When combined, 参考书 (cānkǎoshū) literally means a “consult-exam book.” This brilliantly captures its primary purpose: a book you consult and refer to in order to prepare for an examination or to better understand a subject.
In Western education, supplementary materials are often seen as optional aids for students who are either struggling or exceptionally ambitious. In China, the 参考书 holds a much more central and almost obligatory role, driven by the intense pressure of the education system, epitomized by the 高考 (gāokǎo). For millions of students, the official textbook, or 教科书 (jiàokēshū), is merely the starting point. The real work of mastering a subject and outperforming peers is done through countless hours with various `参考书`. These books are filled with practice questions, detailed explanations, exam-taking strategies, and mock tests. It is common to see students with stacks of `参考书` for each subject, far outweighing the single official textbook. This phenomenon reflects the cultural value placed on diligence, repetition, and standardized test performance. The `参考书` market is a massive industry, with celebrity teachers and famous publishing houses competing to produce the most effective guides. Owning the “right” `参考书` is a strategic advantage, and parents often spend a significant amount of money and effort to procure the best ones for their children. It's not just a book; it's a weapon in the battle for academic achievement.
参考书 is a common, everyday term in conversations about school, studying, and exams.