kējì: 科技 - Technology, Science and Technology

• Keywords: kējì, 科技, Chinese for technology, science and technology in Chinese, tech in China, high-tech in Chinese, 高科技, 科学, 技术, Chinese innovation, China tech industry
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 科技 (kējì), which translates to “technology” or more accurately “science and technology.” This term is central to understanding modern China, from its booming tech industry and innovative startups to national policies and everyday conversations about progress. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage, helping you discuss everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence like a native.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kējì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Science and technology.
• In a Nutshell: 科技 (kējì) is a compound word that combines the concepts of “science” and “technology.” It's the go-to term for the entire field and industry related to technological advancement. While you can translate it simply as “technology,” remembering its “science” component helps capture its broad scope. It's a modern, positive word that embodies progress, innovation, and the future.

• 科 (kē): This character means “a branch of study,” “a division,” or “a department.” It points to a systematic, organized field of knowledge, as seen in the word for “science,” 科学 (kēxué).
• 技 (jì): This character means “skill,” “technique,” or “ability.” It relates to the practical application of knowledge and craftsmanship, as seen in the word for “technique” or “skill,” 技术 (jìshù).

Combining 科 (kē) and 技 (jì) creates 科技 (kējì), literally “the skills from a branch of study.” This beautifully captures the modern concept of technology as the application of scientific principles.

In modern China, 科技 (kējì) is more than just a word for gadgets and software; it's a pillar of national identity and a symbol of national rejuvenation. For decades, the Chinese government has emphasized 科技 as the primary driver of economic growth, national security, and global influence. This has created a culture where technological advancement is seen as a collective, patriotic endeavor. This can be contrasted with the common Western perception of “tech.” In the U.S., “tech” often evokes images of Silicon Valley, individual entrepreneurs, consumerism, and shareholder value. In China, while all of that exists, 科技 carries a much heavier weight of state-led ambition and national pride. Massive infrastructure projects like the high-speed rail network, the space program, and the push for 5G are all celebrated as achievements of the nation's 科技 prowess. Therefore, discussing 科技 in China often taps into a deeper narrative of progress, self-reliance, and the country's rising place in the world.

科技 (kējì) is an extremely common term used across all registers of the language.

• In Daily Conversation: People use it to talk about new products, apps, and the general impact of technology on life. A phone with impressive new features might be described as having a lot of “科技感 (kējì gǎn),” or a “sense of technology.”
• In Business and News: It's used constantly. You'll hear about 科技公司 (kējì gōngsī) (tech companies), 科技创新 (kējì chuàngxīn) (technological innovation), and the 科技行业 (kējì hángyè) (the tech industry).
• As an Adjective: It's often used adjectivally to describe something as being related to tech, for example, 科技产品 (kējì chǎnpǐn) (tech products). The term 高科技 (gāo kējì) is the specific word for “high-tech.”

The connotation of 科技 is almost universally positive, associated with modernity, efficiency, and a better future.

