시험
siheom[ɕʰiɦʌ̹m]
The Korean word for "exam" is 시험 (siheom).
시험 refers to a formal test used to evaluate a person's knowledge or skill in a particular subject. When expressing the act of taking an exam, Koreans use the phrase 시험을 보다, which literally incorporates the verb 보다 (to see).
How does it change in a sentence?
When discussing the results of a test, the particle 에 is used with specific verbs. To say someone passed an exam, use 시험에 붙다 (to stick/attach to the exam). To say someone failed an exam, use 시험에 떨어지다 (to fall from the exam).
How do you pronounce it?
siheom
Did you know?
- On the day of the national 수능 exam, flights are sometimes delayed and the stock market opens late to keep noise levels down for students.
- In Korea, students often eat 떡볶이 or 엿 before an 시험 because these sticky foods are thought to help the student 'stick' to the passing list.
- In Korea, the intensity of an 시험 is often reflected in the term 수능 (Suneung), the national college entrance exam. This single exam is treated like a major national event, often halting much of the country's daily life.
Examples in context
- 톰은 시험 간신히 붙었어.Tom barely passed the exam.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express barely passing an 시험.Tatoeba #8358069 by Eunhee, translation #1027039 by CK
- 그는 시험에 무사히 붙었다.He successfully passed the exam.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express successfully passing an 시험.Tatoeba #11106882 by intertime, translation #298243 by CK
- 영어 시험을 봤더니 내 뇌가 굳었어.After that English exam, my brain is fried.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 시험 in a sentence about an English test.Tatoeba #8365749 by Eunhee, translation #720520 by Zifre
- 내일 시험이 있어요.I have an exam tomorrow.
- 시험 어땠어?How was the exam?
- 생물학 시험을 봤어요.I took a biology exam.
- 선생님, 이번 시험 어려웠어요.Teacher, this exam was difficult.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about their upcoming schedule at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun내일 수학 시험이 있어.naeil suhak siheomi isseo.I have a math exam tomorrow.
- 민지 Min-ji시험 준비는 많이 했어?siheom junbineun mani haesseo?Have you prepared much for the exam?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니, 아직 공부를 못 했어.ani, ajik gongbureul mot haesseo.No, I haven't been able to study yet.
- 민지 Min-ji힘내, 지훈아. 잘 볼 거야.himnae, jihoon-a. jal bol geoya.Hang in there, Jihoon. You'll do well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 시험, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
