奖学金

• Pinyin: jiǎng xué jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 奖 = award/prize; 学 = 子 (child) under 冖 (roof) — to study; 金 = money/gold — together meaning a monetary award for studying

Meaning

Scholarship. A financial award given to students based on academic achievement, talent, or financial need.

Commonly discussed in educational settings from middle school through university. Types include 全额奖学金 (full scholarship), 半额奖学金 (half scholarship), and 国家奖学金 (national scholarship). Getting a scholarship is a significant achievement in Chinese academic culture, and parents often discuss their children's scholarships with pride.

Examples

1. 她成绩优秀，拿到了全额奖学金。 Her grades were excellent, and she received a full scholarship.
2. 申请这个奖学金需要提交一篇论文。 Applying for this scholarship requires submitting an essay.
3. 很多留学生靠奖学金来支付学费。 Many international students rely on scholarships to pay tuition.

Usage Guide

Context: education, university, studying abroad

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我想申请去中国留学的奖学金。(I want to apply for a scholarship to study in China.)
• 他每年都能拿到奖学金。(He gets a scholarship every year.)

Don't Say

• 我得了工作的奖学金 (Don't use 奖学金 for work rewards — it is only for academic study; use 奖金 for work bonuses)

Origin & History

A three-character compound of 奖 (award) + 学 (study) + 金 (money), literally meaning award money for studying.

Cultural Context

Generation: Students and young adults

Social background: Universal