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课kè

Character evolution

课

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Simplified · Today

Shuowen

课 (kè) is formed by the semantic element 言 (speech) on the left and the phonetic element 果 (fruit) on the right, creating a character that combines discourse with the idea of result or outcome. In ancient usage, the character meant to examine, test, or discuss, suggesting assessment through spoken questioning, as speech (言) paired with fruit (果) implies evaluating the fruits of one's knowledge. From this original sense of examination, the character later came to denote lessons or classes, since such sessions involve structured instruction and testing.

Pinyin

kè· HSK 1