學習 / 学习
xuéxí
The English verb 'study' is translated into Chinese as 學習 / 学习 (xuéxí) or 學 / 学.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 學習 / 学习 | xuéxí |
| 學 / 学 | xué |
學習 / 学习 is used to describe the process of acquiring knowledge, whether through academic studying or by learning a new skill or a way of doing something. It can function as both a verb (to study) and a noun (the act of studying or learning).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 學習 / 学习 is composed of two parts: 學 (to learn or study) and 習 (to practice or habituate).
Which one should you use?
While 學 / 学 means to study or learn, 學習 / 学习 is more commonly used when referring to the broader process of acquiring knowledge or skills through both study and practice.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
xuéxí
Did you know?
- The ancient origins of the character for 'study' may be linked to the Proto-Sino-Tibetan root for 'to rouse' or 'to disturb'. This suggests that learning was seen as a way to stir the mind or disturb one's previous state of ignorance.
- The character 學 / 学 contains a hidden depiction of a child learning under a roof or cover. This reflects the ancient concept of a student receiving instruction in a structured environment.
- In Chinese culture, 學習 is often used to describe mimicking someone's behavior, such as 'learning' how to be a good person from a mentor.
Examples in context
- 我每天都学习中文。I study Chinese every day.
- 他在大学研究环境科学。He studies environmental science at university.
- 我最喜欢念书的时候喝茶。I enjoy drinking tea while studying the most.
- 我每晚都在读书，扩大我的知识面。I read every evening to broaden my knowledge.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “study” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 學, CC BY-SA 4.0.
