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March 24, 2026
数学(數學)shùxué(shu4xue2)
数学 (shùxué) refers to the academic discipline of mathematics, encompassing topics such as numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns. It is commonly used in educational contexts, particularly in schools and universities, where it plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Frequency#3030DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, mathematics is highly valued and often emphasized in the education system, with a strong focus on problem-solving skills. The annual Math Olympiad is a prestigious event, reflecting the cultural importance placed on mathematics.
Memory Tip
Think of 数 (shù) as a 'number' with a 'shoo' sound, and 学 (xué) as 'study' or 'learn.' Imagine a student shooing away distractions to focus on learning numbers and equations. Visualize them surrounded by math symbols, emphasizing the connection between study and mathematics.
Meanings of 数学
shùxué(shu4xue2)
1mathematics
2mathematical
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About 数学
数学Simplified
數學Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3030Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3TOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 数学
Podcast: 数学
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AI Study Notes for 数学
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 数 (shù) as a 'number' with a 'shoo' sound, and 学 (xué) as 'study' or 'learn.' Imagine a student shooing away distractions to focus on learning numbers and equations. Visualize them surrounded by math symbols, emphasizing the connection between study and mathematics.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 数 (shù) and 学 (xué), as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It's common to use 数学 in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about education or academic subjects. Common collocations include '数学课' (math class) and '数学题' (math problems).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 数学 connects with other educational terms like '课程' (kèchéng, course) and '学习' (xuéxí, study). Focus on how mathematical concepts relate to daily life and other subjects, reinforcing vocabulary related to education.
Cultural Note
In China, mathematics is highly valued and often emphasized in the education system, with a strong focus on problem-solving skills. The annual Math Olympiad is a prestigious event, reflecting the cultural importance placed on mathematics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 数学 (shùxué) with 计量 (jìliàng, measurement), mistakenly using it in contexts that refer to specific applications rather than the discipline as a whole. For example, saying '我学计量' (Wǒ xué jìliàng) instead of '我学数学' (Wǒ xué shùxué) when referring to studying mathematics.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 数学
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Grammar Patterns of 数学
数学 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Some subjects, such as mathematice, physics and English, are compulsory for the students in this department.
8
我二年级时数学不及格。
wǒ èr nián jí shí shù xué bù jí gé。
I flunked math in second grade.
9
我不想像平时那样啃那些数学题和物理题.
wǒ bù xiǎng xiàng píng shí nà yàng kěn nà xiē shù xué tí hé wù lǐ tí.
I don't feel like working on those maths and physics problems at home as usual.
10
他教科学和数学这两门课。
tā jiào kē xué hé shù xué zhè liǎng mén kè。
He taught science and maths.
Cultural Notes for 数学
🏮Cultural insight
In China, mathematics is highly valued and often emphasized in the education system, with a strong focus on problem-solving skills. The annual Math Olympiad is a prestigious event, reflecting the cultural importance placed on mathematics.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, there is often a greater emphasis on practical applications of mathematics, while Chinese education tends to focus more on theoretical understanding and rote memorization.
Frequently Asked Questions about 数学
You can say '我喜欢数学' (Wǒ xǐhuān shùxué), meaning 'I like mathematics.'
Yes, it's commonly mentioned in discussions about school subjects, homework, and careers that involve quantitative skills.
Synonyms include '算术' (suànshù, arithmetic) and '数学科学' (shùxué kēxué, mathematical science), although 数学 is the broadest term.
