Meaning and Usage
"재학생" specifically refers to students who are currently enrolled in a university or college, typically undergraduates. It distinguishes them from "졸업생" (graduates) or "입학생" (newly admitted students).
Common Contexts
You will often hear "재학생" in contexts related to campus life, student discounts, or university policies. For example, many services or events offer special benefits exclusively for 재학생.
Collocations and Patterns
- 재학생 할인: discounts for current students, commonly used in stores, transportation, or cultural events.
- 재학생증: student ID card for enrolled students.
- 재학생 등록: enrollment or registration process for current students.
Register and Politeness
"재학생" is a neutral, formal noun used in both spoken and written Korean, especially in academic or official contexts.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "재학생" with "학생" (student in general). Remember, "재학생" implies active enrollment, so it’s not used for former students or prospective students.