考生

• Pinyin: kǎo shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 考 (kǎo) — to test, to examine; 生 (shēng) — student, person

Meaning

Examinee; test-taker; exam candidate. A person who is taking or preparing to take an examination.

Commonly used during exam seasons, especially around the 高考 (college entrance exam) period. Refers to anyone sitting for a formal examination.

Examples

1. 考生们在教室里等考试开始。 The examinees are waiting in the classroom for the exam to begin.
2. 今年有很多考生参加考试。 Many examinees are taking the exam this year.
3. 考生不能带手机进考场。 Examinees cannot bring phones into the exam room.

Usage Guide

Context: exams, education, official

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 所有考生请注意。(All examinees, please pay attention.)
• 考生可以提前十分钟进入考场。(Examinees may enter the exam room ten minutes early.)

Don't Say

• 不要把普通学生叫考生 (Don't call all students 考生 — only use it when referring to someone in the context of taking an exam)

Origin & History

Compound of 考 (to test, to examine) and 生 (student, person). Literally 'test student.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal