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B1 verb #3,900 most common 10 min read

授课

shou ke Top 3,900

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 授课 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 授课 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word '教' (jiāo) for 'to teach' and '上课' (shàngkè) for 'to have class.' The word '授课' (shòukè) is a bit more advanced, but you can understand it as a very polite and formal way to say a teacher is doing their job. Think of it like this: '教' is what happens when anyone helps you learn, but '授课' is what a professional teacher does in a classroom. For example, if you see a sign that says '授课时间: 9:00 - 10:00', it simply means 'Class Time.' As a beginner, you don't need to use this word often in speaking, but you should recognize it when you see it in a school or on a website. It always involves a teacher giving a lesson. Remember: Teachers 'shòukè,' students 'shàngkè.' If you use 'shòukè' to describe your teacher, you sound very respectful! It shows you understand that teaching is a professional skill. In A1, keep it simple: '授' means 'to give,' and '课' means 'lesson.' So, '授课' is 'giving a lesson.'

By A2, you are starting to distinguish between formal and informal situations. '授课' (shòukè) is a word you will encounter in more 'official' Chinese contexts, like on a university campus or in a formal introduction of a guest speaker. While you might say '老师在教我们' (The teacher is teaching us) in a casual conversation, in a written report or a formal introduction, you would use '授课.' For example, '王老师在授课' sounds more professional than '王老师在教书.' At this level, you should start noticing that '授课' is often followed by a period of time or a location. For instance, '在线授课' (online teaching) is a very common phrase you might see on the internet. You should also learn that you cannot put the students directly after '授课.' You must use '给' (gěi). So, '给学生授课' (give a lesson to students). This is a key grammar point for A2 learners moving toward B1. It helps you sound more like a native speaker who understands the 'Verb-Object' structure of Chinese words.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '授课' (shòukè) in professional and academic writing. This word is part of the standard vocabulary for discussing education, training, and professional development. You are expected to know the difference between '授课' and '讲课.' While '讲课' focuses on the act of lecturing or speaking, '授课' is the broader term for the provision of instruction. At this level, you can use '授课' to describe different teaching methods, such as '互动式授课' (interactive teaching) or '启发式授课' (heuristic/inspirational teaching). You should also be able to use it as a noun-like modifier, such as in '授课计划' (teaching plan) or '授课风格' (teaching style). B1 learners should also understand the cultural weight of the character '授' (to confer), which implies a formal transmission of knowledge. Using this word correctly in your essays or presentations about education will significantly improve your formal register. You should also be aware of common collocations like '承担授课任务' (to undertake teaching tasks), which is a very common phrase in academic job descriptions.

B2 learners should have a nuanced understanding of '授课' (shòukè) and be able to use it in complex sentence structures. You should recognize it as a formal VO (Verb-Object) compound that is often used in the context of higher education and professional seminars. At this level, you should be able to discuss the effectiveness of '授课' using advanced vocabulary, such as '授课质量' (teaching quality) or '授课评估' (teaching evaluation). You should also be familiar with related terms like '讲学' (giving a series of academic lectures) and be able to choose between them based on the context. For example, a visiting scholar '讲学' at a university, while a regular faculty member '授课.' You should also be able to use '授课' in formal administrative contexts, such as '调整授课时间' (adjust teaching time). Furthermore, B2 learners should be sensitive to the tone of '授课'; it is rarely used in casual settings and carries a sense of authority and expertise. In your writing, you can use it to create a professional and objective tone when discussing pedagogical issues or educational reforms.

At the C1 level, your grasp of '授课' (shòukè) should be instinctive and precise. You should be able to analyze the pedagogical implications of different '授课模式' (teaching models) in depth. You will encounter this word in academic journals, government white papers on education, and high-level intellectual discourse. You should understand how '授课' fits into the broader concept of '教育学' (pedagogy) and be able to use it to describe the nuances of knowledge transmission. For instance, you might discuss the shift from '灌输式授课' (spoon-feeding/indoctrination style teaching) to more '探究式授课' (inquiry-based teaching). At this level, you should also be aware of the historical and etymological roots of '授,' linking it to the formal conferring of knowledge and authority in traditional Chinese culture. You can use '授课' to construct sophisticated arguments about the role of the educator in the modern age. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '授课' is not just about talking, but about the structured and purposeful delivery of a body of knowledge within an institutional framework.

