科目
kēmù
The English phrase 'school subjects' is translated into Chinese as 科目 (kēmù).
科目 refers to the specific subjects found on a school schedule or an exam. For example, you might use it when talking about 上数学课 (to have a math class), 学习历史 (to study history), 考英语 (to take an English exam) or 讨论地理 (to discuss geography). While 科目 refers to these specific subjects, the term 学科 is used when referring to broader academic disciplines or fields of study.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 科目 is composed of 科, meaning branch or department and 目, meaning item or category.
Which one should you use?
科目 is used for specific subjects on a schedule or an exam. In contrast, 学科 is used when referring to broader academic disciplines. Additionally, 课目 is a term sometimes used in specific contexts, such as military training, to refer to specific training subjects or lessons.
How do you pronounce it?
kēmù
Did you know?
- The second character in 科目, 目, literally means 'eye'.
- The word 科目 can be used in accounting to refer to 'accounts' or 'ledger items', showing that the concept of a 'categorized list' extends beyond the classroom.
- While 科目 describes the subject, Chinese students often use the term 文科 (liberal arts) and 理科 (science) to categorize their entire academic identity and personality type.
Examples in context
- 我有英语课。I have English class.
- 我很喜欢学习语文。I really enjoy studying Chinese language and literature.
- 这些科目对他来说很难。Zhèxiē kēmù duì tā lái shuō hěn nán.These subjects are difficult for him.
- 我们要选修哪些科目？Wǒmen yào xuǎnxīu nǎxiē kēmù?Which subjects do we need to take as electives?
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their university course selection.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen俊杰，你选了哪些科目？Jùnjié, nǐ xuǎnle nǎxiē kēmù?Junjie, which subjects did you choose?
- 俊杰 Junjie我选了数学和历史。Wǒ xuǎnle shùxué hé lìshǐ.I chose math and history.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你觉得这些科目难吗？Nǐ juéde zhèxiē kēmù nán ma?Do you think these subjects are difficult?
- 俊杰 Junjie数学有点难，但很有趣。Shùxué yǒudiǎn nán, dàn hěn yǒuqù.Math is a bit hard, but very interesting.
