功课
功课 30초 만에
- Primarily means 'homework' or 'schoolwork' for students.
- Commonly paired with the verbs '做' (do) or '写' (write).
- Can metaphorically mean 'preparation' or 'research' for adults.
- Used in spiritual contexts to mean 'daily practice' or 'recitation'.
The term 功课 (gōngkè) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, primarily translating to 'homework' or 'schoolwork' in an educational context. However, its etymological roots and modern usage extend far beyond the simple act of completing assignments after school. Historically, the character 功 (gōng) refers to merit, achievement, or work that requires effort, while 课 (kè) pertains to lessons, classes, or a specific course of study. Together, they represent the 'work of the lesson' or the effort required to master a subject.
- Primary Meaning
- Assignments given to students by teachers to be completed outside of class time.
- Secondary Meaning
- Preparation or research done beforehand for a specific task, meeting, or project.
- Abstract Meaning
- Life lessons or personal growth challenges that one must face and overcome.
“你今天的功课做完了吗?” (Have you finished today's homework?)
In the modern educational landscape of Greater China, 功课 is often used interchangeably with 作业 (zuòyè), though subtle differences exist. While 作业 is more formal and can refer to any task or operation (including industrial work), 功课 retains a stronger connection to the academic curriculum and the student's personal progress. It is the 'merit-work' that builds the foundation of knowledge.
“为了这次面试,我做了不少功课。” (I did a lot of 'homework' [preparation] for this interview.)
Beyond the classroom, the term has evolved into a metaphor for preparation. When a professional says they need to 'do their homework' before a business deal, they are using the term in its metaphorical sense—researching the market, understanding the client, and preparing data. This usage highlights the cultural value placed on preparation and the belief that success is the result of diligent effort (功).
- Colloquial Usage
- Commonly used by parents and teachers when addressing children.
- Formal Usage
- Appears in academic reports to describe the curriculum or student workload.
“数学是他的弱项,他必须在数学功课上多花时间。” (Math is his weak point; he must spend more time on his math schoolwork.)
“这些功课对他来说太难了。” (These assignments are too difficult for him.)
“他在家温习功课。” (He is reviewing his schoolwork at home.)
Using 功课 (gōngkè) correctly involves understanding its typical verb pairings and the contexts in which it appears. As a noun, it most frequently follows verbs of action like 'doing,' 'writing,' or 'reviewing.' The most common verb is 做 (zuò), meaning 'to do.' In Mainland China, 写 (xiě), meaning 'to write,' is also extremely common when referring to written assignments.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 做功课 (Do homework), 写功课 (Write homework), 温习功课 (Review schoolwork), 预习功课 (Preview lessons).
When using 功课 in a sentence, it often functions as the direct object. For example, 'I am doing homework' is 我在做功课 (Wǒ zài zuò gōngkè). You can also modify 功课 with adjectives or subject names to specify the type of work. For instance, 'English homework' is 英语功课 (Yīngyǔ gōngkè) and 'difficult homework' is 很难的功课 (hěn nán de gōngkè).
“老师布置了很多功课。” (The teacher assigned a lot of homework.)
In a metaphorical sense, 'doing your homework' (做功课) before an event implies thorough preparation. This is common in business, travel, and investment contexts. If you are going to Japan, you might 'do your homework' by researching the best places to eat and the local customs. In this case, 功课 represents the background research necessary for success.
- Measure Words
- 一份功课 (An assignment), 些功课 (Some homework), 堆功课 (A pile of homework).
“买股票之前要先做功课。” (Before buying stocks, you must first do your research.)
Another nuance is the use of 功课 to describe a student's general academic standing. One might say 他的功课很好 (Tā de gōngkè hěn hǎo), which doesn't just mean his homework is good, but that his overall grades and academic performance are excellent. In this context, it is synonymous with 学业 (xuéyè) or 成绩 (chéngjì).
“别只顾着玩,快去写功课!” (Don't just play, go write your homework!)
The word 功课 (gōngkè) is ubiquitous in environments where learning and preparation are central. The most common setting is the home, specifically during the evening hours when parents interact with their children. It is a word that carries the weight of daily responsibility and the routine of student life.
- At Home
- Parents asking children: “功课做完了吗?” (Is your homework done?)
- In Schools
- Teachers announcing: “今天的功课是练习册第五页。” (Today's homework is page five of the workbook.)
- In the Office
- Colleagues discussing: “我们要为明天的会议做足功课。” (We need to do enough preparation for tomorrow's meeting.)
In pop culture, specifically in TV dramas and movies set in schools (like those from Taiwan or Hong Kong), 功课 is a constant theme. It represents the struggle of youth, the pressure of exams, and the bonding that happens when students help each other with difficult assignments. You will often hear characters complaining about having 'too much 功课' or asking to 'borrow someone's 功课' to copy (though this is discouraged!).
