kuàngkè: 旷课 - To Skip Class, To Be Truant, To Cut Class

Keywords: kuang ke, kuàngkè, 旷课, skip class in Chinese, cut class Chinese, truant in Chinese, Chinese word for skipping school, 旷课 meaning, 逃课, 请假.

Summary: 旷课 (kuàngkè) is the essential Chinese verb for “to skip class” or “to cut class.” It describes the act of deliberately being absent from school or a lesson without permission. In the context of Chinese culture, which places immense value on education and diligence, 旷课 (kuàngkè) carries a strong negative connotation of irresponsibility and disrespect. This page will break down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use for learners.

Pinyin (with tone marks): kuàng kè

Part of Speech: Verb (Verb-Object compound)

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To be absent from a class or school without authorization.

In a Nutshell: Think of 旷课 (kuàngkè) as the direct equivalent of “cutting class,” “playing hooky,” or “truancy.” It's not for when you're sick and have a doctor's note. This word specifically implies a willful, unexcused absence. It's the action a student takes when they decide going to the internet cafe is more important than their math lesson, and it's always viewed negatively by teachers and parents.

旷 (kuàng): This character's original meaning is “vast,” “spacious,” or “empty.” It can also mean “to neglect” or “to waste time.” Picture a vast, empty field where something should be. In this word, it carries the sense of neglecting one's duty.

课 (kè): This character is straightforward and means “class,” “lesson,” or “subject.”

The two characters combine literally to mean “to neglect a lesson” or “to leave a class empty,” which perfectly captures the modern meaning of intentionally skipping it.

In Chinese culture, education is often seen as the primary path to success and a way to bring honor to one's family. The pressure to perform well in school, culminating in the high-stakes gaokao (高考) college entrance exam, is immense. Therefore, attending every class is considered a student's fundamental duty and a sign of respect for their teachers and the sacrifices their parents have made.

Comparison to Western Culture: While “cutting class” is frowned upon in the West, it's sometimes portrayed in media as a common, almost rite-of-passage form of teenage rebellion. In China, 旷课 (kuàngkè) is treated with far more gravity. It's rarely seen as a harmless act of rebellion but rather as a serious character flaw—a sign of laziness, disrespect for authority, and a failure to uphold one's responsibility to their family. A student who regularly engages in 旷课 (kuàngkè) might be labeled a “bad student” (坏学生, huài xuéshēng), a label that has significant social consequences.

旷课 (kuàngkè) is a standard term used in all educational settings, from primary school to university.

Connotation: It is unequivocally negative. There is no context in which 旷课 (kuàngkè) is a good thing.

Formality: The term is used in both formal and informal situations. A teacher will use it in a formal report to a parent (“您的孩子今天旷课了” - “Your child skipped class today”), and students will use it when talking amongst themselves (“我们下午旷课去打游戏吧” - “Let's skip class this afternoon to go play games”).

请假 (qǐngjià) - To ask for leave/time off. The proper, authorized way to be absent.

逃课 (táokè) - A very common synonym for 旷课; “to escape class.”

翘课 (qiàokè) - A more informal, slangy term for skipping class, meaning “to lift/raise up class.”

迟到 (chídào) - To be late, to arrive late for class. A less severe offense than 旷课.

早退 (zǎotuì) - To leave early from class or work. Also less severe than a full 旷课.

上课 (shàngkè) - The opposite: to attend class, to go to class.

下课 (xiàkè) - Class is over, to finish class.

坏学生 (huài xuéshēng) - “Bad student,” a label often given to students who frequently 旷课.

处分 (chǔfèn) - Punishment, disciplinary action (the consequence of 旷课).

作业 (zuòyè) - Homework. Sometimes the reason a student might skip a different class (to finish it) or the consequence of skipping (missing the assignment).