理科

lǐkē

the sciences (as opposed to the humanities 科)

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The term 理科 (lǐkē) specifically refers to the natural science subjects or the science track in education, including disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. It contrasts with 文科 (wénkē), which refers to humanities or liberal arts.

Common Contexts

理科 is often used when discussing school subjects, exams, or academic tracks. For example, students may choose 理科 to focus on science and technology fields.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 理科考试: science exam, used when referring to tests covering science subjects.
  • 理科学生: science student, someone specializing in science subjects.
  • 理科专业: science major, used in university contexts.

Usage Notes

When using 理科, it implies a focus on logical, experimental, and empirical study areas. It is a formal term commonly used in educational contexts. Avoid confusing it with (kē) alone, which can mean department or section but is more general.

理科 is a key term for learners interested in academic vocabulary related to education and science disciplines.

Example Sentences

我在高中选择了理科,因为我喜欢物理和化学。

Wǒ zài gāozhōng xuǎnzéle lǐkē, yīnwèi wǒ xǐhuān wùlǐ hé huàxué.

I chose science subjects in high school because I like physics and

理科考试包括数学、物理和生物。

Lǐkē kǎoshì bāokuò shùxué, wùlǐ hé shēngwù.

The science exam includes math, physics, and biology.

理科和文科是高中常见的两大类学科。

Lǐkē hé wénkē shì gāozhōng chángjiàn de liǎng dà lèi xuékē.

Science and humanities are the two common categories of subjects in high