小学

• Pinyin: xiǎo xué
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = small/elementary; 学 = 子 (child) under 冖 (roof) with hands — learning

Meaning

Primary school; elementary school. The first stage of formal education in China.

In China's education system, 小学 covers six years, typically from age six to twelve, corresponding to grades 1-6. It is followed by 初中 (junior middle school). The term is used for both the institution and the stage of education. Related words: 小学生 (primary school pupil), 上小学 (to attend primary school).

Examples

1. 我弟弟现在上小学三年级。 My younger brother is in year three of primary school.
2. 她的小学离家很近。 Her primary school is very close to home.
3. 我们小学有一千个学生。 Our primary school has one thousand students.

Usage Guide

Context: education, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他在上小学。(He is attending primary school.)
• 这是一所很好的小学。(This is a very good primary school.)

Don't Say

• 用'小学'指大学或中学。(Don't use 小学 to refer to middle school or university — use 中学 or 大学 respectively)

Origin & History

Formed from 小 (small/elementary) + 学 (learning/school). Historically 小学 referred to the study of Chinese characters and philology; its modern meaning as 'primary school' dates from the late Qing dynasty educational reforms.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal