教科书

• Pinyin: jiào kē shū
• Hanzi breakdown: 教 = 孝 + 攵 — to teach; 科 = 禾 (grain) + 斗 — subject, branch; 书 = book

Meaning

Textbook. A book used for the study of a subject, especially in schools.

Literally refers to books used in formal education. Figuratively, 教科书式的 (textbook-style) describes something that perfectly exemplifies a concept, either positively (model example) or negatively (classic mistake).

Examples

1. 这学期我们要用三本新教科书。 We need to use three new textbooks this semester.
2. 他的演讲堪称教科书式的典范。 His speech can be called a textbook example.
3. 这是一个教科书式的失败案例，值得所有创业者引以为戒。 This is a textbook case of failure, worth learning from for all entrepreneurs.

Usage Guide

Context: education, academic, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这本教科书写得很清楚。(This textbook is written very clearly.)
• 这是教科书式的操作。(This is a textbook operation.)

Don't Say

• 用'教科书'描述所有书籍 (Don't use 教科书 for all books — it specifically means textbooks for study; use 书 or 书籍 for books in general)

Origin & History

Composed of 教科 (academic subject; curriculum) + 书 (book). Literally a book for academic subjects.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal