Quick answer
科 is the kanji for "Course". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is か (ka). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Course
Also : Section · Department · Subject
Learn 科 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 科 represents 'DEPARTMENT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of department.
On-reading: か — remember this sound by associating it with department.
Example Sentences
医科大学に入学しました。
いかだいがくにゅうがくしました。
I enrolled at medical university.
理科の実験が好きです。
りかのじっけんがすきです。
I like science experiments.
Vocabulary using 科
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Learn 科 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.