课 (kè) - Lesson & class

课Tone 4

kè ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

课 · kè

Lesson;

class;

subject of study;

a unit of teaching;

also used to refer to taxes or levies in historical contexts.

Lessonclasssubject of study

Usage highlights

ClassPrepare lessonsTextbookClassroomCurriculumHomework

Synonyms

  • 课程— Course; curriculum
  • 课堂— Classroom; class session
  • 功课— Schoolwork; homework

Antonyms

  • 休— Rest; break (antonym to class/study)
  • 玩— Play (antonym to study)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I have an English class today (英语课).
  • We are studying the third lesson (第三课).
  • The teacher is preparing the lesson plan (备课).
  • This is a compulsory course (必修课).

Collocations

  • Class(上课)
  • Prepare lessons(备课)
  • Textbook(课本)
  • Classroom(课堂)
  • Curriculum(课程)
  • Homework(课后作业)

Idioms

  • No fixed pattern in teaching(课无定法)
  • Daily lessons and monthly tests(日课月试)
  • Strict in teaching and severe in punishment(课严刑峻)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to assessment, testing, or taxation in ancient China.
  • Evolved to mean 'lesson' with the development of formal education systems.
  • Reflects the importance of structured learning in Chinese educational culture.

FAQ