Meanings of 科
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About 科
Podcast: 科
Podcast: 科
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AI Study Notes for 科
学 (xué) - use 科 (kē) when referring to specific branches or fields of study, whereas 学 (xué) is more general and can denote the act of learning or studying.
Imagine a tree with many branches, each representing a different field of study. The character 科 resembles a tree with branches, and the 'kē' sounds like 'key'—each branch is a key to a different area of knowledge.
Be careful not to confuse 科 with other characters that sound similar but have different meanings. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially in academic discussions. Note that it often collocates with words like '学' (study) to form '科学' (science).
Although 科 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners aiming for HSK 4 and above, particularly in contexts related to education and academia. Focus on its usage in phrases related to different fields of study.
In Chinese education, 科 is significant as it categorizes various fields of study, reflecting the structured approach to education in China. Understanding this character helps learners navigate academic discussions and institutional structures.
Learners often confuse 科 with 课 (kè), which means 'class' or 'lesson'. For example, saying '我学科' (wǒ xué kē) instead of '我上课' (wǒ shàng kè) would be incorrect, as the latter correctly means 'I attend class'.
Pronunciation of 科
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Etymology of 科
Depicts measuring out grain (禾) with a dipper (斗).
A hand measuring 斗 grain 禾
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 科?
Decomposition of 科
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 科?
Write 科
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Practice writing 科 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 科
科 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 14 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.
Complete the Sentence
我们首先要找到____学的练习方法，然后坚持每天练习。
We first need to find a scientific practice method, then persist in practicing every day.
Common Confusions with 科
Similar shape but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "branch of study"?
Example Sentences for 科 (10)
Cultural Notes for 科
In Chinese education, subjects are often categorized under different '科', such as 理科 (science) and 文科 (arts). This classification helps students choose their future studies.
In Chinese education, 科 is significant as it categorizes various fields of study, reflecting the structured approach to education in China. Understanding this character helps learners navigate academic discussions and institutional structures.
Word Family of 科
Compound Meaning
What does 蝌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 科
科 (kē) specifically refers to a branch or division within a field of study, while 学 (xué) is a more general term that means 'to study' or 'learning'. For example, in '科学' (kēxué), 科 indicates the branch of science, whereas 学 denotes the act of learning.