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March 24, 2026
科学(科學)kēxué(ke1xue2)
科学 (kēxué) refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. It encompasses various fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and is often used in both academic and everyday contexts to discuss scientific knowledge and rational thought.
Frequency#1862DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the emphasis on '科学' is evident in the educational system, where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects are highly prioritized to foster innovation and technological advancement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'K' (for kē) shaped like a 'key' unlocking the 'door' (门, mén) of knowledge. The 'xue' (学, xue) part looks like a person studying books, emphasizing the pursuit of learning in science.
Meanings of 科学
kēxué(ke1xue2)
1science
2scientific knowledge
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 科学
科学Simplified
科學Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1862Frequency Rank
门Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 科学
Podcast: 科学
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AI Study Notes for 科学
Quick Contrast
科学 (kēxué) vs 学术 (xuéshù) — use 科学 for natural and empirical studies, while 学术 refers more broadly to academic scholarship.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'K' (for kē) shaped like a 'key' unlocking the 'door' (门, mén) of knowledge. The 'xue' (学, xue) part looks like a person studying books, emphasizing the pursuit of learning in science.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tones; '科学' uses the first tone and the second tone. Common collocations include '科学研究' (scientific research) and '科学家' (scientist). The term is generally formal, suitable for academic discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, '科学' connects well with other terms like '学习' (study) and '知识' (knowledge). Focus on understanding its usage in different contexts, especially in academic settings.
Cultural Note
In China, the emphasis on '科学' is evident in the educational system, where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects are highly prioritized to foster innovation and technological advancement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce '科学' by mixing up the tones, such as saying 'kēxue' with a flat tone on 'xue'. Remember to keep 'xue' in the second tone for correct pronunciation.
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Pronunciation of 科学
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Grammar Patterns of 科学
科学 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 7 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.
We want to have more scientifically literate people running our television stations.
Cultural Notes for 科学
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the emphasis on '科学' is evident in the educational system, where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects are highly prioritized to foster innovation and technological advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 科学
The correct tones are kē (first tone) and xué (second tone).
Yes, it can be used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing topics related to science or technology.
You can also use '自然科学' (natural science) or specify fields like '物理' (physics) or '化学' (chemistry).