科举 (kējǔ) refers to the traditional imperial examination system in China that was used to select candidates for government positions. This examination system, which lasted for over a millennium, emphasized Confucian teachings and was a key avenue for social mobility in historical China.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
kējǔ(ke1ju3) T1
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May 27, 2026
科举kējǔ(ke1ju3)
科举 (kējǔ) refers to the traditional imperial examination system in China that was used to select candidates for government positions. This examination system, which lasted for over a millennium, emphasized Confucian teachings and was a key avenue for social mobility in historical China.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
科举 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture as it reflects the historical value placed on education and meritocracy. It played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual elite and government structure during various dynasties.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scholar standing before a grand imperial palace, holding a scroll filled with Confucian texts, nervously preparing for the 'ke' (科) exam. 'Ju' (举) sounds like 'to raise,' as he hopes to raise his status through this challenging test. The character '科' also resembles a branch of a tree, symbolizing the branches of knowledge he must master.
About 科举
科举Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 科举
Podcast: 科举
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AI Study Notes for 科举
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scholar standing before a grand imperial palace, holding a scroll filled with Confucian texts, nervously preparing for the 'ke' (科) exam. 'Ju' (举) sounds like 'to raise,' as he hopes to raise his status through this challenging test. The character '科' also resembles a branch of a tree, symbolizing the branches of knowledge he must master.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 科举 is primarily a historical term and may not be used in everyday conversations. It typically appears in discussions about history, education, or social structures. Avoid confusing it with modern education terms like '考试' (kǎoshì, exam) which refers to general tests.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, learners should focus on understanding the socio-political context and historical significance of 科举. Relate it to other historical terms and concepts you have learned, such as '儒学' (rúxué, Confucianism) and '士人' (shìrén, scholar).
Cultural Note
科举 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture as it reflects the historical value placed on education and meritocracy. It played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual elite and government structure during various dynasties.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 科举 with contemporary examination systems. For instance, saying '科举考试' (kējǔ kǎoshì) is incorrect; 科举 itself means 'examination,' so simply using '科举' suffices. Additionally, mixing it up with modern contexts can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 科举
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Cultural Notes for 科举
🏮Cultural insight
科举 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture as it reflects the historical value placed on education and meritocracy. It played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual elite and government structure during various dynasties.
Frequently Asked Questions about 科举
The 科举 system was established in the Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD) and remained in use until its abolition in the early 20th century.
It provided a pathway for individuals from lower social classes to achieve significant status and government roles based on merit rather than birth.
No, the科举 system was abolished in 1905, but its legacy continues to influence modern education and competitive exams in China.