For C2 learners, '授课' (shòukè) is a tool for highly refined expression. You should be able to use it with complete mastery in any context, from legal documents regarding educational standards to philosophical treatises on the nature of learning. You can explore the subtle differences between '授课,' '传道' (passing on the Way/truth), and '解惑' (resolving doubts), which are the three traditional roles of a teacher in Confucian thought. At this level, you might use '授课' in a metaphorical sense or within highly specialized academic critiques of instructional design. You should be able to navigate the most formal registers of Chinese with ease, using '授课' to describe the activities of the world's leading experts and scholars. Your command of the word should include an awareness of its rhythmic and stylistic properties in formal prose, allowing you to use it to achieve specific rhetorical effects. In essence, at C2, '授课' is no longer just a vocabulary item but a concept that you can manipulate to express complex ideas about the institutionalization and transmission of human knowledge.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

授课 in 30 Seconds

授课 is a formal Chinese verb meaning 'to give a lesson' or 'to instruct,' primarily used for teachers and professors in professional settings.
It is a Verb-Object compound (授 + 课), which means it usually requires a preposition like 给 or 为 to link to students.
Unlike the casual 上课, which students and teachers both use, 授课 is exclusive to the person providing the instruction and knowledge.
Commonly found in university schedules, online education platforms, and professional training reports, it emphasizes the authoritative delivery of specialized information.

The Chinese term 授课 (shòukè) is a sophisticated and formal verb that primarily translates to 'to give lessons,' 'to instruct,' or 'to deliver a lecture.' To understand its weight, one must look at the individual characters. The first character, 授 (shòu), carries the profound meaning of 'to confer,' 'to grant,' or 'to hand over.' It implies a transmission of something valuable—in this case, knowledge or skills—from an expert to a learner. The second character, 课 (kè), refers to a lesson, a course, or a subject of study. Together, they describe the professional act of teaching within a formal academic or vocational framework. Unlike the more common and casual '教' (jiāo), which can be used for any kind of teaching like a parent teaching a child to tie shoes, 授课 is strictly reserved for the professional domain of educators, professors, and trainers.

Professional Context: This word is most frequently encountered in university settings, formal training programs, and official educational documentation. For instance, when a university syllabus describes a professor's duties, it will use 授课 to denote the scheduled hours of instruction.
Directionality of Knowledge: The term emphasizes the teacher's active role in the delivery of content. It highlights the pedagogical process of structured communication where the instructor is the primary source of information delivery.

张教授在多功能厅为研究生们授课，讨论量子力学的最新进展。
— Professor Zhang is giving a lecture to graduate students in the multi-function hall, discussing the latest developments in quantum mechanics.

In terms of social register, using 授课 elevates the tone of the conversation. If you are describing a teacher's work to a principal or in a formal report, this is the preferred term. It suggests a level of preparation, authority, and systematic delivery that the colloquial '上课' (shàngkè) lacks. While '上课' can refer to both the teacher giving the lesson and the students attending it, 授课 is exclusively used for the person providing the instruction. You would never say a student is '授课' unless they are in a peer-teaching role.

这位资深律师每周都会在法学院授课。
— This senior lawyer gives lessons at the law school every week.

Historically, the character '授' was associated with the conferring of titles or seals of office, which adds a layer of solemnity to the word. When an expert '授课', they are not just talking; they are bestowing their expertise upon the next generation. This cultural backdrop explains why the word is often associated with respected figures, such as '教授' (jiàoshòu - professor), where the 'shòu' is the same character. In modern corporate settings, '授课' is also used for 'training sessions' (培训授课), emphasizing the professional development aspect of the instruction.

由于疫情原因，许多老师不得不转为线上授课。
— Due to the pandemic, many teachers had to switch to online instruction.

