本科
běn kē · HSK 4
undergraduate course
🎓 本 = root/origin + 科 = branch/subject → root subject = undergrad major
本 originally shows a tree (木) with a mark at its base, meaning root or origin. 科 means branch of study or subject. Together: the root/foundational course of study — an undergraduate program, as opposed to graduate (研究生) work.
本 — tree 木 + mark at base
本 is a pictograph of a tree (木) with a stroke at its base, marking the roots. From this 'root' meaning it extended to 'origin,' 'source,' and 'foundation.' In modern usage it also serves as a measure word for bound objects like books.
科 — grain 禾 + measure 斗
科 combines 禾 (grain) and 斗 (a dipper/measure), originally depicting the act of measuring or grading grain. From this, it extended to mean classification, category, and branch of study. Today it commonly appears in words for science (科学) and academic disciplines.