学说

• Pinyin: xué shuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 学 = 子 + 冖 + 爻 (child studying under a roof); 说 = 言 + 兑 (speech + exchange — to speak, explain, or persuade)

Meaning

Theory; doctrine; academic thesis. A systematic body of ideas or principles put forward to explain phenomena, typically in academic or intellectual discourse.

Used in academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts to refer to established or proposed theoretical frameworks. More formal and weighty than 理论 alone, often implying a school of thought or an influential intellectual tradition.

Examples

1. 达尔文的进化论学说彻底改变了人类对物种起源与生命演化规律的认知框架。 Darwin’s theory of evolution fundamentally changed the way humans understand the origins of species and the laws governing the evolution of life.
2. 儒家学说以仁义礼智信为核心，两千余年来对中国社会伦理与政治秩序产生了深远影响。 Confucian doctrine centers on benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, and for more than two thousand years it has profoundly shaped China’s social ethics and political order.
3. 这位经济学家提出了一套关于市场失灵与政府干预的创新学说，在学术界引发了广泛讨论。 The economist proposed an innovative theory about market failure and government intervention, sparking broad discussion in academic circles.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, philosophy, science, history of ideas

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 弗洛伊德的精神分析学说虽然在当代心理学界颇受争议，但其对潜意识与梦境的系统阐释为现代心理学奠定了重要基础。(Although Freud's psychoanalytic theory is quite controversial in contemporary psychology, his systematic exposition of the unconscious and dreams laid an important foundation for modern psychology.)
• 要深入理解中国传统哲学，必须认真研读儒道两家的核心学说，把握其思想脉络与历史演变。(To deeply understand Chinese traditional philosophy, one must carefully study the core doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism, grasping their intellectual lineage and historical evolution.)

Don't Say

• 他的学说是他不喜欢起床 — 学说 refers to systematic academic or philosophical doctrines, not personal habits or opinions; for informal opinions or preferences use 观点, 想法, or 说法 instead

Origin & History

学 (learning/academic) + 说 (speech/doctrine) — an academic doctrine or explanation system

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional/Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated class