硕士学位
shuòshì xuéwèi
The English phrase "master degree" is translated into Chinese as 硕士学位 (shuòshì xuéwèi).
硕士学位 is the standard term used to refer specifically to the academic qualification itself. It is used in formal or academic contexts to denote the degree awarded by a university upon completion of a graduate course of study.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 硕士 (shuòshì), meaning 'master' and 学位 (xuéwèi), meaning 'academic degree'.
Which one should you use?
While 硕士学位 refers to the degree itself, you can use 硕士 (shuòshì) on its own to refer to a person who holds a master's degree.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong and some Cantonese-speaking regions, the term 碩士學位 is commonly used for the degree, while 碩士 is used to refer to the individual holding the degree.
How do you pronounce it?
shuòshì xuéwèi
Did you know?
- When referring to the process of pursuing this degree, Chinese speakers often use the verb 攻读 (gōngdú), which carries a much more intense connotation of 'attacking' or 'devoting oneself to' a study than the English 'pursuing'.
- The character 硕 (shuò) in 硕士 originally meant 'large' or 'great' in ancient texts, often describing something of significant size or importance.
- The term 硕士 was not widely used in China until the mid-20th century, as the traditional imperial examination system focused on different types of certifications rather than tiered university degrees.
Examples in context
- 他获得了硕士学位。He obtained a master's degree.
- 佢係個碩士。He is a master's degree holder.
- 他去年拿到了硕士学位。Tā qùnián nádào le shuòshì xuéwèi.He obtained a master degree last year.
- 申请这个职位需要硕士学位。Shēnqǐng zhège zhíwèi xūyào shuòshì xuéwèi.Applying for this position requires a master degree.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their career plans and education.
- 俊杰 Junjie你想继续读硕士学位吗？Nǐ xiǎng jìxù dú shuòshì xuéwèi ma?Do you want to continue studying for a master degree?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我想，但我还没决定专业。Wǒ xiǎng, dàn wǒ hái méi juédìng zhuānyè.I do, but I haven't decided on a major yet.
- 俊杰 Junjie拿一个硕士学位对找工作很有帮助。Ná yī gè shuòshì xuéwèi duì zhǎo gōngzuò hěn yǒu bāngzhù.Getting a master degree is very helpful for finding a job.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你说得对，谢谢你的建议。Nǐ shuō de duì, xièxiè nǐ de jiànyì.You are right, thank you for your advice.
