理科 (lǐkē) literally means 'reason/learning subject' (理) and 'subject/discipline' (科), together forming the term for the 'science stream' in Chinese secondary education. It refers to the academic track focused on natural sciences—such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics—as opposed to the humanities or arts stream (文科, wénkē). Students typically choose 理科 in junior or senior high school based on their interests and university entrance goals.

This term is commonly used in educational contexts: when discussing course selection, college admissions requirements, exam preparation (e.g., the Gaokao science track), or career guidance. It reflects a structural division in China’s education system and carries cultural associations with analytical thinking, technical careers, and STEM fields. While the word itself is neutral, it often appears in conversations about academic pressure, subject strengths, and future planning.