How to Say "Study" in Chinese
The most common way to say "study" or "learn" in Chinese is:
- 学 (pinyin: xué, second tone) — to learn / to study
- 学习 (pinyin: xuéxí) — to study / to learn (compound verb, more common in everyday speech)
Both are used constantly in Chinese. Here's when to use each one.
学 (xué) — The Character
学 is one of the most fundamental characters in Chinese. It means "to learn" or "to study" and appears in hundreds of compound words.
- Pronunciation: xué — second tone (rising), like a question tone in English
- HSK level: HSK 1 (beginners)
- Stroke count: 8 strokes
学 can be used on its own or as part of compound words:
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|
| 学 | xué | to learn / to study |
| 学习 | xuéxí | to study (general) |
| 学生 | xuésheng | student |
| 学校 | xuéxiào | school |
| 学中文 | xué Zhōngwén | to study Chinese |
| 大学 | dàxué | university |
| 留学 | liúxué | to study abroad |
学习 (xuéxí) — The Compound Phrase
学习 is more commonly used in spoken and written Chinese than 学 alone. It combines:
- 学 (xué) — to learn
- 习 (xí) — to practise / to review
Together, 学习 captures the full idea of studying: both absorbing new knowledge and practising what you've learned.
Example Sentences
- 我在学习中文。(Wǒ zài xuéxí Zhōngwén.) — I am studying Chinese.
- 你学习什么？(Nǐ xuéxí shénme?) — What are you studying?
- 我想学中文。(Wǒ xiǎng xué Zhōngwén.) — I want to learn Chinese.
- 他学习很努力。(Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì.) — He studies very hard.
学 vs 学习: Which One Should You Use?
Both mean "to study/learn," but there's a subtle difference:
- Use 学 when followed directly by an object: 学中文 (study Chinese), 学钢琴 (learn piano)
- Use 学习 as a standalone verb or before general study: 我在学习 (I'm studying)
In practice, both are correct in most contexts. Native speakers use them interchangeably in everyday conversation.
Other Words for "Study" in Chinese
| Word | Pinyin | Nuance |
|---|
| 念书 | niànshū | to study / read books (colloquial) |
| 读书 | dúshū | to read / to study (formal, literary) |
| 研究 | yánjiū | to research / study in depth |
| 复习 | fùxí | to review / revise what you've learned |
| 预习 | yùxí | to preview / study ahead |
Learn Chinese in Kunming
If you're serious about mastering words like 学习 and using them naturally in conversation, the fastest path is full immersion. At
KCEL in Kunming, China, small-group and one-on-one lessons are structured around real-life communication from day one.
Apply to study at KCEL — flexible start dates, beginner to advanced levels.