Chinese word

考验

Pronunciation

Pinyinkǎo yàn

Meaning

  • verbtest

Example

这个工作很考验我的能力。zhè ge gōng zuò hěn kǎo yàn wǒ de néng lì

This job really tests my abilities.

Illustration for 考验 (test)

More examples

这件事很能考验人的耐心。zhè jiàn shì hěn néng kǎo yàn rén de nài xīn

This situation really tests people's patience.

Core concept

A demanding situation becomes a proving ground where a person's ability, character, or adaptability is revealed.

Common phrases

  • 考验能力kǎo yàn néng lì

    test someone's ability

  • 考验耐心kǎo yàn nài xīn

    test someone's patience

Similar words

考试kǎo shì: Evaluates knowledge or skills in a formal written or oral test.
锻炼duàn liàn: Strengthens skills or the body through repeated practice and experience.
经受jīng shòu: Goes through difficulties or responsibilities while bearing them successfully.

Definition in Chinese

通过遇到的困难、任务或实际情境来检验或试探个人的能力、品质或适应程度。tōng guò yù dào de kùn nán rèn wù huò shí jì qíng jìng lái jiǎn yàn huò shì tàn gè rén de néng lì pǐn zhì huò shì yìng chéng dù

Word origin

考 (kǎo, "examine") + 验 (yàn, "verify") joins two ideas of checking, giving the word its sense of putting ability or character through a real situation.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may connect "test" mainly with school, but this Chinese verb also describes a job, event, or responsibility that reveals how well someone copes in practice.

Other meanings

  • trialnoun

Word lists with this word