“我昨晚写功课写到深夜。” (I stayed up late last night doing homework.)
In the professional world, especially in finance and journalism, 'doing homework' is a badge of honor. A reporter might say they did their 功课 before interviewing a celebrity, meaning they read all previous interviews and background info. An investor might say they did their 功课 on a company's balance sheet. Here, the word signifies professional diligence and thoroughness.
“老师把功课收上去了。” (The teacher collected the homework.)
You will also encounter this word in religious or spiritual contexts, particularly in Buddhism or Taoism, where it refers to daily recitations or practices (called 早晚功课 zǎowǎn gōngkè). This reflects the original meaning of 'meritorious work'—a daily spiritual task to be completed with discipline.
“他每天都要做早功课。” (He does his morning [spiritual] practice every day.)
While 功课 (gōngkè) is a relatively simple word, learners often make mistakes regarding its usage compared to 作业 (zuòyè) and its application in different regions. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural.
- Mistake 1: Overusing '功课' in Northern China
- While understood, '作业' is much more common in Beijing and Northern provinces for daily school assignments.
- Mistake 2: Confusing '功课' with '课程'
- '课程' (kèchéng) refers to the curriculum or the course itself, while '功课' refers to the work within that course.
- Mistake 3: Using the wrong verb
- Avoid using '打' (dǎ) or '发' (fā) with homework. Use '做' (zuò) or '写' (xiě).
Another common error is using 功课 to refer to physical labor or chores. For housework (cleaning, cooking), the correct term is 家务 (jiāwù). 功课 is strictly for mental, academic, or preparatory work. If you tell a Chinese person you are 'doing 功课' while holding a mop, they will be very confused!
“错误:我在做家里的功课。(Incorrect: I am doing home 'homework' [meaning chores].)”
Learners also sometimes forget that 功课 can be used for adults. Don't assume it's only for kids. If you are preparing for a presentation, saying '我在做功课' is perfectly appropriate and shows a high level of Chinese proficiency by using the word metaphorically.
“不要把功课和课本混淆。” (Don't confuse homework with textbooks [kèběn].)
Finally, pay attention to the measure words. Using '一个功课' is technically understandable but '一份功课' sounds much more professional and native. '份' implies a set or a copy of something, which fits the nature of an assignment perfectly.
To truly master 功课 (gōngkè), one must understand its relationship with similar terms in the Chinese lexicon. These words often overlap but carry distinct connotations and are used in specific contexts.
- 作业 (zuòyè)
- The most direct synonym. It is more formal and used widely in Mainland China. It can also refer to industrial operations or tasks.
- 学业 (xuéyè)
- Refers to one's overall studies or academic career. You wouldn't 'do' your 学业, but you would 'complete' it.
- 课题 (kètí)
- Refers to a specific research topic or a project, often at a higher academic or professional level.
- 任务 (rènwù)
- A general term for a 'task' or 'mission'. It is broader than 功课 and can be used in military, business, or gaming contexts.
When comparing 功课 and 作业, think of 功课 as having a slightly more 'personal' or 'daily' feel, especially in Southern dialects. 作业 is what the teacher 'assigns' (布置作业), while 功课 is what the student 'has' or 'does' (做功课). However, in many modern contexts, the distinction is fading.
“他的学业非常优秀,因为他每天都认真做功课。” (His academic career is excellent because he does his homework seriously every day.)
Another related word is 练习 (liànxí), which means 'practice' or 'exercise'. While 功课 is the assignment itself, 练习 is the act of practicing. A 功课 might consist of several 练习. For example, '今天的功课是三个数学练习' (Today's homework is three math exercises).
“这个科研课题需要很多准备功课。” (This research project requires a lot of preparatory work.)
Lastly, 课业 (kèyè) is a more formal term often used in official documents to refer to 'schoolwork' or 'academic load'. It is rarely used in spoken conversation but frequently seen in news reports about student stress.
How Formal Is It?
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Resultative complements (做完, 写好)
Measure words for abstract nouns
Topic-comment structure
수준별 예문
我有功课。
I have homework.
Subject + Verb + Object.
他在做功课。
He is doing homework.
Present continuous with '在'.
功课很多。
There is a lot of homework.
Adjective '多' acting as a predicate.
这是我的功课。
This is my homework.
Possessive '的'.
你不做功课吗?
Aren't you doing homework?
Negative question with '不'.
我要写功课。
I need to write homework.
Modal verb '要'.
功课不难。
The homework is not difficult.
Negative '不' with adjective '难'.