Mastering the grammar of 授课 requires understanding its status as a formal, intransitive-leaning Verb-Object (VO) structure. In Chinese, VO compounds like 授课 often require specific sentence patterns to include recipients or locations. Unlike the English verb 'to teach,' which can take two objects (e.g., 'teach them math'), 授课 functions more like 'to lecture' or 'to conduct instruction.'

Pattern 1: [Teacher] + [Location/Method] + 授课: This is the simplest form, focusing on where or how the teaching happens.
他在那所大学授课已有十年之久。
(He has been teaching at that university for ten years.)
Pattern 2: [Teacher] + 给/为 + [Audience] + 授课: Since you cannot say '授课学生', you must use '给' (to) or '为' (for) to introduce the students.
外教正在为一年级的学生授课。
(The foreign teacher is currently giving a lesson to the first-year students.)

One of the most critical distinctions to make is the use of 授课 versus 上课. While both can be translated as 'to have/give a class,' 授课 is teacher-exclusive. A teacher can say '我在授课' (I am teaching) or '我在上课' (I am in class/teaching). However, a student can ONLY say '我在上课' (I am in class). If a student says '我在授课', it implies they are the ones leading the instruction, perhaps in a teaching practicum or a presentation.

这种互动式的授课方式深受学生欢迎。
— This interactive teaching method is very popular among students.

Notice in the example above that 授课 can also function as an attributive noun (a noun modifying another noun). Here, it modifies '方式' (method). Common phrases include '授课地点' (teaching location), '授课时间' (teaching time), and '授课内容' (teaching content). In these cases, it acts very much like the English adjective 'instructional' or the compound 'teaching-'.

每位专家被邀请授课两小时。
— Each expert was invited to give a two-hour lecture.

In summary, when using 授课, think of it as a professional designation of an activity. It focuses on the delivery, the expertise, and the formal setting. Whether in a classroom, an online webinar, or a corporate training room, 授课 is the act of a knowledgeable person sharing their wisdom in a structured format.

The word 授课 (shòukè) is ubiquitous in the professional and academic landscapes of China. If you are a student in a Chinese university, you will see this word every day on your '授课表' (teaching schedule). It is the standard term used by administrators to refer to the act of instruction. When a professor is absent, the notice might read: '因病停课' (class suspended due to illness) or '授课老师变动' (change of instructor).

1. University Administration: In academic reports, the '授课时数' (number of teaching hours) is a key metric for evaluating a faculty member's workload. It sounds much more professional than saying '教书的时间' (time spent teaching books).
2. News and Media: When news outlets report on educational reforms, they often discuss '远程授课' (remote teaching) or '双语授课' (bilingual instruction). This formal vocabulary matches the serious tone of journalistic reporting.

该项目采用全英文授课，旨在培养具有国际视野的人才。
— The program uses full English instruction, aiming to cultivate talents with an international perspective.

In the corporate world, 授课 is used during staff training. A senior manager might be asked to '授课' to new recruits about the company's culture and values. It confers a sense of mentorship and authority. In these contexts, the word is often paired with '专家' (expert) or '讲师' (lecturer). You will also hear it in the context of '授课技巧' (teaching techniques), which is a common topic in teacher training workshops.

王老师的授课风格生动有趣，非常吸引人。
— Teacher Wang's teaching style is vivid and interesting, which is very attractive.

Furthermore, with the rise of EdTech, '授课' has entered the digital realm. Platforms like Coursera or its Chinese equivalents (like XuetangX) use '在线授课' (online instruction) as a standard term. Even in casual conversation, if you want to compliment someone's ability to explain complex topics clearly, you might say, '你授课很有水平' (Your teaching is very high-level), though this remains slightly more formal than saying '你教得很好'.

由于天气恶劣，学校决定改为居家网络授课。
— Due to severe weather, the school decided to switch to home-based online instruction.

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your usage of 授课 sounds natural and professional.

The most frequent error learners make with 授课 is treating it as a simple transitive verb. In English, you 'teach students.' In Chinese, you cannot simply say 授课学生. This is a fundamental mistake because 授课 is a Verb-Object (VO) compound where the 'Object' (课 - lesson) is already present. To include the students, you must use a prepositional phrase.

Mistake 1: Direct Object Placement

Incorrect: 老师授课我们。(Teacher teaches us.)

