課題

• Reading: かだい
• Romaji: kadai
• Kanji breakdown: 課 (ka) — to assign, section, lesson; 題 (dai) — topic, subject, problem
• Pronunciation: /ka.da.i/

Meaning

Assignment; task; issue; problem to address. A subject or matter requiring attention or effort.

A noun with two main uses: in education it refers to homework or assignments (課題を出す — to assign homework), and in broader contexts it means an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed (社会の課題 — social issues). The dual meaning makes it very common in both academic and professional settings.

Examples

1. 今週の課題はレポートを書くことです。 This week's assignment is to write a report.
2. 地球温暖化は世界的な課題だ。 Global warming is a worldwide issue.
3. 課題の提出期限を忘れてしまった。 I forgot the deadline for submitting the assignment.

Usage Guide

Context: education, business, social issues

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 課 (to assign, section, lesson) and 題 (topic, subject, problem). The combination refers to an assigned topic or problem to work on.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal