About
The character 課 and its simplified form 课 are phono-semantic compounds. The semantic component on the left is the speech radical, written as 言 traditionally and simplified to 讠. The right side is 果 (guǒ), which typically means "fruit" but functions here as the phonetic element. Historically, the character referred to testing or evaluating someone's work or statements, particularly in official examinations or tax assessments based on verbal reports. Over time, its meaning shifted toward education, coming to denote academic assignments, structured lessons, or formal courses of study. Today, 课 primarily refers to classes, school subjects, curricula, and systematic teaching in an educational setting.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
上课要专心听讲。
今天的语文课很有趣。
我们下午有三节课。
这门课程很有挑战性。
请打开课本第五页。
老师给我们布置了课外阅读。
做完功课后才能看电视。
他忙着备课，同时还要批改作业。