考研是指参加统一组织的考试，获得研究生学位的过程。它是指通过考试来选拔具有一定专业知识和能力的人才，进入高等学校攻读硕士或博士学位。"考研"一词是"考试研究生"的简称，也可以简单理解为"考取研究生资格"。

How to pronounce: /kɑːnˈsjuːmə/

Usage:

"考研" is often used as a verb, meaning "to take the postgraduate entrance examination". It can also be used as a noun, referring to the process of taking the examination and obtaining a postgraduate degree.

Example sentences:

1. 我正在备战考研，希望能够被一所好大学录取。

I am preparing for the postgraduate entrance examination and hoping to be admitted by a good university.

2. 他已经通过了考研，将要去上海读硕士。

He has passed the postgraduate entrance examination and will go to Shanghai for his master's degree.

3. 考研对于我来说是一个挑战，但我会努力克服困难。

Taking the postgraduate entrance examination is a challenge for me, but I will work hard to overcome it.

4. 考研的难度越来越大，需要更多的时间和精力来备考。

The difficulty of the postgraduate entrance examination is increasing, requiring more time and effort to prepare for it.

5. 他是考研的老师，经验丰富，可以给我们提供很多有用的建议。

He is a teacher for postgraduate entrance examination, with rich experience and can give us many useful suggestions.

Synonyms and usage:

1. 研究生考试 (yánjiūshēng kǎoshì) - This is the full term for "考研" and can be used interchangeably.

2. 研究生入学考试 (yánjiūshēng rùxué kǎoshì) - This term specifically refers to the entrance examination for postgraduate studies.

3. 考取研究生资格 (kǎoqǔ yánjiūshēng zīgé) - This is another way of saying "参加考研".

4. 硕士/博士入学考试 (shuòshì/bóshì rùxué kǎoshì) - These terms refer to the entrance examinations for master's and doctoral degrees respectively.

Editor's summary:

"考研" is a commonly used term in China, especially among college students who are planning to pursue further education. It has a specific meaning of taking the postgraduate entrance examination, but can also be used as a general term for the whole process of obtaining a postgraduate degree. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can open up more opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.