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March 24, 2026
教授jiàoshòu(jiao4shou4)
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.
Frequency#1468DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, professors are often highly respected figures, seen as gatekeepers of knowledge and wisdom. The title carries significant prestige, reflecting the value placed on education in society.
Memory Tip
Think of '教授' as a 'teacher of knowledge.' The first character '教' (jiào) looks like a person teaching (the 'hand' radical on the top) while '授' (shòu) suggests handing out knowledge. Imagine a professor handing out books to students, emphasizing the act of teaching.
Meanings of 教授
jiàoshòu(jiao4shou4)
1professor
2to instruct
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About 教授
教授Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1468Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 教授
Podcast: 教授
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AI Study Notes for 教授
Quick Contrast
副教授 (fùjiàoshòu) - use 副教授 for a lower academic rank, typically an associate professor, whereas 教授 denotes a full professor.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '教授' as a 'teacher of knowledge.' The first character '教' (jiào) looks like a person teaching (the 'hand' radical on the top) while '授' (shòu) suggests handing out knowledge. Imagine a professor handing out books to students, emphasizing the act of teaching.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, professors are often highly respected figures, seen as gatekeepers of knowledge and wisdom. The title carries significant prestige, reflecting the value placed on education in society.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 教授
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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 4 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.
Professors are passing the hat to help staff in their department.
8
在委员会会议上, 我与史密斯教授就她们系开销太大的问题发生争执.
zài wěi yuán huì huì yì shàng, , wǒ yǔ shǐ mì sī jiào shòu jiù tā mén xì kāi xiāo tài dà de wèn tí fā shēng zhēng.
At the committee meeting, I crossed swords with Professor Smith over her department's overspending.
9
正教授正常的授课是为每周八小时. vt.
zhèng jiào shòu zhèng cháng de shòu kè shì wéi měi zhōu bā xiǎo shí.vt.
The normal teaching load of a full professor is eight hours a week.
10
这些问题请教波斯纳教授算是问对人了。
zhè xiē wèn tí qǐng jiào bō sī nà jiào shòu suàn shì wèn duì rén le。
These questions were tailor-made for Professor Posner.
Cultural Notes for 教授
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, professors are often highly respected figures, seen as gatekeepers of knowledge and wisdom. The title carries significant prestige, reflecting the value placed on education in society.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
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).
'教授' specifically refers to university professors, so it's not suitable for primary or secondary school teachers.
'老师' (lǎoshī) is a general term for teacher, while '教授' denotes a higher academic rank and is used in higher education.
