student, which Chinese city is your favorite?)"

"你想认识更多的留学生朋友吗？ (Do you want to meet more international student friends?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你作为留学生第一天的感受。 (Write about your feelings on your first day as an international student.)

你认为留学生应该如何更好地融入当地文化？ (How do you think international students should better integrate into the local culture?)

描述一下你理想中的留学生宿舍。 (Describe your ideal international student dormitory.)

留学经历对你的性格有什么影响？ (How has the study abroad experience influenced your personality?)

你想对未来的留学生说些什么建议？ (What advice would you give to future international students?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. In China, '中国留学生' (Chinese international student) is the standard term for Chinese nationals studying abroad. It works both ways: foreigners in China and Chinese people abroad.

Yes, it is a neutral, standard, and respectful term. If you want to be extra polite when addressing someone, you can use the measure word '位' (wèi), as in '这位留学生'.

'留学生' emphasizes the act of living abroad to study. '外国学生' simply means a student of foreign nationality. In a university, '留学生' is the more common administrative term.

Usually, '留学生' is enough. Adding '外国' (foreign) is slightly redundant but often used in formal settings to clearly distinguish from domestic students.

You can say '我以前是留学生' (Wǒ yǐqián shì liúxuésheng) or '我留过学' (Wǒ liúguo xué - I have studied abroad).

Technically yes, if they are studying abroad. However, it is most commonly used for university and high school students. Younger children are often just called '外国学生'.

Yes, '个' is the most common and versatile measure word. For example, '三个留学生' is perfectly natural in everyday conversation.

A '公派留学生' (gōngpài liúxuésheng) is a student sent abroad by the government or their employer, usually with a full scholarship and a requirement to return.

The opposite is '本地学生' (běndì xuéshēng - local student) or '国内学生' (guónèi xuéshēng - domestic student).

It is '留学中介' (liú xué zhōng jiè).