同学

• Pinyin: tóng xué
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = same/together; 学 = study/learn — 'study together'

Meaning

Classmate; fellow student. Used both as a form of address and to refer to schoolmates.

One of the most common ways to refer to people you study with. Teachers use it to address students directly. It can also be used to address a stranger of student age politely. Former classmates often maintain a lifelong 同学 bond in Chinese culture.

Examples

1. 他是我的同学。 He is my classmate.
2. 我和同学一起去图书馆。 I go to the library with my classmates.
3. 同学们好！ Hello, classmates!

Usage Guide

Context: school, social

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 这位同学，请回答问题。(This student, please answer the question.)
• 我的同学都很友好。(My classmates are all very friendly.)

Don't Say

• 他是我的同学在大学里。(Wrong word order — say 他是我在大学里的同学; modifying phrases come before the noun)

Origin & History

A compound of 同 (same/together) and 学 (to study/learn), meaning 'people who study together.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal