Usage note
课是我们在学校学习知识的时间，比如语文课和数学课。
Kè shì wǒmen zài xuéxiào xuéxí zhīshì de shíjiān, bǐrú yǔwén kè hé shùxué kè.
This word refers to a class or lesson period at school where you learn subjects like reading or math.
Context note
在学校里，老师给我们上课，我们学习新知识。这个词和学校生活有关。
Zài xuéxiào lǐ, lǎoshī gěi wǒmen shàngkè, wǒmen xuéxí xīn zhīshì. Zhège cí hé xuéxiào shēnghuó yǒuguān.
This word is used when talking about school activities where a teacher leads a learning session. It relates to school life and daily routines.
5 examples
今天有三节课。
Jīntiān yǒu sān jié kè.
Today there are three classes.
我每天上两节英语课。
Wǒ měitiān shàng liǎng jié yīngyǔ kè.
I have two English classes every day.
周末没有课。
Zúmò méiyǒu kè.
There are no classes on weekends.
爸爸教我认字，这是第一节课。
Bàba jiào wǒ rèn zì, zhè shì dì yī jié kè.
Dad teaches me to recognize characters; this is the first class.
妹妹在上音乐课。
Mèimei zài shàng yīyuán kè.
My younger sister is having a music class.
5 mini stories
妈妈说今天有两节语文课。爸爸说他也要去听课。
Māma shuō jīntiān yǒu liǎng jié wényán kè. Bàba shuō tā yě xiāo qù kànkè.
Mom says there are two Chinese classes today. Dad says he will also go to listen.
妹妹很喜欢上美术课。
Mèimei hěn xǐhuān shàng sīmǎ kè.
My younger sister really likes art class.
我们全家一起去听公开课。
Wǒmen quán jiā yìqǐ qù tīng kāngōu kè.
Our whole family goes to listen to an open class together.
爸爸教我认字，这是第一节课。
Bàba jiào wǒ rèn zì, zhè shì dì yī jié kè.
Dad teaches me to recognize characters; this is the first class.
周末妈妈带我去上英语课。
Zúmò māma dài wǒ qù shàng yīngyǔ kè.
On weekends, Mom takes me to have an English class.
Mini dialogue
放学后
A
今天有几节课？
Jīn tiān yǒu jǐ jié kè?
How many classes do we have today?
B
今天有语文课和数学课。
Jīn tiān yǒu yǔ wén kè hé shù xué kè.
We have Chinese class and math class today.
准备上课
A
下节课是什么课？
Xià jié kè shì shén me kè?
What's the next class?
B
是美术课，我们快回教室吧。
Shì měi shù kè, wǒ men kuài huí jiào shì ba.
It's art class. Let's hurry back to the classroom.
Related words and contrasts
related
上课
shàng kè
to attend class
What you do when you go to a 课
opposite
下课
xià kè
to finish class
The opposite of starting a class
related
老师
lǎo shī
teacher
The person who teaches a 课