Correct: 老师给我们授课。(Teacher gives a lesson TO us.)

Explanation: Use '给' (gěi) or '为' (wèi) to introduce the recipient of the instruction.

Mistake 2: Subject Confusion (Student vs. Teacher)

Incorrect: 我明天去授课。(I am going to attend class tomorrow - as a student.)

Correct: 我明天去上课。(I am going to class.)

Explanation: Students '上课' (attend class). Only teachers '授课' (deliver the lesson). If a student says '授课', they are claiming to be the teacher.

别把“授课”和“上课”混淆，前者是老师的职责，后者是师生共同的活动。
— Don't confuse 'shòukè' with 'shàngkè'; the former is the teacher's duty, the latter is an activity shared by both.

Another mistake is using 授课 in overly casual settings. If you are teaching your friend how to play a video game, using 授课 would sound hilariously formal, almost sarcastic. In that context, '教' (jiāo) is much more appropriate. 授课 requires a formal curriculum or a professional environment. Using it at home for mundane tasks makes you sound like a textbook.

Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While you can say 'The lesson was given by...' in English, in Chinese, 授课 is rarely used in '被' (bèi) passive structures. Instead of saying '这节课被他授课', you would say '这节课由他主讲' (This lesson is presided over by him) or '他负责这节课的授课工作' (He is responsible for the teaching work of this class).

错误：他授课得很好。正确：他的授课效果很好。
— Wrong: He teaches well (using shòukè as a simple verb with 'de'). Right: His teaching effect is very good (using it as a noun/activity).

To truly master the nuances of educational vocabulary in Chinese, it is essential to compare 授课 (shòukè) with its close synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different 'flavor' and is used in specific registers.

1. 授课 (shòukè) vs. 讲课 (jiǎngkè)

Difference: 讲课 (literally 'to speak the lesson') is slightly less formal than 授课. 讲课 focuses on the act of speaking and explaining, while 授课 covers the entire professional act of instruction.

Example: 老师在台上讲课。(The teacher is up there lecturing.) - This feels more descriptive of the physical act.

2. 授课 (shòukè) vs. 教授 (jiàoshòu)

Difference: While 教授 is the noun for 'Professor,' as a verb, it is more formal and transitive. You can '教授' a specific subject (教授历史 - teach history). 授课 is usually used intransitively or as a noun for the activity itself.

3. 授课 (shòukè) vs. 教学 (jiàoxué)

Difference: 教学 refers to the broader field of 'teaching and learning.' It encompasses curriculum design, pedagogy, and the student-teacher interaction. 授课 is specifically the delivery of the lesson.

虽然他精通学术，但在授课技巧上仍需提高。
— Although he is proficient in academics, he still needs to improve his teaching (instructional) skills.

Other alternatives include 讲学 (jiǎngxué), which is used for scholars giving a series of academic lectures, often while traveling or visiting other institutions. It has a very high intellectual status. On the other hand, 传授 (chuánshòu) is used for passing down skills, secrets, or traditions (like '传授武艺' - passing down martial arts skills). It implies a more personal, master-apprentice relationship than the institutional 授课.

In the modern era, you might also hear 带课 (dàikè), which is a more colloquial way teachers refer to having classes on their schedule. For example, '我今天带了三节课' (I taught three classes today). This is common in staff rooms but rarely used in formal writing. By choosing 授课, you are deliberately opting for a professional, respectful, and precise term that honors the tradition of education.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '授' contains the 'hand' radical (扌) twice in its historical forms—one hand giving and one receiving—emphasizing the interaction of teaching.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃoʊ kɤ/

US /ʃoʊ kɤ/

Both syllables carry equal stress as they are both fourth tones.

Rhymes With

厚 (hòu) 够 (gòu) 肉 (ròu) 特 (tè) 乐 (lè) 热 (rè) 色 (sè) 客 (kè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shou' like 'show' in English (it should have a more closed 'ou' sound).
Failing to make both tones fall sharply, making it sound flat.
Confusing 'kè' with 'kě' (third tone).
Pronouncing the 'sh' as a soft 's'.
Merging the two words too quickly without distinct tonal breaks.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but very common in academic texts.