• Example 1:
  • 现代科技改变了我们的生活。
  • Pinyin: Xiàndài kējì gǎibiànle wǒmen de shēnghuó.
  • English: Modern technology has changed our lives.
  • Analysis: A straightforward, common sentence illustrating the broad, conceptual use of 科技.
• Example 2:
  • 他在一家科技公司当程序员。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài yījiā kējì gōngsī dāng chéngxùyuán.
  • English: He works as a programmer at a tech company.
  • Analysis: Here, 科技 acts as a descriptor for “公司” (company), specifying the industry.
• Example 3:
  • 中国的科技发展非常快。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó de kējì fāzhǎn fēicháng kuài.
  • English: China's technological development is very fast.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects the common association of 科技 with national development (发展).
• Example 4:
  • 这款新手机充满了科技感。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn xīn shǒujī chōngmǎnle kējì gǎn.
  • English: This new phone is full of a “sense of technology” (i.e., it feels very futuristic/high-tech).
  • Analysis: 科技感 (kējì gǎn) is a popular phrase used to describe the aesthetic or feel of a product that seems advanced and modern.
• Example 5:
  • 我们需要依靠科技创新来解决这个问题。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yīkào kējì chuàngxīn lái jiějué zhège wèntí.
  • English: We need to rely on technological innovation to solve this problem.
  • Analysis: 科技创新 (kējì chuàngxīn) is a set phrase and a key concept in Chinese business and policy.
• Example 6:
  • 华为是一家世界领先的科技巨头。
  • Pinyin: Huáwèi shì yījiā shìjiè lǐngxiān de kējì jùtóu.
  • English: Huawei is a world-leading tech giant.
  • Analysis: 科技巨头 (kējì jùtóu) is the standard term for a “tech giant” like Apple, Google, or Huawei.
• Example 7:
  • 人工智能是当前最重要的科技领域之一。
  • Pinyin: Réngōng zhìnéng shì dāngqián zuì zhòngyào de kējì lǐngyù zhīyī.
  • English: Artificial intelligence is one of the most important fields of technology right now.
  • Analysis: This shows 科技 being used to define a broad field or sector (领域, lǐngyù).
• Example 8:
  • 这次展览会展示了许多最新的科技成果。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì zhǎnlǎnhuì zhǎnshìle xǔduō zuìxīn de kējì chéngguǒ.
  • English: This exhibition displayed many of the latest technological achievements.
  • Analysis: 科技成果 (kējì chéngguǒ) means “technological achievements” or “fruits of technology.”
• Example 9:
  • 如果没有科技，我们的沟通不会这么方便。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu kējì, wǒmen de gōutōng bù huì zhème fāngbiàn.
  • English: If it weren't for technology, our communication would not be so convenient.
  • Analysis: A good example of a conditional sentence using 科技 as an abstract concept.
• Example 10:
  • 他对最新的科技新闻非常感兴趣。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì zuìxīn de kējì xīnwén fēicháng gǎn xìngqù.
  • English: He is very interested in the latest tech news.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates 科技 used adjectivally to modify another noun, “news” (新闻, xīnwén).

• Mistake 1: Confusing 科技 (kējì), 科学 (kēxué), and 技术 (jìshù).

This is the most common point of confusion for learners.

• 科学 (kēxué): Science. Refers to the academic discipline and theoretical knowledge. You study physics or biology as a type of `科学`.
• 技术 (jìshù): Technique/Skill/Technology. Refers to a specific, practical skill or method. A mechanic has good repair `技术`. A software engineer's job involves programming `技术`.
• 科技 (kējì): Science and Technology. Refers to the broad, combined field or industry. You work for a `科技` company. A country invests in `科技`.
• Incorrect: ~~我的专业是科技。~~ (Wǒ de zhuānyè shì kējì.)
• Correct: 我的专业是科学。 (Wǒ de zhuānyè shì kēxué.) - My major is science.
• Correct: 这家科技公司需要有新技术的人才。 (Zhè jiā kējì gōngsī xūyào yǒu xīn jìshù de réncái.) - This tech company needs talented people with new techniques/skills.
• Mistake 2: Using 科技 to refer to a single device.
• *科技 is an uncountable, abstract noun. You cannot “buy a technology” in the same way you buy a gadget. * Incorrect: ~~我买了一个新科技。~~ (Wǒ mǎile yīgè xīn kējì.) * Correct: 我买了一个新的数码产品。 (Wǒ mǎile yīgè xīn de shùmǎ chǎnpǐn.) - I bought a new digital product. * Correct: 我买了一个很高科技的手机。 (Wǒ mǎile yīgè hěn gāokējì de shǒujī.) - I bought a very high-tech phone. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * 科学 (kēxué) - Science. The theoretical pursuit of knowledge, which forms one half of 科技. * 技术 (jìshù) - Technology, technique, skill. The practical application of knowledge, the other half of 科技. * 高科技 (gāo kējì) - High-tech. A common adjective used to describe advanced products or industries. * 创新 (chuàngxīn) - Innovation. A concept almost always paired with 科技 in discussions of progress and business. * 互联网 (hùliánwǎng) - The Internet. A primary sector within the broader field of 科技. * 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) - Artificial Intelligence (AI). A key frontier in modern 科技. * 数码 (shùmǎ) - Digital. Often used to describe consumer electronics, e.g., 数码相机 (shùmǎ xiàngjī) for a digital camera. * 发展 (fāzhǎn) - Development, progress. The ultimate goal that 科技 is often seen as a tool to achieve. * 程序员 (chéngxùyuán) - Programmer/Coder. A very common profession within the 科技 industry. * 产品 (chǎnpǐn) - Product. Often follows 科技** to mean “tech products.”