Meaning and Usage
"科学" (かがく) means "science" and refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment. It is a common noun used in both academic and everyday contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "科学" in educational settings, such as "科学の授業" (science class), or in discussions about technology and research, like "科学技術" (science and technology).
Collocations and Patterns
- "科学の授業" (science class): used when talking about school subjects.
- "科学技術" (science and technology): refers to scientific and technological advancements.
- "科学者" (scientist): a person who works in science.
Register and Nuance
"科学" is a neutral, formal word suitable for written and spoken Japanese. It is not casual slang and is appropriate in academic, professional, and general conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "科学" with "理科" (りか), which also means science but is more specifically used for school science subjects. "科学" is broader and can refer to science as a whole discipline or field.