Writing 4/5

The character '授' has many strokes and requires practice to write balanced.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward fourth tones, but must be sharp.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'shou' or 'ke' sounds if tones aren't clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

教课老师学生上课

Learn Next

教授教学讲学课程讲座

Advanced

传道受业因材施教循循善诱教学相长

Grammar to Know

Verb-Object (VO) Compounds

授课 is a VO compound; objects cannot be placed directly after it.

Prepositional Phrases with 给/为

Use '给学生授课' to indicate the recipient.

Duration of Action

Duration goes after the verb: '授课两小时'.

Attributive Modification

Using '授课' to modify nouns: '授课计划'.

Adverbial Placement

Adverbs of manner go before the verb: '认真地授课'.

Examples by Level

老师在教室里授课。

The teacher is giving a lesson in the classroom.

Simple subject + location + verb structure.

他每天授课四小时。

He teaches for four hours every day.

Duration follows the verb '授课'.

授课时间是早上九点。

The teaching time is 9:00 AM.

Used as a noun-modifier for '时间'.

这位老师授课很认真。

This teacher is very serious in giving lessons.

Describing the manner of teaching.

他在网上授课。

He gives lessons online.

Adding a method (网上) before the verb.

他在哪儿授课？

Where does he give lessons?

Interrogative sentence with '哪儿'.

老师正在授课，请安静。

The teacher is giving a lesson, please be quiet.

Using '正在' for continuous action.

今天没有授课任务。

There are no teaching tasks today.

Using '授课' to modify '任务'.

他主要给留学生授课。

He mainly gives lessons to international students.

Using '给' to indicate the audience.

学校决定增加授课地点。

The school decided to increase the number of teaching locations.

Used as a noun-modifier for '地点'.

授课内容包括汉语和文化。

The teaching content includes Chinese language and culture.

Used as a noun-modifier for '内容'.

他每周在法学院授课一次。

He gives a lesson at the law school once a week.

Specifying frequency with '一次'.

由于天气不好，今天停止授课。

Due to bad weather, teaching is suspended today.

Using '停止' (to stop) with '授课'.

老师用英语授课。

The teacher gives lessons in English.

Using '用' (using) to specify the language.

请看授课计划表。

Please look at the teaching schedule/plan.

Common compound noun '授课计划表'.

他不仅在学校授课，还写书。

He not only gives lessons at school but also writes books.

Using the '不仅...还...' structure.

这种授课方式非常新颖。

This teaching method is very novel.

Using '授课' to modify '方式' (method).

他被邀请到这所大学授课。

He was invited to give lessons at this university.

Passive structure with '被'.

授课老师正在准备课件。

The instructor is preparing the courseware.

Using '授课' to modify '老师' to mean 'the instructor'.

他的授课风格深受学生喜爱。

His teaching style is deeply loved by students.

Using '授课' to modify '风格' (style).

我们应该提高授课的互动性。

We should improve the interactivity of the teaching.

Using '授课' as a noun with '的'.

授课过程中，他举了很多例子。

During the teaching process, he gave many examples.

Using the pattern '...过程中'.

他负责为新员工授课。

He is responsible for giving lessons to new employees.

Using '负责' (be responsible for).

学校对授课质量有严格要求。

The school has strict requirements for teaching quality.

Using '授课' to modify '质量' (quality).

远程授课已经成为一种趋势。

Remote teaching has already become a trend.

Using '远程' (remote) as a prefix.

授课教师需要具备丰富的实践经验。

Instructors need to possess rich practical experience.

More formal term '授课教师'.

该教授每周的授课负荷是八小时。

The professor's weekly teaching load is eight hours.

Using '授课负荷' (teaching load).

我们将对授课效果进行全面评估。

We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the teaching effectiveness.

Using '授课效果' (teaching effect/result).

他擅长运用多媒体手段辅助授课。

He is good at using multimedia means to assist teaching.

Using '辅助' (to assist) with '授课'.

授课内容的深度应根据学生水平调整。

The depth of teaching content should be adjusted according to students' levels.