老师,这是功课。
Teacher, this is the homework.
Direct address + demonstrative sentence.
我每天下午做功课。
I do homework every afternoon.
Time expression before the verb.
你的数学功课做了吗?
Have you done your math homework?
Topic-comment structure with '了' for completion.
他不喜欢写功课。
He doesn't like writing homework.
Verb '喜欢' + another verb phrase.
我们要温习功课。
We need to review our schoolwork.
Verb '温习' (review).
这份功课很难。
This assignment is very difficult.
Measure word '份'.
妈妈帮我做功课。
Mom helps me with my homework.
Verb '帮' (help).
功课做完了可以玩。
You can play after finishing your homework.
Conditional structure implied by sequence.
他忘了带功课。
He forgot to bring his homework.
Verb '忘' (forget) + '带' (bring).
去面试前要先做功课。
You need to do your 'homework' (preparation) before an interview.
Metaphorical use of '做功课'.
他的功课一直很好。
His schoolwork (academic performance) has always been good.
Adverb '一直' (always).
这些功课对他很有帮助。
These assignments are very helpful to him.
Structure '对...有帮助'.
老师布置了太多的功课。
The teacher assigned too much homework.
Verb '布置' (assign).
买房之前,我们要多做功课。
Before buying a house, we need to do more research.
Metaphorical use in a financial context.
他正在温习明天的功课。
He is reviewing tomorrow's lessons.
Time word '明天' modifying '功课'.
如果你不做功课,成绩会下降。
If you don't do your schoolwork, your grades will drop.
Conditional '如果...会'.
我还没做完今天的功课。
I haven't finished today's homework yet.
Negative '还没' with resultative verb '做完'.
为了这次演讲,他做足了功课。
He did plenty of preparation for this speech.
Resultative '做足' (do enough/plenty).
现在的学生功课压力很大。
Students nowadays have a lot of pressure from schoolwork.
Noun '压力' (pressure) modified by '功课'.
他在投资方面做了不少功课。
He did quite a bit of research in terms of investment.
Structure '在...方面'.
这份功课要求我们进行实地考察。
This assignment requires us to conduct a field study.
Verb '要求' (require) + '进行' (conduct).
他把所有的功课都整理好了。
He has organized all his schoolwork.
'把' construction for disposal.
我们要学会从失败中做功课。
We need to learn to 'do our homework' (learn lessons) from failure.
Metaphorical use for life lessons.
老师对功课的要求非常严格。
The teacher's requirements for homework are very strict.
Structure '对...的要求'.
他利用周末时间预习下周的功课。
He uses his weekend to preview next week's lessons.
Verb '利用' (utilize/use).
这种早晚功课是僧侣的日常修行。
This kind of morning and evening practice is the daily cultivation of monks.
Religious context of '功课'.
他在这项研究上花了大量的功课。
He put a massive amount of 'homework' (preparatory effort) into this research.
Quantifier '大量的' (massive amount).
教育改革旨在减轻学生的功课负担。
Educational reform aims to reduce the burden of schoolwork on students.
Formal term '负担' (burden).
在谈判桌上,谁做的功课多,谁就有优势。
At the negotiation table, whoever has done more preparation has the advantage.
Comparative structure with '谁...谁'.
他不仅完成了功课,还进行了深入的思考。
He not only finished the assignment but also engaged in deep reflection.
Conjunction '不仅...还'.
这份功课体现了他对该学科的深刻理解。
This schoolwork reflects his profound understanding of the subject.
Verb '体现' (reflect/embody).
历史是一门需要不断做功课的学问。
History is a field of study that requires constant 'homework' (research).
Metaphorical use for academic discipline.
他总是能提前把功课做在前面。
He always manages to do the preparatory work ahead of time.
Idiomatic phrasing '做在前面'.
儒家思想中,格物致知便是修身的功课。
In Confucian thought, investigating things to extend knowledge is the 'homework' (task) of self-cultivation.
Philosophical/Classical context.
他那番言论显然是经过深思熟虑和充分功课的。
His remarks were clearly the result of careful consideration and thorough preparation.
Abstract noun usage.
这种日常的心理建设也是一种必不可少的功课。
This kind of daily psychological building is also an essential 'homework' (task).
Metaphorical use for mental health.
该剧对时代背景的还原可见其功课之深。
The drama's restoration of the historical background shows the depth of their research.
Formal structure '可见其...之深'.
他将人生的磨难视为磨砺意志的功课。
He regards life's hardships as 'homework' (tasks) to temper his will.
Metaphorical/Philosophical use.
在文学创作中,对语言的推敲是永无止境的功课。
In literary creation, the refinement of language is an endless 'homework' (task).
