When it comes to referring to a “PhD” or “Doctor of Philosophy” in Chinese, there are different ways to express this depending on the formality and regional variations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “PhD” in Chinese, providing various tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “PhD” in Chinese:
For formal situations, such as academic settings, official documents, or professional conversations, the most commonly used term for “PhD” in Chinese is “博士” (bóshì). This term carries the same meaning as “Doctor” when referring to someone who has obtained a doctoral degree.
Tips:
- Remember to use the term “博士” (bóshì) when referring to someone who has completed a PhD program.
- When addressing or introducing oneself with a PhD degree, one can say “我是博士” (wǒ shì bóshì), meaning “I am a PhD holder.”
Examples:
他在哈佛大学获得了博士学位。
(Tā zài Hāfó Dàxué huòdé le bóshì xuéwèi.)
He obtained a PhD degree at Harvard University.
Informal Ways to Say “PhD” in Chinese:
While “博士” (bóshì) is suitable for formal situations, there are more casual and colloquial terms used in informal conversations or everyday life. Here are a few alternatives:
1. 碩士 (shuòshì):
In informal contexts, especially within Chinese-speaking communities outside mainland China, the term “碩士” (shuòshì) is often used to refer to both Master’s and PhD degrees collectively. However, it’s essential to note that “碩士” primarily means “Master’s degree.” Using it for a PhD degree is more common in informal settings.
Tips:
- Use “碩士” (shuòshì) when you want to describe your educational background and simplify its explanation in informal conversations.
- Clarify by adding “博士” (bóshì) after “碩士” (shuòshì) when the need arises to emphasize you hold a doctoral degree specifically.
Examples:
他拿到了碩士學位。
(Tā ná dào le shuòshì xuéwèi.)
He obtained a PhD degree.
2. 博士學位 (bóshì xuéwèi):
Another informal way to mention a PhD is by using the term “博士學位” (bóshì xuéwèi), meaning “doctoral degree.” While it includes “博士” (bóshì), specifying it as a “學位” (xuéwèi) provides additional clarity, especially when speaking informally.
Tips:
- Combine “博士” (bóshì) with “學位” (xuéwèi) to clearly refer to your PhD without relying solely on the term “博士” (bóshì).
- Remember that “學位” (xuéwèi) can be added to other academic degrees as well.
Examples:
我的夢想就是要獲得博士學位。
(Wǒ de mèngxiǎng jiùshì yào huòdé bóshì xuéwèi.)
My dream is to obtain a PhD degree.
Regional Variations:
While the terms mentioned above are widely used across various Chinese-speaking regions, it’s essential to note that specific dialects or regions may have slight variations in their usage. These variations are often colloquial and may not be suitable for formal situations outside those regions.
Example:
In parts of Southern China, such as Guangdong province, it is common to use the term “博士後” (bóshì hòu) to refer to a PhD degree. This term literally translates to “post-PhD” and is more commonly used in informal conversations in that region.
Tips:
- Be aware of regional variations when conversing or interacting with individuals from specific areas.
- Ask people from different regions about the commonly used terms and adapt accordingly.
With these formal and informal terms in your repertoire, you can confidently refer to a “PhD” or “Doctor of Philosophy” in Chinese depending on the situation. Remember to consider the level of formality and be mindful of regional variations, as language is a living medium that evolves among diverse communities.
