In China, “科普” is not merely an educational or entertainment genre; it's a cornerstone of national policy and a social mission. The government places immense emphasis on science and technology as drivers of national strength and modernization. Consequently, there is a top-down push to raise the “scientific quality” (科学素质, kēxué sùzhì) of the entire population. This makes “科普” a matter of civic importance. This can be contrasted with the concept of “pop science” in the West. While figures like Carl Sagan or Bill Nye are beloved, their work is often seen as a product of individual passion or a commercial media venture. In China, “科普” is a more organized, state-supported effort. You'll see “科普” campaigns on public transport, in community centers, and promoted heavily on state-run media. The goal is pragmatic: a scientifically literate populace is seen as essential for economic development and social stability. This gives the term a weight and seriousness that “pop sci” doesn't always carry in English.
“科普” is an extremely flexible term used in both formal and informal contexts.
It refers to the genre or materials of popular science.
This is where the term becomes truly dynamic, especially in informal and online language.