Translation and Meaning of: 試験 - shiken

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 試験[しけん]. It is quite common in everyday Japanese, especially in academic and professional contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in practice. Additionally, we will look at some tips for memorizing it and interesting facts that can help in your learning.

Meaning and use of 試験[しけん]

試験[しけん] significa "exame" ou "teste". É uma palavra frequentemente associada a avaliações escolares, provas de issão ou testes de proficiência. No Japão, onde a educação é altamente valorizada, essa palavra aparece com frequência em conversas do dia a dia, especialmente entre estudantes.

Besides the academic context, 試験 can also be used in professional situations, such as in certification tests or performance evaluations. For example, 運転免許試験[うんてんめんきょしけん] is the exam to obtain a driver's license. This versatility makes it a useful word for those learning Japanese.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 試験 is made up of two kanji: 試 (shi), which means "to try" or "to test," and 験 (ken), which can be translated as "proof" or "evidence." Together, they form the concept of "exam" or "test." This combination effectively reflects the idea that an exam is a way to assess knowledge or skills.

It is worth noting that 試験 is a word of Chinese origin, like many others in Japanese. It was incorporated into the Japanese vocabulary during periods of cultural influence from China, maintaining its original meaning. The pronunciation しけん (shiken) follows the on'yomi reading, typical of words of Chinese origin.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 試験 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of "taking an exam" (試験を受ける[しけんをうける]) or "ing the test" (試験に合格する[しけんにごうかくする]). These common phrases help to solidify the vocabulary in the right context.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in anime, dramas, or Japanese news. Often, it comes up in dialogues about school or work, which can facilitate understanding of its real use. If you use apps like Suki Nihongo, you can practice with authentic examples and audio from natives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• テスト (tesuto) - Test, evaluation
• 考査 (kōsa) - Exam, formal evaluation
• 試み (kokoromi) - Attempt, attempt to accomplish something
• 実験 (jikken) - Experiment, scientific test
• 検査 (kensa) - Inspection, examination
• 検定 (kentei) - Certification, qualification exam
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Try, make an attempt
• 試す (tamesu) - Test, experiment
• 試行 (shikō) - Attempt, experimentation to achieve results