测试

• Pinyin: cè shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 测 = 氵(water) + 则 (rule, phonetic); 试 = 讠(speech) + 式 (style, phonetic), meaning to try

Meaning

To test; a test. Used for evaluating performance, quality, or ability through systematic examination.

Applies to both formal tests (software testing, aptitude tests) and informal trials (trying something out). In modern usage, it is especially common in technology and education. Can function as both a verb and a noun.

Examples

1. 这个软件在发布之前需要反复测试。 This software needs to be tested repeatedly before release.
2. 明天我们有一个英语测试。 Tomorrow we have an English test.
3. 测试结果表明这个产品质量很好。 The test results show that this product is of very good quality.

Usage Guide

Context: education, technology, professional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们需要对新系统进行测试。(We need to test the new system.)
• 这次测试的成绩不太理想。(The results of this test are not ideal.)

Don't Say

• 我想测试一下这个菜好不好吃 (Don't use 测试 for tasting food — use 尝 or 试试; 测试 implies systematic evaluation)

Origin & History

测 means to measure or test; 试 means to try or attempt. Together they mean to evaluate by trial.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal