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大学 — meaning in English: the University

dàxué · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for university
女孩
nǚhái
风扇
fēngshàn
上下文
shàngxiàwén
大学
dàxué
电力
diànlì
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use '大学' when discussing higher education institutions, such as when talking about their university experience, applying for admission, or discussing academic programs. For example, someone might say, '我在大学学习中文' (I study Chinese at university) when sharing their educational background.
Synonyms & nuances
'大学' specifically refers to universities, while '学院' (xuéyuàn) translates to 'college' and can indicate smaller institutions or departments within a university. Use '大学' when discussing broader higher education institutions and '学院' for more specific contexts.
Culture
'大学' is composed of two characters: '大' (dà), meaning 'big' or 'great,' and '学' (xué), meaning 'study' or 'learning.' This reflects the significance of universities as places of substantial knowledge and growth in Chinese culture. In China, attending a '大学' is often seen as a rite of passage, leading to better career opportunities and personal development.
FAQ
Q.What does '大学' mean in English?
'大学' means 'university' in English, referring to institutions of higher education where students pursue degrees and advanced studies.
Q.How is '大学' used in a sentence?
'大学' can be used in various contexts, such as '我正在申请大学' (I am applying to university) or '他从大学毕业了' (He graduated from university).
Q.Is there a difference between '大学' and '学校'?
'学校' (xuéxiào) is a more general term for 'school' and can refer to elementary schools, secondary schools, or higher educational institutions. '大学' specifically denotes a university.
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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000