Using '深度' (depth) of instruction.

他因出色的授课表现获得了奖项。

He won an award for his outstanding teaching performance.

Using '授课表现' (teaching performance).

授课语言可以根据需要选择中文或英文。

The teaching language can be chosen as Chinese or English as needed.

Using '授课语言' (teaching language).

授课不仅是传授知识，更是启发思考。

Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but more about inspiring thought.

Using the '不仅是...更是...' rhetorical structure.

我们需要反思传统的授课模式。

We need to reflect on traditional teaching models.

Using '授课模式' (teaching model).

授课者应当关注学生的个体差异。

The instructor should pay attention to individual differences among students.

Using '授课者' (the one who teaches).

该课程采取案例分析与理论授课相结合的方式。

The course adopts a combination of case studies and theoretical instruction.

Using '理论授课' (theoretical instruction).

授课的艺术在于激发学生的好奇心。

The art of teaching lies in stimulating students' curiosity.

Metaphorical use of '艺术' (art).

这种授课策略有效地提高了课堂效率。

This teaching strategy effectively improved classroom efficiency.

Using '授课策略' (teaching strategy).

他致力于研究线上授课的心理学影响。

He is committed to studying the psychological impacts of online teaching.

Using '致力于' (be committed to).

授课大纲需要经过学术委员会的审核。

The teaching syllabus needs to be reviewed by the academic committee.

Using '授课大纲' (teaching syllabus/outline).

授课之精髓，在于师生间的精神共鸣。

The essence of teaching lies in the spiritual resonance between teacher and student.

Using '之' for a highly formal possessive.

他将哲学思想渗透进每一次授课之中。

He permeates every lesson with philosophical thought.

Using '渗透' (permeate) and '之中' (within).

授课不仅是职业行为，更是一种生命体验。

Teaching is not only a professional act but also a life experience.

Philosophical parallel structure.

在数字化时代，授课的内涵正在发生深刻变革。

In the digital age, the connotation of teaching is undergoing profound changes.

Using '内涵' (connotation) and '深刻变革' (profound change).

他那如沐春风般的授课，令学子们终生难忘。

His teaching, like a gentle spring breeze, is unforgettable for the students for a lifetime.

Using the idiom '如沐春风' as a modifier.

授课者须秉持严谨的治学态度。

The instructor must uphold a rigorous attitude toward scholarship.

Using '秉持' (uphold) and '治学态度' (attitude toward scholarship).

该项研究探讨了授课语境下的权力动态。

The study explored the power dynamics within the teaching context.

Using '授课语境' (teaching context).

授课的终极目标是实现人的全面发展。

The ultimate goal of teaching is to achieve the comprehensive development of the individual.

Using '全面发展' (comprehensive development).

Synonyms

教课讲课教学传授

Antonyms

听课学习

Common Collocations

授课老师

在线授课

授课计划

授课风格

授课内容

双语授课

授课技巧

授课时间

授课地点

承担授课

Common Phrases

远程授课

— Teaching from a distance, typically using the internet.

远程授课让偏远地区的学生也能听到名师的课。

互动授课

— Teaching that encourages participation and dialogue.

互动授课能更好地调动学生的积极性。

公开授课

— A lesson given in public or open for observation by others.

下周一有一场全校范围的公开授课。

义务授课

— Teaching as a volunteer service without pay.

退休后，他经常去社区中心义务授课。

现场授课

— Teaching in person at a specific site.

专家将在工厂车间进行现场授课。

面对面授课

— Face-to-face instruction.

学生们更喜欢面对面授课，因为交流更直接。

全英文授课

— Instruction delivered entirely in English.

这个硕士项目采用全英文授课。

授课质量评估

— The evaluation of how well a course is taught.

学期末，学生会参与授课质量评估。

授课许可证

— A permit or certificate allowing someone to teach.

在这家机构工作需要持有授课许可证。

专题授课

— Teaching focused on a specific theme or topic.

这次会议安排了关于人工智能的专题授课。

Often Confused With

授课 vs 上课

上课 can be used by both students and teachers, while 授课 is only for teachers.

