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March 24, 2026
博士bóshì(bo2shi4)
博士 (bó shì) refers to a doctor or an individual who has attained a Ph.D. degree, signifying a high level of expertise in a specific field of study. This term is commonly used in academic contexts to denote someone who has completed rigorous research and academic training, often leading to positions in teaching or specialized professional fields.
Frequency#661DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, holding a 博士 degree is highly respected and often seen as a significant achievement that can lead to greater opportunities in academia and professional fields.
Memory Tip
Think of 博士 as 'bó' like 'bowl', filled with knowledge, and 'shì' like 'shy', representing how a Ph.D. might initially feel in their vast learning. Visualize a wise person standing proudly, holding a bowl of wisdom, earning their title as a doctor.
Meanings of 博士
bóshì(bo2shi4)
1doctor
2court academician (in feudal China)
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About 博士
博士Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#661Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 博士
Podcast: 博士
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AI Study Notes for 博士
Quick Contrast
硕士 (shuòshì) refers to a master's degree holder, indicating a level of education below that of 博士 (bóshì).
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 博士 as 'bó' like 'bowl', filled with knowledge, and 'shì' like 'shy', representing how a Ph.D. might initially feel in their vast learning. Visualize a wise person standing proudly, holding a bowl of wisdom, earning their title as a doctor.
Usage Notes
When using 博士, be aware that it’s typically reserved for formal contexts; using it casually might sound odd. A common mistake is to confuse it with 医生 (yī shēng), which specifically means a medical doctor. Remember to use the correct tone: 'bó' is second tone, and 'shì' is fourth tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 博士 connects to other academic-related vocabulary such as 学生 (xué shēng - student) and 教授 (jiào shòu - professor). Focus on the context of education and professional titles to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, holding a 博士 degree is highly respected and often seen as a significant achievement that can lead to greater opportunities in academia and professional fields.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 博士 with 学生 (xué shēng), mistakenly calling a student a 博士. Instead, use 博士 only for those who have completed their doctoral studies.
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Pronunciation of 博士
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Grammar Patterns of 博士
博士 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.
A bounty of $50,000 was put on Dr. Alvarez's head.
Cultural Notes for 博士
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, holding a 博士 degree is highly respected and often seen as a significant achievement that can lead to greater opportunities in academia and professional fields.
Frequently Asked Questions about 博士
博士 specifically refers to someone with a doctoral degree, while 学者 (xué zhě) is a more general term for 'scholar' that can refer to anyone engaged in academic study.
No, 博士 typically refers to someone with a Ph.D. or advanced academic degree, while 医生 (yī shēng) is the correct term for a medical doctor.
