Chinese word

初等

Pronunciation

Pinyinchū děng

Meaning

  • adjectiveelementary

Example

我参加了初等汉语课程。wǒ cān jiā le chū děng hàn yǔ kè chéng

I took an elementary Chinese course.

Illustration for 初等 (elementary)

More examples

很多国家把初等教育作为义务教育的一部分。hěn duō guó jiā bǎ chū děng jiào yù zuò wéi yì wù jiào yù de yí bù fèn

Many countries consider elementary education part of compulsory education.

Core concept

A starting level that provides the foundation for later, more advanced stages.

Common phrases

  • 初等教育chū děng jiào yù

    elementary education

  • 初等学校chū děng xué xiào

    elementary school

  • 初等数学chū děng shù xué

    elementary mathematics

Similar words

初级chū jí: Refers to basic ability or study suited to learners at an early level.
入门rù mén: Refers to an entry-level introduction to a subject or skill.

Definition in Chinese

表示处于最初或基础的等级或阶段，常用于学科、教育等表示入门层次的术语。biǎo shì chǔ yú zuì chū huò jī chǔ de děng jí huò jiē duàn cháng yòng yú xué kē jiào yù děng biǎo shì rù mén céng cì de shù yǔ

Word origin

初等 (chūděng, "elementary") combines 初 (chū, "beginning") + 等 (děng, "level") to express the beginning stage of an arranged progression of learning.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful for recognizing institutional language about education, even when a more casual conversation uses less formal wording.

Other meanings

  • basicadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 初等教育chū děng jiào yùelementary educationnoun
  • 初等数学chū děng shù xuéelementary mathematicsnoun

Word lists with this word