When learning Persian, understanding the differences between various educational institutions is crucial. In Persian, two primary terms are used to denote educational institutions: مدرسه (madreseh) and دانشگاه (dāneshgāh). These terms translate to “school” and “university” respectively in English. While both words refer to places of learning, they signify different stages of the educational journey. This article will delve into the distinctions between these two terms and explore related vocabulary to help you better understand and use these words in context.

مدرسه (madreseh) – School

مدرسه (madreseh) refers to a school, typically encompassing primary and secondary education. In Persian-speaking countries, the school system is an essential part of a child’s education, providing foundational knowledge and skills.

مدرسه (madreseh)
A school where children and teenagers receive their primary and secondary education.
من هر روز صبح به مدرسه می‌روم.

دانش‌آموز (dānesh-āmūz)
This word means “student” but is specifically used for school students, not university students.
دانش‌آموزان مدرسه باید زودتر بخوابند.

معلم (mo’allem)
A teacher, someone who educates students in a school.
معلم ما درس ریاضی را خیلی خوب توضیح می‌دهد.

کلاس (kelas)
This word means “class” or “classroom,” where lessons are conducted.
ما در کلاس فارسی مطالب جدیدی یاد گرفتیم.

زنگ تفریح (zang-e tafrih)
This phrase means “recess” or “break time” in school.
بعد از زنگ تفریح، ما درس علوم داریم.

کتاب درسی (ketāb-e darsi)
This term refers to a “textbook” used in school classes.
من کتاب درسی خود را در خانه جا گذاشتم.

تکلیف (taklif)
This word means “homework” assigned to students.
من باید تکلیف ریاضی خود را انجام دهم.

نمره (nomreh)
This term refers to a “grade” or “mark” received for schoolwork.
من در امتحان ریاضی نمره خوبی گرفتم.

مدیر (modir)
This word means “principal” or “headmaster” of a school.
مدیر مدرسه با والدین دانش‌آموزان جلسه داشت.

مدرک تحصیلی (madrak-e tahsili)
This phrase means “diploma” or “certificate” received upon completion of school.
او مدرک تحصیلی خود را از یک مدرسه معتبر گرفت.

دانشگاه (dāneshgāh) – University

دانشگاه (dāneshgāh) refers to a university, where higher education is pursued after completing secondary school. Universities offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs, providing specialized knowledge and professional skills.

دانشگاه (dāneshgāh)
An institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees.
من در دانشگاه تهران تحصیل می‌کنم.

دانشجو (dāneshju)
This word means “student” but is specifically used for university students.
خواهرم دانشجوی پزشکی است.

استاد (ostād)
A professor or lecturer at a university.
استاد ما در کلاس اقتصاد بسیار معروف است.

کلاس درس (kelas-e dars)
This term means “lecture” or “class” at the university level.
من هر روز دو کلاس درس دارم.

تحقیقات (tahqiqāt)
This word means “research” conducted at a university.
او در زمینه فیزیک تحقیقات می‌کند.

پایان‌نامه (pāyān-nāmeh)
A “thesis” or “dissertation” written for a university degree.
من در حال نوشتن پایان‌نامه کارشناسی ارشد خود هستم.

رشته (reshteh)
This term refers to a “field of study” or “major” at the university.
رشته من در دانشگاه معماری است.

مدرک دانشگاهی (madrak-e dāneshgāhi)
A “degree” or “academic qualification” obtained from a university.
او مدرک دانشگاهی خود را در رشته مهندسی دریافت کرد.

کتابخانه (ketāb-khāneh)
This word means “library,” a place where students study and conduct research.
من بیشتر وقت خود را در کتابخانه دانشگاه می‌گذرانم.

بورسیه تحصیلی (bursieh-ye tahsili)
This phrase means “scholarship” for university students.
او برای تحصیل در خارج از کشور بورسیه تحصیلی گرفت.

کنکور (konkur)
This term refers to the “entrance exam” for universities in many Persian-speaking countries.
برای ورود به دانشگاه باید در کنکور شرکت کنیم.

Comparing مدرسه (madreseh) and دانشگاه (dāneshgāh)

While both مدرسه and دانشگاه are educational institutions, they serve different purposes and cater to different age groups and educational needs. Let’s compare them in various aspects:

سن (sen)
Age: مدرسه typically serves children and teenagers, while دانشگاه is for adults who have completed their secondary education.
سن ورود به مدرسه معمولاً شش سال است.
سن ورود به دانشگاه بعد از پایان دبیرستان است.

مدت زمان تحصیل (moddat-e zamān-e tahsil)
Duration of Study: School education usually spans 12 years (from primary to secondary), whereas university programs vary in length depending on the degree.
مدت زمان تحصیل در مدرسه دوازده سال است.
مدت زمان تحصیل در دانشگاه بستگی به رشته تحصیلی دارد.

نوع آموزش (no’e-e āmūzesh)
Type of Education: Schools provide general education across various subjects, while universities offer specialized education in specific fields.
در مدرسه دروس عمومی آموزش داده می‌شود.
در دانشگاه دروس تخصصی تدریس می‌شود.

سطح آموزش (sath-e āmūzesh)
Level of Education: Schools provide primary and secondary education, whereas universities provide tertiary education, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
سطح آموزش در مدرسه ابتدایی و متوسطه است.
سطح آموزش در دانشگاه کارشناسی و بالاتر است.

امکانات (emkānāt)
Facilities: Universities typically have more advanced facilities such as laboratories, libraries, and research centers compared to schools.
امکانات مدرسه شامل کلاس‌های درس و زمین بازی است.
امکانات دانشگاه شامل کتابخانه‌ها و آزمایشگاه‌ها است.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between مدرسه (madreseh) and دانشگاه (dāneshgāh) is essential for anyone learning Persian. These terms are foundational to discussing education and academic life in Persian-speaking countries. By mastering the related vocabulary, you can better navigate conversations about education, whether discussing your own academic journey or understanding the educational system in Persian-speaking regions.

Whether you are a دانش‌آموز in a مدرسه or a دانشجو at a دانشگاه, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. Each stage of education provides unique experiences and opportunities for growth. Embrace the learning process, and may your educational endeavors be fruitful and fulfilling.

Keep practicing these terms and using them in context to solidify your understanding. Happy learning!