Abstract/Artistic context.
政府在制定政策前应做足社会调研的功课。
The government should do sufficient 'homework' (research) on social surveys before formulating policies.
Political/Administrative context.
他在这部学术著作中展现了极其扎实的文献功课。
In this academic work, he demonstrated extremely solid 'homework' (research) on literature.
Specialized academic usage.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
More formal, used in Mainland China, can refer to industrial tasks.
Refers to the course or curriculum, not the homework.
The physical textbook.
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
功课 is more common in Southern China/Taiwan; 作业 is more common in Northern China.
Chinese doesn't distinguish singular/plural, so '功课' can mean one assignment or many.
Always use '做' with the metaphorical meaning (preparation).
- Using '打功课' instead of '写功课'.
- Using '功课' to mean 'housework' (cleaning).
- Confusing '功课' (homework) with '课程' (the course itself).
- Forgetting to use '了' when the homework is finished.
- Using '一个功课' instead of '一份功课'.
팁
Context is King
Pay attention to whether the speaker is a student or an adult to determine the meaning.
Verb Choice
Use '写' for written work and '做' for general tasks or preparation.
Measure Words
Use '份' (fèn) when referring to a specific set of homework papers.
Respect the Effort
Remember that '功' implies effort; using this word shows you value the work involved.
Resultatives
Always pair with '做完' (zuò wán) to say you have finished your homework.
Regional Accents
In Taiwan, you'll hear 'gōngkè' much more frequently than 'zuòyè'.
Expand
Learn '温习' (review) and '预习' (preview) alongside '功课'.
Kung Fu Class
Homework is the 'Kung Fu' (effort) you do for your 'Class'.
Due Diligence
Use '做功课' in meetings to show you've researched the topic.
Daily Routine
Understand that '功课' can also mean a daily disciplined practice.
암기하기
어원
Originally referred to the 'merit' (功) gained through 'study/lessons' (课). In Buddhist contexts, it meant the daily required spiritual tasks. In modern times, it shifted to mean school assignments.
문화적 맥락
The term is still used in temples for daily chanting.
Taiwanese Mandarin uses 功课 almost exclusively for homework, while Mainland Mandarin uses both 功课 and 作业.
The high volume of 功课 is a major topic of social debate in China.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"你今天的功课多吗? (Do you have much homework today?)"
"你最不喜欢的功课是什么? (What is your least favorite schoolwork?)"
"为了这次旅行,你做了哪些功课? (What research did you do for this trip?)"
"你通常几点开始做功课? (What time do you usually start your homework?)"
"你觉得做功课有帮助吗? (Do you think doing homework is helpful?)"
일기 주제
描述你每天做功课的过程。 (Describe your daily process of doing homework.)
你认为老师应该布置功课吗?为什么? (Do you think teachers should assign homework? Why?)
写一次你因为没做功课而遇到的麻烦。 (Write about a time you got into trouble for not doing homework.)
如果你是老师,你会布置什么样的功课? (If you were a teacher, what kind of homework would you assign?)
谈谈你为实现梦想所做的‘功课’。 (Talk about the 'homework' you've done to achieve your dreams.)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문They both mean homework. 功课 is more colloquial and common in Southern China/Taiwan, while 作业 is more formal and common in Mainland China.
No, for housework like cleaning or cooking, use '家务' (jiāwù).
In Chinese, nouns aren't strictly countable, but you can use measure words like '份' (fèn) to refer to specific assignments.
Yes, adults use it metaphorically to mean 'preparation' or 'research' for a task or meeting.
The most common verbs are '做' (zuò - to do) and '写' (xiě - to write).
In the phrase '他的功课很好', it refers to his overall academic performance and grades.
No, '功课' can be singular or plural depending on the context.
It means to do thorough preparation or research before something.
Yes, to refer to the research done before a deal or presentation.
It refers to the daily morning and evening spiritual practices in Buddhism or Taoism.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
While '功课' is the standard word for school assignments, its true power lies in its metaphorical use for any form of diligent preparation or personal growth task, reflecting a deep cultural value on effort and readiness.
- Primarily means 'homework' or 'schoolwork' for students.
- Commonly paired with the verbs '做' (do) or '写' (write).
- Can metaphorically mean 'preparation' or 'research' for adults.
- Used in spiritual contexts to mean 'daily practice' or 'recitation'.
Context is King
Pay attention to whether the speaker is a student or an adult to determine the meaning.
Verb Choice
Use '写' for written work and '做' for general tasks or preparation.
Measure Words
Use '份' (fèn) when referring to a specific set of homework papers.
Respect the Effort
Remember that '功' implies effort; using this word shows you value the work involved.
예시
我有很多功课要做。
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