Meaning of 功课
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- homework
- assignment
- task
- classwork
- lesson
- study
Measure word: 門|门
How to use 功课
功课 is a common everyday word for schoolwork, especially homework done after class. It is also used figuratively for preparation, as in 做功课 meaning to do your research before something. Example: 我还没做完功课。(Wǒ hái méi zuò wán gōngkè.) I haven't finished my homework yet.
功 (gōng) means effort or merit, and 课 (kè) means class or lesson. Put them together and 功课 is the effort you put into your lessons, which is your homework.
Common mistake: Learners often write 工 (gōng) instead of 功 (gōng) because they sound the same, but 功 has the extra 力 (power) on the right. Also remember the verb is 做 (zuò), so say 做功课, not 写功课 in most contexts.
功课 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
功 gōng · meritorious deed or service · 5 strokes
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课 kè · subject · 10 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 功课.
| 上课 | shàngkè | to go to class; to attend class |
| 下课 | xiàkè | to finish class; to get out of class |
| 课本 | kèběn | textbook |
| 课文 | kèwén | text |
| 课堂 | kètáng | classroom (CL:間|间[jian1]); class session |
| 成功 | chénggōng | to succeed; success |
| 功夫 | gōngfu | skill; art |
| 课程 | kèchéng | course; academic program |
| 功能 | gōngnéng | function; capability |
| 课题 | kètí | task; problem |
| 讲课 | jiǎngkè | to give a lecture; to teach a class |
| 补课 | bǔkè | to make up missed lesson; to reschedule a class |
Questions about 功课
What does 功课 mean?
功课 (gōngkè) means "homework; assignment" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 功课?
功课 is made of 2 characters: 功 (5 strokes), 课 (10 strokes). That is 15 strokes in total.
Is 功课 an HSK word?
Yes. 功课 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 功课 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 功课 is written 功課.
What is the difference between 功课 and 作业?
作业 (zuòyè) is the standard word for assigned homework and is more common in mainland schools today. 功课 can mean homework too, but it also covers schoolwork and studies in general, and it is used more in Taiwan and in figurative phrases.
Can 功课 be used outside of school?
Yes. 做功课 often means to do your homework on something, such as researching a product before buying it. For example, 买房前要先做功课 means you should do your research before buying a home.