笔试

• Pinyin: bǐ shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 笔 = 竹 (bamboo) + 毛, pen; 试 = 言 (speech) + 式, to test

Meaning

Written examination; written test. An exam conducted in writing as opposed to oral.

Commonly used in contexts of job applications, school exams, and certifications. Often the first round of evaluation before interviews (面试) or practical tests (实操). Standard component of the Chinese examination system.

Examples

1. 公务员考试的笔试部分已经结束，下周公布成绩。 The written part of the civil service exam has ended, and results will be announced next week.
2. 这份工作的招聘流程是先笔试，再面试。 The recruitment process for this job is written exam first, then interview.
3. 笔试成绩占总分的百分之六十。 The written exam score accounts for 60% of the total.

Usage Guide

Context: exams, employment

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 笔试通过后才能参加面试。(You can only take the interview after passing the written exam.)
• 这次笔试难度很大。(This written exam was very difficult.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'笔试'用于口头测验 (Don't use 笔试 for oral tests — use 口试 or 面试 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 笔 (pen, writing) + 试 (test, exam), meaning a test done with pen and paper.

Cultural Context

Generation: Students, job seekers

Social background: Universal