Japanese word

試験

Pronunciation

Romajishiken

Meaning

  • nountest

Example

学校で試験を受けます。gak kō de shi ken o u ke ma su

I will take a test at school.

Illustration for 試験 (test)

More examples

英語の試験を受けます。ei go no shi ken o u ke ma su

I will take an English test.

試験では辞書を使えません。shi ken de wa ji sho o tsuka e ma se n

You cannot use a dictionary during the test.

Core concept

It refers to a formal process that checks a person's knowledge, skills, or ability against a set standard.

Common phrases

  • 試験に合格するshi ken ni gō kaku su ru

    pass a test

  • 試験を受けるshi ken o u ke ru

    take a test

  • 試験の準備をするshi ken no jun bi o su ru

    prepare for a test

  • 試験を始めるshi ken o haji me ru

    start a test

  • 試験に落ちるshi ken ni o chi ru

    fail a test

Similar words

テストtesuto: A check of learning or ability, often used in everyday conversation.

Definition in Japanese

知識や能力などを調べるために、問題に答えさせたり実技を行わせたりすること。chi shiki ya nō ryoku na do o shira be ru ta me ni mon dai ni kota e sa se ta ri jitsu gi o okona wa se ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 試験 (shiken) combines 試 (shi, "try") and 験 (ken, "test or verify"), expressing the act of checking ability or knowledge.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 試験 (shiken) usually sounds more formal and important than a quick classroom quiz, so it commonly appears in talk about school, entrance exams, and qualifications.

Related words

  • 試験官shikenkanexaminernoun
  • 試験的shikentekiexperimentalna-adjective

Word lists with this word