Definitions

(noun) branch; field of study
(noun) administrative section; division

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning. Depicts measuring out grain () with a dipper ().

About

The character "科" structurally combines the component "禾", denoting grain, with "斗", a pictograph for a measuring vessel, which together originally conveyed the concrete action of measuring or grading agricultural produce. This initial meaning of precise assessment naturally evolved to represent the idea of categorization and classification within various domains. Over time, its application shifted from tangible sorting to abstract organization, coming to signify distinct branches of study or academic disciplines, as seen in terms like science, and further extending to denote administrative divisions or specialized departments within an institutional framework. This progression from a specific agricultural function to a broad conceptual tool for delineating order and specialized fields illustrates its integral role in the development of Chinese terminology.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们学习学。

Wǒmen xuéxí kēxué.

We study science.

技改变生活。

Kējì gǎibiàn shēnghuó.

Technology changes life.

数学是一门重要目。

Shùxué shì yī mén zhòngyào kēmù.

Mathematics is an important subject.

他从事研工作。

Tā cóngshì kēyán gōngzuò.

He is engaged in scientific research work.

这本书是普读物。

Zhè běn shū shì kēpú dúwù.

This book is popular science reading material.

她理成绩很好。

Tā lǐkē chéngjī hěn hǎo.

Her science subject grades are very good.

现代技发展非常迅速。

Xiàndài kējì fāzhǎn fēicháng xùnsù.

Modern technology develops very rapidly.

学家们正在进行一项重要的研项目。

Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài jìnxíng yī xiàng zhòngyào de kēyán xiàngmù.

Scientists are currently conducting an important scientific research project.