Meanings of 教授
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Podcast: 教授
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AI Study Notes for 教授
副教授 (fùjiàoshòu) - use 副教授 for a lower academic rank, typically an associate professor, whereas 教授 denotes a full professor.
Be careful not to confuse '教授' with similar terms like '讲师' (jiǎngshī), which refers to a lecturer or instructor with less authority. '教授' is more formal and typically used in academic settings. Common collocations include '教授课程' (jiàoshòu kèchéng - to teach a course) and '教授知识' (jiàoshòu zhīshì - to impart knowledge).
As an HSK Level 4 word, '教授' connects well with other academic-related vocabulary such as '学习' (xuéxí - study), '学生' (xuéshēng - student), and '课程' (kèchéng - course). Focus on using '教授' in sentences that describe educational contexts.
Learners often misuse '教授' in informal contexts, where a simpler term like '老师' should be used. For example, saying '我有一个教授在小学' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiàoshòu zài xiǎoxué - I have a professor in elementary school) is incorrect; '老师' should be used instead.
Pronunciation of 教授
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Component Characters
How to say professor in Chinese
“professor” in Chinese is教授
教授 (jiàoshòu) refers primarily to a professor, typically in a university setting, who is responsible for teaching and conducting research. It can also mean to instruct or lecture on a particular subject. The term conveys a sense of authority and expertise in an academic context.
When to use 教授
Be careful not to confuse '教授' with similar terms like '讲师' (jiǎngshī), which refers to a lecturer or instructor with less authority. '教授' is more formal and typically used in academic settings. Common collocations include '教授课程' (jiàoshòu kèchéng - to teach a course) and '教授知识' (jiàoshòu zhīshì - to impart knowledge).
教授 or something close to it
副教授 (fùjiàoshòu) - use 副教授 for a lower academic rank, typically an associate professor, whereas 教授 denotes a full professor.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '教授' in informal contexts, where a simpler term like '老师' should be used. For example, saying '我有一个教授在小学' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiàoshòu zài xiǎoxué - I have a professor in elementary school) is incorrect; '老师' should be used instead.
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Grammar Patterns of 教授
教授 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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他们将集中____阅读、写作和算术基础知识。
They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
Example Sentences for 教授 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 教授
In Western cultures, while professors are also respected, there is often a more casual relationship between students and professors compared to the traditional hierarchy seen in Chinese universities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 教授
'To lecture' is expressed as '讲课' (jiǎngkè) or simply '讲' (jiǎng).
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