Chinese word

数学

Pronunciation

Pinyinshù xué

Meaning

  • nounmath

Example

我喜欢数学。wǒ xǐ huān shù xué

I like math.

Illustration for 数学 (math)

More examples

这道数学题很难。zhè dào shù xué tí hěn nán

This math problem is very difficult.

Core concept

A way to discover patterns in numbers, shapes, space, and change.

Common phrases

  • 上数学课shàng shù xué kè

    have math class

  • 做数学题zuò shù xué tí

    solve math problems

  • 数学老师shù xué lǎo shī

    math teacher

Similar words

算术suàn shù: A subject about adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers.

Definition in Chinese

研究数、量、图形、空间以及它们之间的关系和变化规律的学科。yán jiū shù liàng tú xíng kōng jiān yǐ jí tā men zhī jiān de guān xì hé biàn huà guī lǜ de xué kē

Word origin

数学 (shùxué, "mathematics") combines 数 (shù, "number") with 学 (xué, "study"), naming the study of numbers before its scope grew to include shapes, space, and patterns.

Usage tips

  • English often uses arithmetic for early number work, but math covers the wider school subject, including shapes and patterns.

Related words

  • 数学家shù xué jiāmathematiciannoun

Word lists with this word