授课 vs 教授

教授 is usually a noun (Professor), but as a verb, it is more formal and transitive than 授课.

授课 vs 受课

This is a common typo or mishearing; '受' means receive, so it would mean 'receiving a lesson,' but the standard term is '听课'.

Idioms & Expressions

"循循善诱"

— To guide someone patiently and systematically. Often used to praise a teacher's method.

王老师授课时总是循循善诱，让学生自己发现答案。

Formal/Literary

"诲人不倦"

— To teach others with tireless zeal. A classic description of a dedicated teacher.

他几十年如一日，诲人不倦，深受尊敬。

Formal/Literary

"言传身教"

— To teach by both words and personal example.

他在授课中不仅讲理论，更通过言传身教影响学生。

Formal

"倾囊相授"

— To teach everything one knows without holding anything back.

老师将自己多年的研究成果倾囊相授。

Literary

"春风化雨"

— Literally 'spring breeze and rain'; metaphorically, the life-giving influence of education.

老师的授课如春风化雨，滋润着学子们的心田。

Literary

"名师出高徒"

— A famous teacher produces brilliant students.

由于他的精心授课，他的学生很多都成了专家，真是名师出高徒。

Common Saying

"教学相长"

— Teaching and learning promote each other.

在授课过程中，老师也学到了新知识，实现了教学相长。

Formal

"因材施教"

— To teach students according to their individual talents and needs.

授课时应当因材施教，不能千篇一律。

Formal

"举一反三"

— To learn by analogy; to infer three things from one.

优秀的授课能引导学生举一反三。

Neutral

"开卷有益"

— Reading is always beneficial (often related to the materials used in 授课).

他推荐的授课参考书真是开卷有益。

Neutral

Easily Confused

授课 vs 教学

Both relate to teaching.

教学 is the whole field (teaching and learning); 授课 is just the act of giving the lesson.

他负责学校的教学管理，但也亲自授课。

授课 vs 讲课

Very similar meanings.

讲课 is more about the act of talking; 授课 is more about the professional duty.

他在台上讲课讲得很精彩。

授课 vs 教书

General terms for teaching.

教书 is a career description; 授课 is a specific activity.

他在乡村教书，每天授课六小时。

授课 vs 培训

Both involve instruction.

培训 is broader (training); 授课 is the instructional part of training.

这次培训包括了三场专题授课。

授课 vs 指导

Both involve a teacher.

指导 is more one-on-one or project-based guidance; 授课 is classroom-based.

导师除了授课，还要指导我的研究。

Sentence Patterns

S + 在 + L + 授课。

老师在教室授课。

S + 给 + O + 授课。

他给留学生授课。

S + 的 + 授课 + N + 很 + Adj。

他的授课风格很独特。

S + 负责 + 为 + O + 授课。

她负责为新员工授课。

授课 + 不仅是...更是...。

授课不仅是传授知识，更是启发智慧。

将...渗透进...授课之中。

他将人文关怀渗透进每一次授课之中。

General

采用...方式授课。

学校采用互动方式授课。

General

由于...停止授课。

由于停电，学校停止授课。

Word Family

Nouns

教授 (Professor)

课程 (Course/Curriculum)

课本 (Textbook)

课堂 (Classroom)

讲师 (Lecturer)

Verbs

教 (To teach)

讲 (To speak/lecture)

传 (To pass on)

受 (To receive/confer)

学 (To learn)

Adjectives

受教 (Being taught/enlightened)

课外的 (Extracurricular)

教育 (Education)

学术 (Academic)

讲坛 (Podium/Forum)

学分 (Academic credit)

教案 (Lesson plan)

How to Use It

frequency

High in educational and professional documentation.

Common Mistakes

老师授课学生。 → 老师给学生授课。
授课 is a VO compound and cannot take a direct object like 'students'.
我明天去授课。(as a student) → 我明天去上课。
Students 'attend' class (上课), they don't 'give' the lesson (授课).
他授课数学。 → 他授数学课 / 他教授数学。
You cannot add a subject object after the '课' in '授课'.
他授课得很好。 → 他讲课讲得很好 / 他的授课效果很好。
授课 doesn't work well with the 'de' complement of degree in this way.
在家里给弟弟授课。 → 在家里教弟弟。
授课 is too formal for a casual family setting.

