試験

• Reading: しけん
• Romaji: shiken
• Kanji breakdown: 試 (shi/tame) — try, test; 験 (ken/gen) — verify, effect
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.keɴ/

Meaning

Examination; exam; test. A formal assessment of knowledge or ability.

A noun and suru-verb used for formal examinations such as school exams, university entrance exams, and qualification tests. More formal than テスト. Japanese entrance exams (入学試験) are a defining experience in student life, often determining one's future career path.

Examples

1. 来週の月曜日に試験があります。 There is an exam next Monday.
2. 試験のために毎日勉強しています。 I am studying every day for the exam.
3. 試験は難しかったですが、合格しました。 The exam was difficult, but I passed.

Usage Guide

Context: education, qualifications, entrance exams

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 試 (try, test) and 験 (verify, effect). Originally from classical Chinese, where the combination conveyed the idea of testing and verifying knowledge or skill.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal