Translation and Meaning of: 実験 - jikken

The Japanese word 実験[じっけん] is a fundamental term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "experiment" or "scientific experience," but its use goes beyond the laboratory. In this article, we will explore its origin, the kanjis that compose it, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. You will also discover curiosities about its pronunciation and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a common word in academic and scientific environments, 実験 frequently appears in animes, mangas, and even in everyday discussions. If you've watched series like "Dr. Stone" or "Steins;Gate," you've certainly encountered it in fascinating contexts. Let's uncover all these aspects so that you can use 実験 with confidence and understand its role in the Japanese language.

Meaning and composition of 実験

The term 実験 is formed by two kanji: 実 (jitsu, meaning "reality" or "truth") and 験 (ken, associated with "test" or "proof"). Together, they convey the idea of a concrete test, an experimentation based on facts. This combination well reflects the practical and methodical character of Japanese culture, especially in areas like science and technology.

Unlike Portuguese, where "experiência" can mean both a scientific test and a personal experience, 実験 is more specific. It refers almost exclusively to controlled experiments, such as those conducted in laboratories or research. To talk about life experiences, the Japanese use like 経験 (keiken). This distinction is important to avoid confusion when conversing or writing.

Everyday and cultural use of 実験

In Japan, 実験 is a word often heard in schools and universities. Children from an early age participate in 理科の実験 (rika no jikken), or "science experiments," as part of the school curriculum. Technology companies also use the term to describe tests of new products, showing how it is rooted in both education and innovation.

Outside the academic environment, 実験 appears in unexpected contexts. Restaurants may promote 実験料理 (jikken ryouri), experimental dishes created by chefs. Even in reality shows, participants are subjected to challenges called 人間実験 (ningen jikken), or "human experiments." This broad usage demonstrates how the concept of experimentation permeates various areas of Japanese society.

Tips for memorizing and pronouncing 実験

An effective way to memorize 実験 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. 実 (jitsu) resembles fruits growing on a tree, symbolizing something real and tangible. On the other hand, 験 (ken) appears in words like 試験 (shiken, "exam"), reinforcing the idea of a test. Creating mental stories with these elements can accelerate your learning.

Regarding the pronunciation, pay attention to the small つ (tsu) in じっけん, which indicates a brief pause before the "ke". Many students make the mistake of saying "jiken" without the glottal stop. Listening to natives on platforms like Suki Nihongo or repeating dialogues in animes helps internalize the correct sound. With practice, this pronunciation will become natural.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 試み (kokoromi) - Initial attempt or experiment.
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Try or experiment.
• 試み研究 (kokoromi kenkyuu) - Experimental research or research attempt.
• 実験する (jikken suru) - Conduct an experiment.
• 実験研究 (jikken kenkyuu) - Experimental research.
• 試験 (shiken) - Test or exam, frequently used in academic contexts.
• 試験研究 (shiken kenkyuu) - Test research or investigation through tests.
• 試み調査 (kokoromi chousa) - Experimental investigation or attempt at investigation.
• 試み実験 (kokoromi jikken) - Preliminary experiment or attempt at an experiment.
• 試み実験研究 (kokoromi jikken kenkyuu) - Research on preliminary experiments.
• 試み検討 (kokoromi kentou) - Consideration of attempts or experiments.
• 試み実験調査 (kokoromi jikken chousa) - Investigation of preliminary experiments.
• 試み試験研究 (kokoromi shiken kenkyuu) - Research through trial and error.
• 試み実験評価 (kokoromi jikken hyouka) - Evaluation of preliminary experiments.
• 試み実験検討 (kokoromi jikken kentou) - Consideration of preliminary experiments.
• 試み実験観察 (kokoromi jikken kansatsu) - Observation of preliminary experiments.