This is the 650th most frequent Japanese word.


"科" means "department," "section," "course," or "branch (of study)."


In this sentence, '科' is a component of the word '科学' (science), signifying a field of study or branch of knowledge.

私は新しい科学の本を買いました。

I bought a new science book.


Here, '科' refers to a department or branch within an academic institution, as part of '工学科' (engineering department).

この大学では最新の工学科が設けられました。

A new engineering department was established at this university.


In this usage, '科' is used in '医学科' (medical department), indicating a specialized discipline within education.

彼は医学科に進学を予定しています。

He plans to advance to the medical department.