About
The traditional form 課 and its simplified version 课 are phono-semantic compounds. The semantic component on the left is 言 (simplified 讠), meaning 'speech'. On the right, 果 (guǒ, 'fruit') serves as the phonetic indicator. Originally, the character referred to testing, assessing, or evaluating someone's work or words, particularly in bureaucratic examinations or tax assessments based on verbal declarations. Over time, the primary meaning shifted to education, denoting assigned academic tasks, a structured lesson, or a formal course of study. Today, it is commonly used for classes, academic subjects, and the systematic teaching of students in a school environment.
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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。
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