教
jiāo
The Chinese word for 'to teach' is 教 (jiāo). Wiktionary also lists 教授 (jiāoshòu).
Meaning: to pass on knowledge (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 教 | jiāo |
| 教授 | jiāoshòu |
教 is used to express the act of passing on knowledge. In informal settings, when referring to guiding or leading someone in learning, speakers might use 带. In more formal contexts involving guidance or instruction, the term 教导 is used.
Which one should you use?
While 教 is the verb 'to teach', the form 教授 can function as a noun meaning 'professor' in an academic context.
How does it change in a sentence?
教 is a transitive verb and can be followed directly by the person being taught (e.g., 教我 – teach me).
How do you pronounce it?
jiāo
Did you know?
- The character 教 contains a component representing a stick or cane, symbolizing the authority used to discipline and guide a child during instruction.
- While 'teach' can be a simple verb, the term 教导 adds a layer of moral and behavioral guidance. It is used when the goal is to shape a person's character rather than just providing facts.
- While 教授 is the formal word for 'professor', it is also a verb that means 'to teach' in a highly academic or professional sense.
Examples in context
- 他们教我们说话。They teach us to speak.This sentence shows how to use 教 to describe teaching a skill like speaking.Tatoeba #3378280 by GlossaMatik, translation #3378281 by _undertoad
- 他想給他點教訓。He wants to teach him a lesson.This sentence demonstrates the use of 教 in the context of teaching a lesson.Tatoeba #6900952 by xjjAstrus, translation #7844516 by sharris123
- 我教成年人法語。I teach French to adults.This sentence illustrates using 教 to describe teaching a language to a specific group.Tatoeba #10040474 by verdastelo9604, translation #2451606 by CK
- 我是一名中学教师I am a high school teacher.
- 这位老师很善于教导学生This teacher is very good at instructing students.
- 他教我如何骑自行车He taught me how to ride a bicycle.
- 家庭是最好的教育场所Family is the best place for teaching.
- 她是一位教授，主要教授经济学。She is a professor who mainly teaches economics.
- 我朋友教我怎么做菜。My friend teaches me how to cook.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
志强 asks 晓雯 to help him with a new skill.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你能教我做中国菜吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ néng jiāo wǒ zuò Zhōngguó cài ma?Xiaowen, can you teach me how to cook Chinese food?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，我很乐意教你。Méi wèntí, wǒ hěn lèyì jiāo nǐ.No problem, I would be happy to teach you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang太好了，谢谢你。Tài hǎo le, xièxiè nǐ.That's great, thank you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那我们明天就开始吧。Nà wǒmen míngtiān jiù kāishǐ ba.Then let's start tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teach” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 教, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
