NetChai Chinese
课程
kè chéng
Course · trad. 課程

课程 (kèchéng) is the most common way to say "course" in Mandarin Chinese, primarily referring to a course of study, a subject, or a curriculum in an educational setting. It can also refer to a specific class or lecture.

When to use it

Neutral. It's suitable for academic and general discussions about studies. For a single class session, you might just say 课 (kè). To talk about registering for classes, you'd use 选课 (xuǎnkè).

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “kuh-CHUNG.” The first syllable 课 (kè) is a falling tone, and the second syllable 程 (chéng) is a rising tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 课kèclass / lesson (can refer to a single session or a subject)
  • 选课xuǎn kèto select courses / register for classes
  • 课程表kè chéng biǎoclass schedule / timetable

Examples

这门课程很有趣。
zhè mén kè chéng hěn yǒu qù 。
This course is very interesting.
你这学期选了什么课程？
nǐ zhè xué qī xuǎn le shén me kè chéng ？
What courses did you choose this semester?
我需要查看我的课程表。
wǒ xū yào chá kàn wǒ de kè chéng biǎo 。
I need to check my class schedule.
Pro tip: When referring to a specific course or subject, the measure word 门 (mén) is commonly used, as in 一门课程 (yī mén kèchéng, “one course”) or 这门课 (zhè mén kè, “this course”).

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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