Japanese word

理系

Pronunciation

Romajirikei

Meaning

  • nounscience track

Example

私は理系です。watashi wa ri kei de su

I am in the science track.

Illustration for 理系 (science track)

More examples

将来の夢に合わせて、高校では理系を選びました。shō rai no yume ni a wa se te kō kō de wa ri kei o era bi ma shi ta

I chose the science track in high school to match my future goals.

Core concept

Marks an educational category in which scientific and technical subjects form the main focus of study.

Common phrases

  • 理系に進むri kei ni susu mu

    go into the science track

  • 理系を選ぶri kei o era bu

    choose the science track

Similar words

理科系rikakei: An educational category built around the study of natural sciences.

Definition in Japanese

科学・数学・技術に関する分野を中心に学ぶ学問上の区分や進路。ka gaku sū gaku gi jutsu ni kan su ru bun ya o chū shin ni mana bu gaku mon jō no ku bun ya shin ro

Word origin

理系 (rikei, "science track") is a compound of 理 (ri, "principle") and 系 (kei, "group"), with the second element indicating an organized category of study.

Usage tips

  • The label 理系 (rikei, "science track") usually describes a general academic direction, not only a major specifically called science in English.

Other meanings

  • science majornoun
  • STEMnoun

Opposites

  • 文系bunkeihumanities tracknoun

Word lists with this word