Tips

Object Placement

Never put the student directly after 授课. Use '给' or '为' before the student.

Formal Register

Use 授课 in resumes, reports, and formal introductions of teachers.

Student vs. Teacher

Remember: Teachers '授课', students '听课' or '上课'.

Common Pairs

Learn '授课计划' and '授课风格' as set phrases.

授课 vs. 讲座

授课 is for a series of lessons; 讲座 is for a single lecture.

Online Context

Use '在线授课' for e-learning or Zoom classes.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters are 4th tone. Make them short and sharp.

Character Stroke

Practice the '授' character carefully; it's the 'giving' hand.

Respect

Using 授课 shows respect for the teacher's expertise.

Workload

In job contexts, '授课量' refers to your teaching hours.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of SHOU as 'Show' (showing knowledge) and KE as 'Class' (sounds like 'course'). You are SHOWing a COURSE to students.

Visual Association

Imagine a professor in a graduation gown handing a glowing book (授) to a student sitting at a desk (课).

Word Web

教授授课老师授课内容在线授课授课计划讲课听课上课

Challenge

Try to use '授课' in a sentence describing your favorite teacher's style without using the word '教'.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of two ancient characters. '授' (shòu) dates back to the seal script and depicts a hand giving an object to another hand, symbolizing 'to confer.' '课' (kè) originally referred to evaluating or taxing, which evolved into 'assessment' and eventually 'a subject of study' or 'lesson.'

Original meaning: To confer an assessment or a lesson.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '授课' when a student is simply presenting, as it might sound arrogant unless it is a specific peer-teaching assignment.

In English-speaking countries, 'teaching' is used for both formal and informal contexts. We don't have a direct equivalent that is as strictly formal as '授课' except perhaps 'lecturing' or 'conducting instruction.'

The Analects of Confucius (often discusses the act of teaching). The Great Learning (emphasizes the purpose of higher education). Modern Chinese TV dramas like 'The Youth' often feature university '授课' scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Environment

授课大纲
授课时间表
教授亲自授课
大课授课

Online Education

直播授课
录播授课
线上授课平台
远程同步授课

Corporate Training

入职培训授课
专家专题授课
授课技巧培训
内部讲师授课

News Reporting

双语授课试点
名师公开授课
支教老师授课
普及性授课

Administrative Paperwork

授课任务书
授课课时费
授课质量监控
授课教师资格

Conversation Starters

"你觉得哪种授课方式最有效？"

"你更喜欢面对面授课还是在线授课？"

"这位教授的授课风格你适应吗？"

"你们学校有多少老师采用全英文授课？"

"你曾经尝试过给别人授课吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次令你印象深刻的授课经历。

如果你是一名老师，你会选择什么样的授课风格？

讨论技术进步如何改变了传统的授课模式。

分析为什么有些授课内容很难让学生保持注意力。

写一段关于未来学校授课方式的设想。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very formal and strange. Use '教' (jiāo) instead. '授课' is for professional environments.

It is primarily a verb (to give a lesson), but it can also function as a noun (instruction/teaching) in phrases like '授课质量' (teaching quality).

Only if the student is actually teaching a class, for example, in a teaching practicum. Otherwise, the student should say '我在上课'.

授课 is a regular lesson as part of a course. 讲座 (jiǎngzuò) is a one-time lecture or seminar, often for a general audience.

The most formal and common term is '在线授课' (zàixiàn shòukè) or '网络授课' (wǎngluò shòukè).

Yes, '授課' is widely used in Taiwan with the same meaning and formality level.

No. You should say '授数学课' or '教授数学'. 授课 is a complete VO unit and doesn't take another object.

They are very similar. '给' is slightly more common and direct; '为' sounds a bit more formal, emphasizing that the teaching is 'for the benefit of' the students.

It simply means 'the teacher in charge of the lesson' or 'the instructor.' It's a common way to specify who is teaching a particular course.

Yes, if the setting is formal. For example, a professional chef '授课' in a culinary school is appropriate.