noun HSK 5
teaching assistant · assistant instructor · TA
Meaning
助教 refers to a teaching assistant or assistant instructor, typically a graduate student or junior staff member who helps a professor with teaching duties. They may lead discussion sections, grade papers, hold office hours, or assist with course administration.
Usage
This term is widely used in university settings across Chinese-speaking regions. In mainland China, 助教 is also an official academic rank, the entry-level position in the university teaching hierarchy. The term is used both as a job title and as a way to address someone in this role.
Examples
- 01她在读博士的时候做过两年助教。.She worked as a teaching assistant for two years while doing her PhD.
- 02这门课有三个助教帮忙批改作业。.This course has three TAs helping to grade assignments.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位助教
- 个三个助教
Common collocations
- 当助教to work as a TA
- 助教工作TA work
- 研究生助教graduate teaching assistant
Origin
The word combines 助 (to assist) with 教 (to teach), literally meaning 'assist teaching.' This straightforward compound reflects the supportive role these individuals play in education.